Family Service awarded $15,000 grant
Family Service Association of Bucks County has received a major grant in the amount of $15,000 from The Provident Bank Foundation to support its Call Center.
Family Service was selected to receive the grant based on the Call Center’s goal of ensuring that Bucks County residents are able to obtain community resources information though a single phone call or contact with a social service or behavioral health professional. With the funds from The Provident Bank Foundation, Family Service will expand its existing resource database and train additional staff and volunteers to utilize, update and maintain the database.
Call Center programs include: Bucks County Housing Link (800-810-4434), the centralized point of information, assessment and referral services for all Bucks County residents experiencing a housing-related crisis; Contact Helpline (215-355-6000), free, anonymous and confidential telephone services to individuals who are contemplating suicide, struggling with life’s challenges or in need of someone to listen; and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK), a 24-hour, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
The database expansion will increase the number of resources and broaden the range of information available to callers as they reach out for help during difficult times in their lives.
Girls on the Run receives $20,000 grant
Girls on the Run of Hunterdon, Bucks and Warren Counties has been awarded a $20,000 KidCents Regional Grant to the Girls on the Run Bucks County Expansion and Scholarship Project.
“Girls on the Run envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams,” says Catie Tritremmel, Council Director. “This grant from the Rite Aid Foundation will help move this vision forward by providing opportunities for more girls to participate in our life-changing program.”
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development that is designed to enhance girls’ social, emotional and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences. The program’s intentional curriculum places an emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities. The life skills curriculum is delivered by trained and caring coaches in a safe and inclusive environment. It is the combination of the research-based curriculum, trained coaches and a commitment to serve all girls that sets Girls on the Run apart from other after-school programs.
The Bucks County Expansion & Scholarship Initiative will ensure that girls who would not typically have access to quality youth programming have the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run or Heart and Sole. To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit gotrhunterdon.org.
The KidCents Regional Grant Program, which provides grants of $15,000 to $30,000, funds specific out-of-school time programs focused on children’s nutrition, physical fitness and academic success. The KidCents program also annually supports a select group of more than 400 nonprofit, kid-focused organizations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children living in the communities Rite Aid serves.
Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum receives grant
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) has received a grant award from the 2019 Historic Preservation Grant Program in Somerset County, N.J.
This program is a part of the Somerset County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Grant applications are reviewed and rated by the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
A ceremonial check was presented to SAAAM President John Buck on Oct. 8, at the Somerset County Administration Building. Also in attendance were SSAAM Vice President Bruce Daniels, Advisory Board Members Elaine Buck and Caroline Katmann, and Trustees Ian Burrow and Kevin Burkman. Representing Somerset County were Freeholder Director Brian D. Levine, and Tom D’Amico and Kaitlin Bundy, of the Cultural and Heritage Commission.
SSAAM received the total amount of their request, $326,461, to complete renovations on the historic Mt. Zion AME Church, 189 Hollow Road, Montgomery Township. This 2019 grant from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission will fund architectural and engineering work and additional renovations to roof, porch, windows, HVAC system and electrical work.
A recipient of Somerset County’s 2016 Historic Preservation Grant and a 2016 New Jersey Historic Trust/1777 Foundation Grant, the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, in partnership with the Sourland Conservancy, has completed many structural, masonry and siding renovations already at the AME Church. In addition, grant funds were used to fund vision planning, writing of a historic register nomination and some demolition and site work.
Bingo event raises more than $33,000 to help child abuse victims
The Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (Bucks CAC), a service of Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), held its seventh annual Coach for a Cause Bingo Event at St. Anne’s Ukrainian Church Bingo Hall in Warrington.
More than 350 people attended and the event raised over $33,000 to help the Bucks CAC provide a child-centered approach in responding to reports of child physical and sexual abuse in Bucks County.
Megan Stricker, an assistant district attorney for Bucks County, served as this year’s guest emcee and Detective Kevin Larkin from the Plumstead Township Police Department was the Bingo Caller.
“I was blown away by the generosity of everyone involved, from the resources they donated to the time they dedicated to making this event such a success,” Jane Kim, director of the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center, remarked. “Thank you to everyone who came to play, volunteer, and just to have a good time. Your contribution will help us and our MDT partners to continue to provide a child-friendly space to help children and their families during a traumatic time in their lives.”
Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Coat Drive helps keep children warm
The Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation came together at four YMCAs in Bucks County to donate brand new coats to local children who need them most.
They donated coats at the Fairless Hills Y on Oct. 24, and at the Upper Bucks Y in Quakertown, and the Central Bucks Ys in Doylestown and Warminster on Oct. 25.
The Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation distributed a record 52,700 brand-new winter coats in the five-county Philadelphia region in October through its 12th annual Driving Away the Cold Program. The effort involves 170 local auto dealers, including 41 located in Bucks County.
Approximately 6,300 new coats will be distributed in Bucks County.
One in six children in the Greater Philadelphia region lives in poverty and a warm winter coat is one of the essential items they often live without. The dealer participants of this program are committed to changing that. They annually conduct a pledge program to help raise funds to purchase brand-new winter coats.
The Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia also plays a part by donating $2 from every Philadelphia Auto Show ticket sold to its Auto Dealers Caring for Kids Foundation in support of the effort.
The coats are then distributed via 220 area social services agencies, school districts, churches, shelters, etc., including 29 regional YMCA branches that serve as the program’s largest coat distribution partners.
This year’s contribution to the effort brings the program’s total number of coats given to 419,700 since 2008.
Thompson donates over $12,000 to Pine2Pink
Sellersville dealership donates coats to children in need
A&T Subaru in Sellersville continued its support of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation Driving Away the Cold campaign by increasing its donation to 150 new winter children’s coats for the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) to distribute to local children in need.
Started in 2008 by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, Driving Away the Cold is a philanthropic initiative with one important mission: to provide new winter coats to underprivileged children living in the five-county region of Philadelphia. Since the program’s inception, the foundation has warmed both the bodies and souls of over 367,000 area children in need. To learn more about the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation and the difference it is making in the greater Philadelphia community, visit morethanautodealers.com.
A&T car show raises $5,000 for nonprofits
A&T Chevrolet-Subaru’s second annual Celebration of Cars car show, which welcomed show vehicles of all makes and models to the Sellersville location on Oct. 13, nearly doubled in size with over 200 participating vehicles.
As a result, the funds collected from the registration fees and raffle prize entries grew to $2,713.00. A&T President Jeff Allen matched that amount, bringing the total to $5,426.00.
Keystone Opportunity Center and Dog Town Rescue were the beneficiaries once again, with each organization receiving $2,713.00. A&T has a long-term history with both nonprofits.
Univest raises $6,650 for Ronald McDonald House
Souderton-based Univest Financial recently teamed up with the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House (PRMH) for its Show Your Stripes campaign raising $6,650 for PRMH’s mission of supporting families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope.
The money was raised through the sale of iconic red and white striped socks in all 39 of Univest’s financial centers.
Univest customers and employees embraced the promotion by purchasing more than 650 striped items during the three-week sale. Additionally, Univest employees showed support for the campaign by wearing their red and white stripes on Oct. 15 and posting photos on social media to help generate awareness.
Univest has been actively growing its support of Philadelphia nonprofits since entering the city in January 2015. In 2018, Univest donated more than $1.9 million across its service area and its employees contributed 18,705 volunteer hours.
Hunterdon Rug Guild supports victims of domestic violence
Members of the Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild collected clothing for women and children escaping from domestic violence in Hunterdon County.
Guild members augmented the clothing donations with $155 in cash donations. The guild coordinated its efforts with Safe in Hunterdon and The Consignment Shop of Flemington, a nonprofit store that supports victims of domestic violence in Hunterdon County.
Safe in Hunterdon and The Consignment Shop of Flemington thank the guild for its continuing support in light of the fact that many of those who seek help at the shelter come without the basic items donated by the guild. The guild’s contributions help bring some happiness and comfort to the women and children who are in need of shelter and safety in the holiday season.
“We focus our drive on practical items that go directly to the women and children at the shelter, such as new slippers, flannel pajamas and socks. Having a nice pair of slippers or pajamas helps with the healing process,” said Robin Nissenfeld and Mary Passerello, guild co-presidents.
“Our members generously donate to such a worthwhile cause. This is the ninth year we have been able to participate in what has become a guild tradition.”
Visit hcrag.com for information on the guild’s programs and activities.
Generosity, local talent on display at Give-Back Fest
Doylestown performers of all ages sang their hearts out to cheering and dancing fans also of all ages at the sixth annual Give-Back Fest at The Zen Den in Doylestown Dec. 9.
Nonstop performances from 4 to 10 p.m. rocked East State Street and generous attendees to the event brought food donations, coat donations, socks, hats and mittens and cash; $1,000 was raised and 82 pounds of food and a car full of winter clothing was collected. Some of the cash went toward holiday gifts for a Warrington family and the rest was donated to the Bucks County Housing Group
The Give-Back Fest is an entertaining musical event showcasing performers of all ages from all genres. It was started by local members of the community, Thomas Phillips, Meg Roth and Matt Mannino, in order to help those in need in Bucks County community and to showcase local talent and acknowledge the generosity of the community.
“Everything is donated for the event,” said Meg Roth of Class-Harlan Real Estate. “Annette from The Zen Den donated her retail space, the musicians donate their time and talents and students from the CB Schools help ensure a successful affair.”
Since its inception, The Give-Back Fest has donated thousands of dollars to the Bucks County Housing Group and hundreds of pounds of nonperishable items for the food pantries throughout Bucks County. Even sponsors include Class-Harlan Real Estate, Thomas Phillips, The Zen Den, Tom Galt, CB Cares and Villa Capri Sports Bar & Pizzeria.
BBack Car Care, George’s Tool Rental donate minivan
BBack Car Care in Doylestown, in partnership with George’s Tool Rental of Pipersville, donated a Honda Odyssey minivan to the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Wheels to Work program Friday, Dec. 20. The vehicle was filled with food donations, to be given to the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s food pantry, gathered at BBack Car Care from their customers.
Lenape Valley Foundation spread holiday cheer to close to 500 people
Lenape Valley Foundation (LVF) helped to make the holidays much brighter for those in need.
Through its annual Holiday Assistance Program, LVF distributed holiday gifts to close to 500 community members.
Individuals and companies were recruited to “adopt” individuals who were in need during the holiday season by purchasing gifts for them. Community members volunteered their time to wrap thousands of gifts in time for delivery before the holidays.
For more than 60 years, Lenape Valley Foundation has partnered with residents of Bucks County encountering mental health, substance use, intellectual or developmental challenges, providing services to assist them in the pursuit of their personal aspirations and an enhanced quality of life. Lenape Valley Foundation is a private, nonprofit provider of crisis, information and referral, treatment, case management, residential, consultation, and psycho-educational services.
To “adopt” for the Holiday Assistance Program in the future, call 267-893-5280 or email suzanne.rhodeside@lenapevf.org.
For information regarding Lenape Valley Foundation and its services, visit lenapevf.org or call 215-345-5300.
Univest awards $5,000 to Kisses for Kyle Foundation
Univest Financial recently announced Kisses for Kyle Foundation as the winner of its eighth annual Caring for Community Giveaway, a contest that awards $5,000 to a local, nonprofit organization. Kisses for Kyle offers a variety of services to families fighting childhood cancer in the Delaware Valley.
Founded in 2001, Kisses for Kyle currently assists more than 1,300 family members with a variety of programs, services and special family events.
The foundation’s mission is to minimize stress in the hopes that each family’s focus can remain on what is most important: caring for their children. Kisses for Kyle plans to use the $5,000 donation to support its scholarship program that awards financial assistance to students who battled childhood cancer and plan to pursue a degree in a field that will help other children with cancer.
Nonprofit groups were nominated for the $5,000 donation by the public through Univest’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. Kisses for Kyle Foundation was randomly selected from more than 8,100 entries representing more than 200 local, nonprofit organizations. Previous winners of the Caring for Community Giveaway were Quakertown Community Outreach, Logan’s Heroes Animal Rescue, Hope Against Heroin, St. Isidore School, The Grannie Project, Vets for Vets and the Bucks County SPCA.
For information, visit univest.net/caringforcommunity.
PPL Electric awards grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County (BBBSBC) recently received a $2,500 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation from PPL Electric Utilities.
The contribution will support the agency’s work on behalf of Bucks County youth as an Education Improvement Organization and further assist with general support for two of the agency’s most innovative programs – the High School Bigs and “BLAST” (Bigs & Little Autism Support Team) programs.
The High School Bigs program matches outstanding high school students as mentors to elementary school students, who have been referred, by their guidance counselors or teachers within their specific school district, as needing extra support.
This mutually beneficial relationship enables the high school student to receive valuable leadership education and training while experiencing the value of community service. The younger students in the program benefit from having role models who encourage and inspire them. This program is available in the Quakertown, Pennsbury and Council Rock school districts.
BLAST (Bigs & Littles Autism Support Team) is a ground-breaking program developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County and is an extension of the traditional High School Bigs program.
Specially trained high school students are matched two-to-one as mentors to elementary school students in their district who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
BBBSBC staff provides ongoing training, support and coaching to the High School Bigs, specific to meeting the needs of children with ASD. Currently, 30 Bucks County youth are benefiting from this program. The BLAST program is available at Goodnoe Elementary in Newtown.
“PPL is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County,” said Carol Obando-Derstine, regional affairs director for PPL Electric Utilities. “We are firm believers in the power of mentorship and the long-lasting impact it can have on children.”
Delaware Valley Corvette Club donates $32,000 to local charities
At the Corvette Club of Delaware Valley’s meeting at the Warminster V.F.W. Jan. 15, the charitable wing Corvette Enthusiast Community Foundation gave $32,000 in donations to local charities, bringing the club’s total to over $500,000 since its inception.
Accepting organizations and their representatives were: Animals Rock Shelter, Danielle Gletow, $1,500; Foster Angels on Earth, Patti Hartman, $1,500; Chip Miller Foundation, Tim Simmons, $1,500; Philadelphia Vietnam Society, Ed Bonk, $2,000; Mattie Dixon Food Cupboard, Christine Bouley, $2,250; Manna on Main Street, Susan Gould, $2,250; Lenape Foundation, Barb Grippo, $2,500; Caring for Friends, Lisa Pagnotti, Steven Schiavone and Jeannette Fournier $2,500; Juvenile Diabetes, Sara Smith, $4,000; Sunshine Foundation, Kate Sample, $12,000.
Penn Foundation receives $100,000 from Univest
Penn Foundation received $100,000 from Univest Financial in support of its Hope Within Reach capital campaign.
The lobby of the new L. Ruby Horwood Center will be named after Univest to recognize its generous gift.
The campaign, which raised $1.3 million, was launched to enable Penn Foundation to acquire additional space to expand its outpatient drug and alcohol program.
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