The Board of Directors of the Crawford Heritage Foundation has approved discretionary grant awards totaling more than $8,997. Grants are made county-wide from the Crawford Heritage Foundation Unrestricted Fund and Ben Franklin Trust, in the Titusville area from the Fred Lintner Fund and from the Bernadene R. and John B. Cooley Fund to benefit programs for children and youth.
“The slump in financial markets can have a double negative impact on nonprofit organizations. They see a rise in need for their services at the same time that charitable giving decreases. The Crawford Heritage Foundation is working to help many organizations through these difficult times. We can’t do it alone. Now—perhaps more than ever—we encourage those who have a little extra money to give and help those with less,” says Lisa Pepicelli Youngs, President.
Housing counselors at the Center for Family Services, Inc. (CFS) give people the tools they need to become responsible and successful homeowners. A counselor will attend a weeklong training symposium with assistance from a $1,498 grant. The knowledge acquired will assure the continued quality of the housing counseling program.
Volunteers for Crawford County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. CASA will use a $772 grant to enhance public awareness and recruit volunteers with the help of a web site.
The Crawford County READ Program (Crawford County Literacy Council) received a grant to support their work to improve adult and family literacy. To help instructors teach more efficiently, new computer equipment will be purchase with a $1,350 grant.
Erie Homes for Children and Adults provides care for people with developmental disabilities. A $400 grant will help to improve the health and well-being of residents of one of their Titusville community homes through the purchase of therapeutic equipment.
The Oil Region Alliance is preserving the historic childhood home of journalist and author Ida Tarbell. A $2,700 grant will aid in restoring the Titusville landmark’s original facade.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant uses tall ships harbored on Presque Isle Bay to teach young people about science and history. Several Crawford Central School District students will participate in a day-long program aboard the sailing vessel Denis Sullivan with funding from a $1,000 grant.
The Titusville Alumni Association will assist current Titusville High School students in learning about the impact of the oil industry on the region. Students will use a $277 grant to construct a scale reproduction of Edwin Drake’s first oil derrick. The derrick will be the centerpiece of a float in the upcoming Oil 150 parade.
Women’s Services, Inc. supports victims of domestic and sexual violence through counseling and emergency shelter, among other services. The shelter requires repair to ensure the health of residents and staff. A grant of $1,000 will cover a portion of the costs to upgrade the plumbing system.