(Left to Right) Jordan Brooks and Jody Lavery from the Titusville Area United Way with Christian Maher from the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation
The Crawford Heritage Community Foundation gives back to the community through discretionary grants. They prioritize giving to improve upon the effectiveness of existing programs and support projects that incorporate preventive or curative approaches to the problems and challenges of our community.
The foundation has recently awarded grants totaling $19,420 to thirteen different organizations. 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.
“It can be difficult to do your best without a little help along the way. Our grants can be the boost an organization needs to better serve those who rely upon them. We’re helping to support programs that provide health care to elders and the infirm, mentors to at-risk children, training and education to people in need of skills, and art to the entire community,” says Christian Maher, Executive Director.
The Academy Theatre will improve its ability to present high quality performing arts events through the purchase of wireless microphones for use by performers with the assistance of a $1,060 grant.
Big Brothers and Sisters of Crawford County provides adult mentors to improve children’s self-esteem, keep them active in school and away from alcohol and illegal drugs. An $880 grant will support staff training and purchase an all-in-one printer to help improve administrative efficiency.
The French Creek Council, Boy Scouts of America will use a $700 grant to purchase canopies for use as program stations and for rain and sun protection at Cub Scout Day Camp in Saegertown.
Housing counselors at the Center for Family Services, Inc. give people the tools they need to become responsible and successful homeowners. A $1,250 grant for the purchase of computers will help to improve client services and staff efficiency.
Crawford County 4-H will promote an interest in science and help young people develop life skills through their embryology in the classroom curriculum with assistance from a $1,000 grant.
The Crawford County Care Center provides quality nursing care to elders in a residential setting. A sound and music system for the facility’s main dining room will be purchased to create a more enjoyable atmosphere for residents with help from a $1,100 grant.
The Crawford County READ Program (Crawford County Literacy Council) works to improve adult literacy and employability. They will implement the International Certificate of Digital Learning curriculum with assistance from a $2,400 grant. The program teaches basic computer concepts such as word processing and database and file management.
Erie Homes for Children and Adults provides care for people with developmental disabilities. A grant of $700 will purchase therapeutic equipment to improve the health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities residing in a Titusville group home.
The Meadville Garden Club presents “Trees of Christmas” at the Baldwin Reynolds House every two years. A $1,200 grant will help defray the cost of trees and poinsettias for the event in order to keep admission affordable for local families.
Students at Titusville High School will learn about the oil industry and the journalism of Ida Tarbell through an historical reenactment. A 1939 event honoring Tarbell will be recreated with help from a $650 grant to the Titusville Alumni Association.
The Titusville Area United Way’s Center for Financial Independence helps low- to moderate-income people to prepare tax returns to take advantage of the earned income tax-credit and teaches how to reduce debt and build assets. A grant of $2,250 will defray the cost of computer hardware and program fees.
A $2,250 grant was made to the United Way of Western Crawford County. It will be used to defray the cost of materials for roofing, handicapped access ramps and other minor home repairs completed by the French Creek Valley Community Improvement Center for low-income and senior citizen homeowners.
The YWCA of Titusville is focused on empowering women and celebrating cultural differences. A grant of $2,440 will help to promote healthy lifestyles through the purchase of recreational equipment.
