Funding Will Support Safety Initiatives, Programs in 15 Schools
The Safe Schools Endeavor, in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, has awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to 15 schools in Jefferson and Lewis counties for the 2018-2019 school year.
The Safe Schools Endeavor Fund committee received and reviewed a series of grant applications for programs that empower and support students, parents and faculty to create the safest school possible for schools in Jefferson and Lewis counties. This is the first year that grant recommendations have been made from the fund. Earlier this year, the Community Foundation offered a $20,000 matching grant for gifts contributed to support the initiative.
“The Safe Schools Endeavor committee is incredibly grateful to all the individual, group, and business donors who have made this possible,” said Erika Flint, steering committee chairwoman. “Because of their generosity, students, teachers and administrators at these 15 school buildings have been empowered to make their school safer. We look forward to carrying this mission forward as each of the schools implement their funded projects.”
Jeff-Lewis BOCES Superintendent Stephen Todd said the Safe Schools Endeavor is a “game-changer” because “it’s all about empowerment.”
“This program empowers the school community and its members to become active agents in coming up with and implementing ways to make our schools safer,” Mr. Todd said.
Mr. Todd is also a member of the Community Foundation Board of Directors and serves on the Safe Schools Endeavor Committee.
“Any time we as a Community Foundation can empower people to take positive action, it’s a wonderful thing,” Mr. Todd added.
The Community Foundation Board of Directors unanimously approved the following Safe Schools Endeavor grants during its quarterly meeting Dec. 18:
Alexandria Central School, $2,200 to purchase the Raptor Security System.
Augustinian Academy, Carthage, $1,234.25 to fund the “Child Lures Prevention” program.
Carthage Middle School, $2,000 to fund “Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports” campus assemblies.
Case Middle School, Watertown City School District, $2,500 to purchase lockdown items.
Copenhagen Central School, $1,945 to fund the “Mindful Educator Course.”
Immaculate Heart Central School, Watertown, $1,518 to fund the “Stop the Bleed Program.”
Indian River Middle School, Philadelphia, $2,467.90, to purchase safety vests, radios and trauma bags.
LaFargeville Central School District, $1,418, to purchase manikins and an automated external defibrillator.
Lowville Academy and Central School, $2,059.85 to purchase security monitors.
Lyme Central School District, $1,518 to fund the “Stop the Bleed Program.”
Sackets Harbor Central School District, $2,100, to purchase security cameras.
Sherman Street School, Watertown City School District, $2,500 to fund an anti-bullying assembly.
South Jefferson Middle and High schools, $1,500 to fund a motivational speaker program.
Watertown City Schools Learning Center, $2,500 to purchase a public address system.
Watertown Middle and High schools, $2,000 to fund the “Campus Impressions” program.
“An effort is always more powerful when the citizens and organizations of our community take a proactive role to make it happen. This provided a very loud statement that this is something important and valuable,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “If it helps provide additional safety for our community’s most precious resources, it deserves our continued attention. There is more work to do and we look forward to the next opportunity to advance the mission.”
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the community. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.