Youngstown Foundation Awards $466K in Grants
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Foundation on Tuesday announced $466,320 in new grants, including $100,000 for upgrades to a Youngstown learning center for at-risk young people and individuals who have completed prison sentences.
Seven other local nonprofit organizations also secured grants.
“We’re very excited about the new learning resource hub at United Returning Citizens and this organization’s dedication to at-risk youth and individuals who have served their time to society and are looking for a second chance,” said Lynnette Forde, Youngstown Foundation president.
Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, executive director at United Returning Citizens, said renovations that began last month will be the latest improvements to the offices at 611 Belmont Ave. United moved into the building just north of downtown last year.
United trains and coaches individuals to find and keep jobs, start businesses and/or arrange for education or training after they complete prison sentences. It provides similar training and coaching for students at the Youngstown City School District and Mahoning Valley Community School who are at risk of dropping out.
“We’re looking forward to being a stronger resource for returning citizens and at-risk students,” Dowdy-Lacy said. “Our new learning resource hub will expand our capacity to help these individuals find their paths to success.”
The Youngstown Foundation grants announced Tuesday include two other $100,000 awards. One is for the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Care Closet. The United Way stocks clothing, shoes, winter gear, hygiene products, bedding and cleaning products in “closet” spaces at six of the Youngstown City Schools buildings and is aiming to serve all 14 schools.
The other $100,000 grant is to assist the Youngstown Business Incubator’s plans to redesign and renovate its main building at 241 W. Federal St., downtown. The work aims to improve the incubator’s business-assistance programs.
Five other local nonprofits also received awards:
- Youngstown CityScape, operational support, $73,000.
- Economic Action Group, general operating support, $60,000.
- STEM Is Us 2.0, administration, $15,820.
- Salvation Army, building safety and security updates, $12,500.
- Eversight, cornea transplants for local residents, $5,000.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
