Heartland United Way presents community impact grants

Hamilton County nonprofits receive combined $10,000

  • Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,025 Community Impact check for the Heart Beets Community Garden to April Vetter and Sarah Lyon. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
    Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,025 Community Impact check for the Heart Beets Community Garden to April Vetter and Sarah Lyon. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
  • Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for The Leadership Center to Maile Ilac-Boeder, John Boeder and Dario Diaz with the help of the United Way Campaign Director Tiffany Schrunk. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
    Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for The Leadership Center to Maile Ilac-Boeder, John Boeder and Dario Diaz with the help of the United Way Campaign Director Tiffany Schrunk. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
  • Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for the Edgerton Explorit Center to John Boeder, Mary Molliconi, Edgerton Director; Deb Miller, Joe Almont and Nicole Havlik. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
    Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for the Edgerton Explorit Center to John Boeder, Mary Molliconi, Edgerton Director; Deb Miller, Joe Almont and Nicole Havlik. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
  • Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for the Hamilton County Food Pantry to Bruce Ramsour and Gloria Carlson with the help of the United Way Campaign Director Tiffany Schrunk. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
    Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for the Hamilton County Food Pantry to Bruce Ramsour and Gloria Carlson with the help of the United Way Campaign Director Tiffany Schrunk. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
  • Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for the Hamilton Recreation Youth Center to Scott Cerveny with the help of the United Way Campaign Director Tiffany Schrunk. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt
    Pictured from left: Kurt Johnson, president of the United Way Hamilton County Committee presents a $1,500 Community Impact check for the Hamilton Recreation Youth Center to Scott Cerveny with the help of the United Way Campaign Director Tiffany Schrunk. News-Register/Jeni Moellenberndt

    The Heartland United Way awarded a combined $10,000 in community impact grants last week to nonprofit organizations in Hamilton County.

    “The Heartland United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability for every person in every community,” said Karen Rathke, president and chief professional officer. “Our goal is to connect communities in order to decrease childhood poverty to give children a chance and families a future.”

    Community impact grants are viewed as one way to support that mission, with $10,000 awarded to nonprofit agencies in Hamilton, Hall, Howard and Merrick counties.

    Preference for funding was given to organizations that align with one of the following four areas: Fostering childhood success, encouraging youth success, improving financial stability or improving access to health.

    Hamilton County nonprofit agencies receiving grant awards this year, with a maximum of $1,500 going to each, were as follows:

    Hamilton County Food Pantry -- $1,500

    The Hamilton County Food Pantry received a $1,500 grant to support its mission of providing food to people in need during this pandemic crisis.

    TeamMates of Aurora -- $1,500

    The goal of this program is to see youth graduate from high school and pursue postsecondary education, and to provide a positive adult influence on students and help each student reach their full potential.

    Hamilton Recreation Inc. Youth Center -- $1,500

    The existing X-box and television are many years old and reaching the end of their operational life. The industry is advancing and improving the control systems which will no longer produce Dance game for the Youth Center’s current systems. The new equipment will help continue to provide physical movement for multiple people at one time. The existing bicycle rack no longer is large enough to support the size of the current bicycle tires and frame sizes.

    The Youth Center in Aurora serves a minimum of 248 youth between sixth and 12th grades.

    Nebraska Vocational Ag Foundation /The Leadership Center Summer Food Services Program -- $1,500

    The summer food service program provides youth (18 and younger) in the Aurora area free lunches and enrichment activities. This program serves as the bridge meal program between the last day of school until the next school year.

    Sozo Family Services: Nurse Guided Health and Wellness Program -- $1,475

    The main focus for this program will be on healthy food choices that are accessible and affordable within the community, along with the many benefits associated with a healthy diet. A variety of family-centered health and wellness subjects will be taught throughout the life of the program as well.

    The purpose of this program is to increase one’s knowledge, awareness and opportunities for a healthier way of living.

    Aurora Garden Club: Heart Beets -- $1,025

    Heart Beets is a community garden in Aurora, aimed at cultivating health and growing community. The project is a collaboration between the Aurora Garden Club and Memorial Community Health. Please visit the website at heartbeets. garden for photos and details.

    This program provides gardening opportunities to volunteers, while also creating an outdoor education space, and distributing fresh vegetables.

    Edgerton Explorit Center: Afterschool Program -- $1,500

    The Edgerton Explorit Center’s Afterschool programs bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families and communities. The program boosts academic performance, reduces risky behaviors, promotes physical health and provides a safe, structured environment for local children.

    The goal is to provide an afterschool enrichment program that excites students about STEAM in a safe, fun, educational environment.