Twelve Sandy Springs nonprofit organizations will receive a total of $50,000 in grants from the city’s “Serving Sandy Springs” program.
A total of 15 organizations applied for the program, requesting $118,000 in funds, according to a press release. A panel of city staff selected the recipients of the program’s $50,000 budget, who were approved by Sandy Springs City Council on Sept. 15.
The organizations and the funds received were described by the city as follows:
Act 3 Productions, Inc., $7,470. The funds support the production of four stage-plays for their 2015-2016 season. Act 3 is a local nonprofit, supplying locally produced stage plays to Sandy Springs residents and visitors. The requested funds will support productions with contracted professional services, including orchestra members, directors, construction managers and costume designers.
Am Yisrael Chai, $4,000. This nonprofit Holocaust education and awareness organization requested funding to host a Holocaust remembrance event on Jan. 24, 2016, themed “Courage and Compassion: A Lucky Child Survives Auschwitz,” featuring Thomas Buergenthal. Am Yisrael Chai anticipates the event to draw 600 to 900 attendees, with the awarded funds to cover the cost for the accompanying Auschwitz exhibit, venue/security fees, program supplies, photography and videography professional services.
Friends of Benson, $1,711. Funding requested will provide swim equipment and swim instructor professional services. Annually, the Benson Center provides adult daycare, therapeutic, social, developmental and recreational activities and services to more than 1,500 Sandy Springs citizens aged 55 and older.
Friends of North Springs, $4,000. The request for funding supports the Spartan Plaza Enhancement Project at North Springs Charter High School. The $67,225 enhancement project began in February and is planned to be completed in the spring of 2016. Enhancement additions and activities include a bio-retention pond and re-sodding and landscaping of school’s green space. North Springs Charter High School is a math/science and visual/performing arts magnet school, home to more than 1,700 students.
Keep North Fulton Beautiful, $3,073. Funds requested will assist Keep North Fulton Beautiful with purchasing a solar parking lot light to be installed in the front parking lot at the Recycling Center. Bulbs are energy-efficient LED lights, and the system will be “dark-sky certified” to help reduce light pollution.
LaAmistad, Inc., $4,500. LaAmistad, Inc. facilitates English-language classes to anyone who has no or limited proficiency in English. Using the “English for Successful Living” curriculum, LaAmistad has serviced hundreds of Sandy Springs learners over the past decade. Classes are currently facilitated at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. The application requested will be used to provide for the cost of teacher lesson plans, workbooks and supplies.
Mary Hall Freedom House, $5,000. Mary Hall Freedom House provides housing, food, clothing, childcare, employment, training and mental health treatment services to women recovering from substance abuse. The funding requested will support its WorkNOW initiative, providing job readiness training, computer literacy, GED preparation and employment assistance to 400 Sandy Springs women.
Sandy Springs Education Force, $4,500. The request for funding supports to support the After School All Star Program for economically disadvantaged students. Approximately 175 students are enrolled annually.
Sandy Springs Society, $2,500. Sandy Springs Society is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Sandy Springs by supporting area nonprofit organizations. The funding supports staging its annual Tossed Out Treasure event, where gently used, quality goods are sold for discount prices.
Sandy Springs Tennis Association, $3,208. The Sandy Springs Tennis Association operates the Kidsluvtennis after-school program for kids in grades 1-5 in five local elementary schools (Ison Springs, Woodland, Spalding Drive, Lake Forest and High Point). The funding will support facility rental fees, T-shirts for program participants and supplies.
Friends of Lost Corner, $5,038. The Friends of Lost Corner supports Lost Corner Preserves in Sandy Springs by administering programs and initiating funding-raising efforts on behalf of Lost Corner. This funding will be used to renovate the existing pole shed, which will later be used for classroom activities. Renovations will include fresh paint, signage and the addition of tables and seating.
The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, $5,000. The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy provides intervention and support services to children who are victims of physical abuse or sexual abuse, or who have witnessed violence. GCCA requested funding to support the Stewards of Children sexual abuse prevention efforts for 300 Sandy Springs community members.