Community foundation presents grants

One of the recipients of the grant money was the Washington County Food Bank. They are getting a new roof to replace the flat roof that leaked when it rained.

Grants totaling $40,000 were awarded to non-profit organizations serving Washington County by the generous donors of the Washington County Community Foundation for the Spring 2020 grant cycle.  Grants are awarded from the Foundation’s Touch Tomorrow funds.

The Washington County Fair Board was awarded a $20,000 grant to help with completion of the brand new cattle barn at the fairgrounds.  The new structure will allow for a safer environment for the shows, as well as being able to be rented out for storage in the off-season.

Cheryl Lee, current fair board president said, “The fair board officers are very appreciative of the grant.” The funds will be used to get the new cattle stalls in place inside the barn this year. “It is especially helpful since we will not have income from the fair this year,” she said. 

Seth Purlee, past fair board president and committee member of the new barn project said how much the committee appreciates the community foundation partnering and awarding this grant to them. “This will allow the kids to have a nice, sturdy area to tie calves, as well as a much safer set up than we have had in the past,” he said. The kids will be able to feed and water the animals without walking them.

The barn will be able to be used year round.

A $10,000 tele-mental health grant has been awarded to Hoosier Uplands for residents of Washington County seeking mental health services that may not have adequate insurance for mental health assistance.  The sessions will initially be open to first responders, healthcare providers and retail workers who have been working at essential businesses throughout this crisis.  Depending on utilization, they may be able to open up to other individuals in the community.

David Miller, CEO for Hoosier Uplands, said that services will be offered through the Serenity Now clinic in Bedford. “We see the need for mental health services increasing due to the current health crisis and general unrest,” Miller said. “This grant will help counselors attend to the needs of Washington County residents who do not have access or insurance for mental health services.”

For those interested in inquiring about services, visit Hoosier Uplands’ website, www.hoosieruplands.org, and click on the Serenity Now tab under departments or call, 812-275-4053. 

The Washington County Food Bank discovered some leaks in their roof this spring.  They will be awarded a $10,000 grant to repair the roof so they may continue supplying food to patrons of the food bank. 

Paul Scifres, president of the Washington County Food Bank said, “When we received heavy rain, we had severe leakage.” The building has a flat roof in the front and in the back, which were tarred every summer. “We didn’t want to spend any more food money on the roof, so we applied for the grant.” The timing was perfect and currently Raymond Lee is installing a sloped roof to aleviate the leaking.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever.

Lana Hamilton