The Seabrook Community foundation has elected new officers and announced grants totaling $70,000 for the first quarter of 2018 to benefit the North Beach and Grays Harbor communities.
The new officers are president Helen Gilbert, vice president Miriam Groesse, secretary Britta Folden, and treasurer Tim Kerr.
”It is an honor to work with the board members and all the different organizations that provide valuable services to the residents of North Beach and Grays Harbor County. We take very seriously the responsibility of providing the most good for the most people with the resources available,” Gilbert said.
The grants were awarded as follows:
Bishop Center for the Performing Arts: Located on Grays Harbor College campus, has been presenting innovative, cross cultural and family friendly entertainment for 38 years. This grant will provide operating funds for the upcoming theatrical season.
Coastal Community Action Program: CCAP assists individuals in need with programs such as weatherizing homes to provide greater comfort at less cost for utilities, job training and placement, housing, energy assistance and transportation. The funds will help continue this work and help to remove barriers that prevent people from achieving economic stability.
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington: The Feed the Hungry program provides hot meals six days a week for men, women and families in Grays Harbor County. Over 50 volunteers plan, prepare and serve 80-100 or more meals per day.
Grays Harbor LaCrosse Club: Teaching the skills and play of LaCrosse is the primary objective of the Grays Harbor LaCrosse Club. Grant funds will help fund the upcoming season with the purchase of equipment and payment of team and individual fees as necessary.
Grays Harbor College Emergency Operations Center: As part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) across the county, Grays Harbor College has been designated as an evacuation zone for the areas south of the Chehalis River Bridge. The funds will assist in the purchase of a generator to provide power for this valuable community service.
Grays Harbor Youth Works: The mission of Grays Harbor Youth Works is to engage and transform 15-19-year-old high school youth through internship programs with business and encourage them to pursue college, vocational training, or military for higher education.
Green Lantern Lunch Program: Since 2015, Green Lantern Lunch has provided lunches to North Beach Children during times when they do not receive lunches at school. Lantern Lunch has two programs: the Summer Lunch Program, which operates June through August, and the Backpack Program, which operates September through May.
Ocean Shores Firefighter Association: Fitness for firefighters is a critical aspect of their job. Ocean Shores Fire Department is focusing on fitness by replacing and improving fitness facilities and undergoing fitness evaluations to note current status and improvement for these men and women.
Ocean Shores Food Bank: This Food Bank originated over 30 years ago to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry. The demand for these services has increased over the years. In order to facilitate growth for the food bank, this grant will allow the purchase of new refrigerators and freezers to replace older malfunctioning units as well as new units to increase capacity.
Grays Harbor CERT: The Community Emergency Response Team program is ramping up across Grays Harbor County to provide a safe spot for shelter, food and an emergency team to deal with whatever catastrophe may occur. These funds will help to provide the necessary equipment, food and other supplies to assist people in case of an emergency.
The Foundation encourages charitable organizations to apply for grants. The next grant award board meeting is May 20. Grant applications are available at: www.seabrookwa.com/seabrook-community-foundation.
