SitemapA local foundation is working to help make lives better in the Mahoning Valley, by providing grants to groups in the community.
Eres McKee, is the program officer for the Neighborhood Success and Leadership program with the Wean Foundation. The program is providing 30 local groups from the Valley with grant money up to $5,000 this year to better help the community.
“This is what really makes me excited about the work that we do. They really look at the issues concerning their neighbors on a day-to-day basis, and really look at ways they can transform that part of the community,” said McKee.
In total, 41 groups applied for grants. The interviewing process took place on Saturday, bringing them one step closer to getting grant money.
“Last year, I was a mess. But this year, I’m more comfortable with it now,” said applicant Jewel McMullen.
McMullen received more than $1,600 in grant money last year. The money she received went to educational games for the youth.
She said this year she’s hoping to get the maximum amount she can.
“We have outgrown the number of children we’ve had the following year and now we have gotten bigger now and we need help,” said McMullen.
Mark Samuel has also received money in the past. The money that he’s received went toward a fitness and nutrition education program at Neighborhood Ministries.
“The Wean Foundation is a great organization and they really care about the communities and they really want people to be involved and engaged in making life better in the Mahoning Valley,” said Samuel.
The program will make its decision on who receives a grant by the end of next week.
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