Sixteen projects that support social well-being and address social issues in Basin communities have been approved to receive $500,000 from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT).
The Creston Valley Food Action Coalition will receive $6,800 to deliver a nutrition program that will improve access to nutritious foods and teach basic food preparation skills to families in the Creston Valley.
“These projects tackle diverse social issues and will affect people of many ages across the region,” said CBT president and CEO Neil Muth. “They will complement and strengthen the social supports already in place within our communities.”
One of the successful recipients is the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy’s Kimberley Early Childhood Development team. Its project involves expanding the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Community Screen, which aims to identify and address the needs of children before school entry.
“We’re excited to take the next steps with this project,” said Kimberley Early Childhood Development chair Terri Fergus. “It will provide very valuable information about early childhood development needs in Kimberley.”
The Social Grants Program is a three-year pilot with an annual granting budget of $1 million. Granting decisions are made by the Social Grants Program selection committee, a volunteer group of basin residents that includes individuals who have experience and expertise in the social sector and individuals who have broader community development experience. For more information, visit www.cbt.org/sgp.
—COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST