SPEER TRUST AWARDS $191,215 IN GRANTS

The Speer Trust Commission of New Castle Presbytery, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

funds projects in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The primary goal of the grants is to provide assistance to organizations of people who live on low incomes so that they are empowered to gain control over their own lives. The projects must address the root cause of poverty and work in partnership with Presbyterians.

Projects funded in June 2004 are:

EXPANDING OUR POTENTIAL PROGRAM – ELKTON, MD

(MEETING GROUND) - $30,000

Purpose of Grant: To provide assistance to persons and families experiencing homelessness by increasing education and community advocacy programs.

AGAPE LEARNING CENTER – BERLIN, MD

(AGAPE PROJECT, INC.) - $30,000

Purpose of Grant: To provide start-up funds for a childcare program for single parents with low incomes seeking to improve their self-sufficiency.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS – WILMINGTON, DE

(COMMUNITY BRIDGES, INC.) - $15,000

Purpose of Grant: For a program that will integrate young people into a variety of community asset building projects which will lead to a positive change in their neighborhood.

CONNECTIONS TO RECOVERY – WILMINGTON, DE

(CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMS, INC.) - $15,000

Purpose of Grant: To develop and implement a “train the trainer” program for staff, persons served and community members emphasizing recovery and self-determination for people with severe mental illness.

THE STREETLEADER JOB TRAINING PROGRAM – WILMINGTON, DE

(URBAN PROMISE MINISTRIES, INC.) - $10,000

Purpose of Grant: To support a job training and leadership development program designed to equip teenagers with the skills necessary for spiritual growth, academic achievement, life management and Christian leadership.

HILLTOP PRIDE GROUP MENTORING PROGRAM – WILMINGTON, DE

(PETER SPENCER FAMILY LIFE FOUNDATION) - $8,000

Purpose of Grant: To support the program designed to break the cycle of poverty for

at-risk children by helping them develop high goals for academic achievement.

FINANZAS PROGRAM – GEORGETOWN, DE

(NCALL RESEARCH, INC.) - $20,000

Purpose of Grant: To provide financial literacy training on basic banking and money management skills to Hispanic employees of a local poultry processing plant with the goal of homeownership opportunities.

PEOPLE EMPOWERING PEOPLE – BERLIN, MD

(WORCESTER YOUTH AND FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICES, INC.) - $29,500

Purpose of Grant: To promote and increase economic stability and self-sufficiency for low-income people through training, empowerment, capacity building, political advocacy and social change.

MALE LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE – NEWARK, DE

(NEW DIRECTIONS EARLY HEAD START-UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE)-$10,000

Purpose of Grant: To promote the involvement of fathers in the lives of their young children, families and community through programs designed to educate, support and empower.

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM - SALISBURY, MD

(HOLLY COMMUNITY, INC.) - $23,715

Purpose of Grant: To support a program for youth to successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education or employment.

Letters of intent are due in the Speer Trust office by October 15, 2004 for the next funding

cycle. For information and a revised application, please contact Speer Trust at

(302) 366-0595.

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