Funds to United Way of Southwest Georgia donated to feeding, youth programs
Organizations receive grants ranging from $1,000-$2,500 through United Way
By Jennifer Parks
ALBANY — The United Way of Southwest Georgia distributed funds to community programs and projects on Friday in support of feeding programs, youth suicide prevention and a sports program for youths with disabilities.
Officials from the organization said the funds were received from an anonymous donor who wanted to empower United Way’s work in the community and support families living at or below the poverty level.
“We are always excited when we get extra funding,” United Way President/CEO LaKisha Bryant Bruce said.
Bruce said the donor was specific in what they wanted the funding to be used for. The intention was for this money to be geared toward communities suffering from poverty, education programs and agencies that promote family enrichment, according to the United Way CEO.
The Challenger League was formed three years ago to give children with special needs an opportunity to take part in sports and other activities. Jennifer Sapp, the organization’s director, said any money it gets helps to continue offering programs to families at a low cost.
She said the support from the community the organization has received has been significant, which is both honoring and humbling.
“We have had so much support from the community without having to solicit,” Sapp said. “(When you have that) you know you are in the right place.”
Sapp said the donation the Challenger League received Friday from United Way will likely go toward a respite service offering a socialization opportunity for the teenagers the organization serves while giving their parents a break.
The grants given out by United Way on Friday included:
— Love Thy Neighbor: $1,000, food distribution
— Lord’s Pantry: $1,000, food distribution
— Albany Rescue Mission: $1,000, food distribution
— Faith Community Outreach Mission: $1,000, food distribution
— Mt. Olive Community Outreach Center: $2,500, food distribution, utility assistance
— Girls Inc. of Albany: $1,500, youth suicide prevention programming
— Challenger League: $2,000, health and wellness
Bruce said the donation marked at least the second time this specific donor made a sizable contribution to United Way. She added that literacy programs, as well as another round of grants, are expected to come about in the coming months from community donations.
United Way officials say the organization’s aim is to improve health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community it covers by supporting partner agencies. The Southwest Georgia United Way covers Baker, Calhoun, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell and Worth counties.
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