The Ministry on South Street is seeking funding to support a program called “Empowering Families for Community Change.” This program partners with a local church and utilizes a community engagement tool called Circles USA (seeks to inspire and equip families/communities to resolve poverty and thrive). Individuals from selected families will participate in a one-year program that focuses on several disciplines including community organizing, case management, grassroots leadership, goal setting, financial literacy, mentoring, peer-to-peer counseling, and child/youth development. Participants in this program come from the South Street community, and more specifically Reeves Terrace, which a public housing complex within the community. Expected benefits for participants include; 1) Systemic barriers to escaping poverty will be addressed; 2) By including partners from various income groups, as well as stakeholders, participants will experience a strong sense of belonging, a compelling commitment to shared goals, and a high level of accountability to themselves and the group; and 3) Not only will low income families be positively impacted, but so will the community in which they live.
On behalf of South Street, JPH & Associates submitted the following funding applications in support of this program;
William J. and Dorthy K. O’Neill Foundation – $15,000
CNL Corporate Grant – $50,670
Central Florida Community Foundation Special Project Proposal – $50,670