2024 DCCF Mid-year Grant Catalog Requests

An upgrade of the audio/visual equipment in the Watkins Museum Community Room will increase the capabilities of this much-used space and provide greater accessibility for the public.
The Watkins Museum Community Room is one of the museum's most important public engagement features. The space hosts the museum's programming and educational activities, community events, and meetings and activities of the museum's affiliate groups. An upgrade of the room's 10-year-old audio/visual equipment will increase the capacity of the space to meet the current technology needs required for multi-media presentations, online/in-person hybrid meetings, live-streaming public programs, and visitor internet access. In addition, upgrades will add accessibility features for those with special needs.

Support Vital Youth Arts Programming
Youth programming is not just an extracurricular activity; it's a crucial aspect of nurturing the creative potential and personal growth of our young people. Through our programming, students have the opportunity to learn from professional artists who guide them in pursuing their ideas and passions, fostering a sense of self-expression and confidence that will serve them for a lifetime. We want to continue to provide these vital experiences to youth in and around Lawrence. Currently arts organizations around the United States, including the Lawrence Arts Center, continue to experience the effects of the pandemic. At the Arts Center, earned revenue is still recovering post-pandemic. We continue to experience changes in consumer behavior such as last-minute ticket buying, smaller audiences, and lower enrollment. Compounding this, inflation has significantly impacted our expenses, for example, printing costs have quadrupled. These factors have collectively impacted the ability to meet the budget. We have been responding by controlling expenses, cutting non-essential programs, and increasing prices, but this is not enough. As a result, philanthropy is crucial to the Arts Center's success and ability to provide meaningful youth art programming. Having your support as someone who cares about the Arts Center and its role in the community means a great deal. You know firsthand the Arts Center's impact in Lawrence and beyond. Will you make a gift that is meaningful to you and your family to support the Arts Center before our fiscal year ends on July 31st?

Sun Shade for Ballard Center Playground
It's too sunny! As the Ballard Center was removing trees to make way for their building addition, we discovered that several additional trees needed to be removed for safety reasons. Unfortunately, that has left the playground space for our 2-year-old students without shade coverage. Our goal for the DCCF Mid-year Grant is to raise $3,000 for poles, sail shade and other equipment to create the necessary shaded play space for Ballard students.

Equity of opportunity and access is vital to the mission of Limestone Community School. The successful funding of this project will enable us to provide a one-year full tuition scholarship for one student.
At Limestone Community School, we use project-based learning to focus on engagement in academics, the arts, and cultural and community connection. Our curriculum centers the global majority, while arts and movement education enables social/emotional learning, and developmentally appropriate instruction empowers students. We believe that all students, regardless of background or socioeconomic status should have access to an education that serves their needs and empowers them to be active contributors to our community. The successful funding of this project will enable us to continue funding scholarships, which helps to ensure diversity of representation and equitable access among our student population. The amount requested will fund a full year of tuition for one student, or smaller scholarships for multiple students.

Champions for Children
The "Champions for Children" initiative is dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to work with children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are under the protection of the court in Douglas County. For every $5,000 granted, we will be able to support one child, focusing on those from marginalized and underserved communities. The requested grant funds of $30,000 will allow us to recruit, train, and support six new CASA volunteers who will advocate for six children in need for the year.

Supporting Community Youth Leaders
Now in its fifteenth season, Growing Food Growing Health develops youth leaders who serve, nourish, and nurture our community. Hired through a rigorous selection process, students enter the program at age 14. These young people work from March to November, growing food at one of two large market gardens - one at West Middle School in Lawrence, and the other at First Step at Lake View, residential addiction treatment center for women, located in Lawrence, serving women from all across Kansas. All produce (over 4,000 lbs. in 2023) is offered at no cost at a weekly Free Market at Edgewood Homes, low income housing complex in Lawrence. Students have opportunities to do outreach and education about food justice; work one on one with women in addiction recovery; develop relationships with culturally diverse individuals and families through the weekly market; and learn the importance of service and dedication.

Lawrence Public Schools Child Nutrition Meal Support Fund
USD 497 Lawrence Public School believes that good nutrition is key for student success. To this end, USD 497 ensures that all scholars have access to school breakfast and lunch, regardless of meal account balance. Many families do not qualify for free meals, but are still struggling financially and find it difficult to pay the reduced or full-price cost of school breakfast and lunch. When families don't have the necessary funds to pay for meals, their meal accounts become negative. Unpaid meal charges have been an issue of national concern for many years. The fallout from the COVID pandemic has made the meal debt situation worse. Lawrence is no exception to this trend. As of 4/22/24, there is a total of -$104,613.35 in unpaid meal charges on record at USD 497 with -$34,940 of this debt on high school student accounts alone. To help support families without the ability to pay for school meals, the district has established a Meal Support Fund (MSF). The MSF relies solely on generous donations from individuals and organizations, as no state or federal funds are available for this cause. Since the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the MSF has been gifted $11,339.46. Many families have incomes high enough that they do not qualify for free or reduced price school meals, yet are struggling financially due to rising costs of daily expenses. These families have to choose between paying off their meal debts or paying for other expenses such as groceries, rent, utilities, and medical expenses. At the end of each school year, meal accounts that are negative -$25 or more are sent to collections. Being sent to collections negatively impacts families in a variety of ways and increases stress for families that are already struggling. Grant funds would be used to support students within the Lawrence Public Schools who have negative meal accounts. Funds would be awarded through the USD 497 Meal Support Fund process, which ensures that student and family confidentiality is maintained. Our hope is that by having these meal debts wiped clean, the families can begin the 2024-2025 school year with a fresh slate.

Lawrence Public Schools Pat Grzenda Adapted PE Triathlon.
The primary goal of adapted physical education should be to ensure that the child is provided with physical education services that meet his/her unique needs. A consideration of the IEP team when determining if the child needs an adapted program would be the safety of the student. Another consideration would be the development of the student's motor skills. The Adaptive PE Triathlon is named after long time Adaptive PE teacher, Pat Grzenda. Pat was recently named 2023 KSHSAA Hall of Fame Coach. While she is now retired, Pat comes to cheer on the secondary athletes. Lawrence Public School educators, Brad Stoll and Jayme Savage are the current Adaptive PE teachers. They work diligently to carry on Pat's vision and legacy promoting health and wellness. The students participate in (adaptive) swimming, biking and running/walking. Funds are needed to provide medals, t-shirts and meals for our students/athletes participating in the Triathlon. Adapted physical education programs strive to ensure that each student actively participates in physical education programs at his or her own level and that the student is integrated into the regular education program whenever possible. Other goals might include assisting students to develop self-esteem, further socialization skills, and promote sportsmanship.

Doulas Support Vulnerable Moms and Babies
Giving birth requires not only physical work but time and emotional work. The expenditure of physical, emotional labor during pregnancy and during childbirth requires access to support and guidance. Black, Brown, Teen, and Incarcerated pregnant and birthing families experience special challenges and fewer resources resulting in higher rates of birth complications and overall health outcomes. Your donation provides educational opportunities and experiences during pregnancy and childbirth to these vulnerable women who face poverty and who would not otherwise receive these opportunities and experiences because of limited income, and changing life circumstances. Poor birth outcomes for Black women and babies has only increased in recent years. These educational experiences in conjunction with the support from the Doulas provide the specialized care needed to move from crisis to stability and a positive, healthy start in life.

Work is underway on the much-anticipated third volume of the Embattled Lawrence book series. The Watkins Museum seeks funding to cover printing costs.
"Embattled Lawrence: Building the City," the third volume in this series of books containing essays on Lawrence History, is now in development. The book will include about 40 essays by a variety of local historians and community members. The publication will be about 480 pages and will share stories of the buildings and community infrastructure that shaped the Lawrence we know today. Donations to this project will support the cost of printing the book, scheduled for release in mid-2025. Raising funds to support publication allows proceeds from book sales to support operations of the Watkins Museum.

Build a Bedroom for Children and Families at 200 Mt. Hope Court
Build a Bedroom at Mt. Hope Court. In response to the growing need for support and shelter within our community, Family Promise of Lawrence is thrilled to announce our latest initiative, The Give Hope project. We are working towards establishing a safe and temporary family shelter at 200 Mt. Hope Court. Mt. Hope Court will have the capacity to shelter up to 6 families. Join us in transforming lives and creating safe havens for children and families in need. Your contribution to the Family Promise Give Hope campaign will directly support the renovation and operation costs of 200 Mt. Hope Court, turning it into a sanctuary for those facing homelessness. Every donation brings us closer to providing a nurturing environment where families can rebuild and thrive. Together, let's build a brighter future for those who need it most. Donate today and be Part of the Promise.

Home Repair: Exterior Ramps
Housing is foundational to the success, strength and stability of each of us. Lawrence Habitat for Humanity partners with homeowners to complete rehabilitation and repair of their existing affordable housing. A common request is the addition of a ramp, to improve safety and the stability an aging homeowner might need to keep their home accessible. Unfortunately, the cost of a building a custom ramp can be quite expensive, and for a homeowner on a fixed budget or without the physical capabilities to install a ramp, this need often goes unfulfilled. With funding, Lawrence Habitat would partner with 5 homeowners to install a custom ramp allowing the homeowner to remain safely and independently in their own home.

Everyone deserves a good night's sleep
Can you imagine not having a bed to sleep in? Unfortunately, this is the reality for many local families. As of June 12, 2024, 100 Good Women has already provided 28 beds to local families (many of whom went to children)—compared to 24 beds total in 2023—and the requests keep coming. Having a cozy bed to snuggle up in at night is a luxury that many of us take for granted. With your monetary assistance, it's a need 100 Good Women can help alleviate. As a long-standing, volunteer-only organization, 100 Good Women has spent more than 27 years providing resources for Douglas County individuals in need. We are a not-for-profit, non-political organization that promotes well-being in our community through service, education, and social connections. We help bridge the gaps unfulfilled by our local social service agencies and our clients must receive a referral from a local agency to be considered for assistance. All requests must then be approved by our board. Help us help others rest easy.

For so many families, their vehicle is their lifeline
We all know the financial stress of an unexpected repair or need for new tires. Without a functioning vehicle how do you get your child to daycare or school—or yourself to your job on time? Life suddenly becomes so much harder. The need for automotive repair is great, and resources within our community are limited. So far, in 2024 alone, we have provided more than $6,000 in car repair requests for 18 individuals—including new tires for a family of six, O'Reilly Auto installing a new battery at a client's home and replacing windshields for two clients—and that's just through the first week of June. Our requests come from agencies who don't have the resources for car repairs, and more requests pour in every week! As a long-standing, volunteer-only organization, 100 Good Women has spent more than 27 years providing resources for Douglas County individuals in need. We are a not-for-profit, non-political organization, that promotes well-being in our community through service, education, and social connections. We help bridge the gaps uncovered by our local social service agencies, but we cannot do it without your help. Please give.

Help support growth, sustainability and future programming!
LRM Foundation's mission is to instill hope, reconcile broken relationships, and restore healthy living. We achieve our mission through a multifaceted approach that blends performing arts, mental health and wellness, and STEM education programming. The LRM Foundation prides itself on building culturally relevant and advancing equitable representation in local arts and culture by increasing casting opportunities that are culturally centered, civic minded, and promote social justice and equity. Our niche is in our ability to premier original stage play productions that bring life issues to the stage, and demonstrate the impact of elevating original, culturally rich, theatrical artistic creations, showcasing local talent and artistry within a community. In addition to our stage play productions, LRM Foundation blends theatre and arts with mental health to advance mental health and wellness initiatives. This is demonstrated by our 2024 Summer workshop event "Mental Health and Dance/Movement" which will offer a space for youth to engage in theatrical expression, dance, and movement to learn about feeling, coping, and managing mood and emotions. Our third programming component blends theater and the arts with education to provide academically and culturally rich educational spaces composed of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M), literacy for students and families. We are seeking financial support to advance our mission and sustain our programming. Our immediate needs include  Technical assistance for financial, legal, and strategic planning  Office equipment including laptops, printer, and general supplies  Marketing and promotional materials  Workshop supplies  Cargo Tailor and Storage for Theatre and STEM programs We are passionate about our ability to create change and make lasting impact in our community. We value your support and financial contribution to #HelpUsDoMore!

Make Communication Better with a Dedicated Device
SRC's part-time Communications staff needs a device-- a smartphone or tablet-- that they can dedicate to taking photos and videos of activities at SRC. Instead of using their personal phones, this agency-wide device can be used by all staff, especially when the Communications person is out. These photos and videos can be posted on SRC's website and social media, and can help new people feel more comfortable using SRC services and attending SRC activities.