Columbia-Patuxent Rotary Club Grants Day Awards for 2022
Twenty-one Howard County community organizations received program and project grant awards from the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent (RCCP) at the club’s annual Grants Day in June. The awards, supported by fund-raising activities throughout the year, are part of Rotary’s focus on community service and commitment to giving back.
A club committee considers applications for RCCP grants based on merit. Applications must be sponsored by a club member in good standing. This latest round of grants totaled more than $40,000 and went to:
Arc of Howard County - supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in health, housing, employment, community integration, day/senior programs and transportation. The grant will help to replace furniture at Arc’s residential houses.
Blossoms of Hope - enhances quality of life through beautification projects and support for the community; cancer-related and other causes. The grant supports Education Seeds of Hope, planting trees at select education sites as a tribute to and inspiration for disadvantaged students who have attended or will attend college after graduating from high school.
Columbia Housing Center - whose mission is to champion and sustain thriving, racially integrated communities throughout Columbia. The grant will support the agency’s rental referral service that matches prospective renters with available apartments to meet their needs and promote the diversity and integration that make Columbia special.
Community Action Council - the county’s designated anti-poverty organization works to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency through four core programs including food, energy and housing, weatherization and early childhood education. The grant supports the Summer Enrichment Program and its family engagement picnic.
Community Ecology Institute - owner and operator of Freetown Farm, promoting environmental education and a historical link to the community’s past. The grant supports creation of the Maker Space, an area that will include an outdoor classroom, tool trailer, and a variety of other sheds housing various crafts reminiscent of skills that were necessary in past times to run a farm.
Gilchrist Howard - the leading nonprofit provider of serious illness and end-of-life care. The grant will help pay for a new machine to provide crushed ice chips and water, giving nourishment and physical comfort for hospice patients and their families. This grant is the “Darrell Nevin Memorial Award,” honoring a deceased longtime Rotarian who was a strong supporter of Howard County’s non-profits.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center - provides 24/7 access to individuals and families for behavioral health, crisis and homeless services. Grassroots operates an around-the clock general crisis hotline and walk-in counseling program, and is the first point of contact in the county for homeless services.
Heritage Housing Partnership - provides safe, affordable housing to members of our community who are low income, developmentally disabled or have other life challenges. The grant supports a sustainable garden project and a social event for residents in a location that’s suffered numerous floods in the past few years.
Howard County Conservancy - educates children and adults about the natural world, preserves the land and its legacy for future generations, and models responsible stewardship of our environment on a 232-acre farm. The grant is funding replacement of a deteriorating fence around the master gardeners produce demonstration garden.
Howard Community College Educational Foundation - the college offers two-year degree and certificate programs preparing students for the workforce and built around in-demand careers. The grant goes for entrepreneurial program scholarships plus a faculty speaker series open to local citizens.
Howard Hospital Foundation - the hospital has a full range of hospital and wellness services with more than 1,000 affiliated doctors in nearly 100 clinical specialties. The grant contributes to making more specialized treatments accessible on site.
James’ Place - advocates for assisting the well-being of persons battling the disease of substance addiction. The grant will help provide funds for those moving from treatment, detox or detention into recovery housing.
Just Living Advocacy - aims to help women who lead single parent households achieve gainful employment, earn a living wage and climb out of poverty. The grant aids community engagement through outreach, information and referrals, and services such as childcare financial assistance, heart health and wellness advocacy, employment assistance and financial wellness education.
Living in Recovery - helps men and women reclaim their lives and break the cycle of addiction by combining affordable housing free of alcohol and drugs, plus peer support and a climate of personal accountability. The grant is going for the “Smiling In Recovery Program” addressing dental health issues.
Maryland State Dental Association Foundation - provides much-needed dental care to the community’s underprivileged with “Mission of Mercy” clinics. The grant supports oral health products to be given away at various mini-clinics and other outreach events over the next year.
Neighbor Ride - Neighbor Ride enhances the health and quality of life for Howard County's seniors by providing comfort and peace of mind with affordable, passenger-focused transportation services via a reliable, volunteer-based system. The grant is going to continue food deliveries as an essential need for elderly, food-insecure residents.
Rebuilding Together Howard County - aids low-income homeowners by furnishing free critical repairs that ensure their houses remain safe and healthy places in which to live. The grant is earmarked for keeping a Clarksville home safer and more habitable.
Respite Retreats - its programs give periods of rest or relief for cancer patients, their caregivers and family members. The grant will give a nine-hour, in-person retreat to refuel the body, mind and spirits of those affected.
Silhouette Stages - supports the arts by bringing high-quality theatrical productions and events to Howard County at an affordable price. The grant is contributing towards the budget of a Fall 2022 musical production.
This Point Forward - aims to help people “in the second half of their lives” use their skills, experience and knowledge in volunteer activities that will be meaningful to them and beneficial to their communities. The grant will be applied towards creating a Legacy Leadership Institute for Civic Engagement.
Zaching Against Cancer Foundation - improves the quality of life for cancer patients of all ages battling all forms of the disease, along with their caregivers, family members and others affected. The grant supports Zach Packs filled with toiletries, snacks and creature comforts that encourage strength, courage, determination and hope.
