June 19, 2024 – Grand Haven, MI – The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF)recently awarded six Community Impact grants, totaling $288,000.
The Outdoor Discovery Center(ODC) was one of the recipients, receiving a $68,000 grant to assist with summer programming in partnership with Grand Haven Area Public Schools (GHAPS).
The funding will be used to complement Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority’s (NORA) half-day programming and allow the ODC to expand their summer programs, currently taking place at Robinson and Rosy Mound Elementary Schools, to also include mornings at Lake Hills. Students will be able to participate in nature-based, educational activities the first half of the day with the option of then taking part in NORA’s afternoon offerings.
“These 6-week programs are instrumental in preventing the learning loss that can often happenduring the summer months, while also providing summer childcare for working parents,” said Bob Wandel, Director of ODC Education Network. “This award from GHACF is impacting anadditional 120 students and their families,” he added. “We are incredibly grateful to GHACF formaking this fun, nature-based summer program possible.”
ODC’s summer programming will provide students facing academic and/or financial disadvantages with a free six-week outdoor educational experience, Monday through Thursday, from 7:45 am to 1:00 pm. A healthy breakfast, snack and lunch will be provided each day as students play, explore,discover, and learn through outdoor activities and adventures.
“We are thrilled to support the Outdoor Discovery Center and their collaborative efforts with NORA and GHAPS, which in turn supports our local youth,” said Holly Cole, GHACF Vice President of Grants and Program. “Helping each other to help others is what the Foundation is all about.”
Additional Community Impact Grants Include:
Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital – Telemedicine Robot ($40,000)Trinity Health Grand Haven (THGH) is working toward becoming a certified Primary Stroke Center for which a telemedicine robot is required. The grant will support the purchase of this technology that will aid in certification and not only provide optimal stroke care, but also long-term potential to assist with other specialties like behavioral health, cardiology, critical care, imaging/radiology,internal medicine, maternal/fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatrics, pulmonology, tele-mentoring,and more.
Pine Rest – Pediatric Center for Behavioral Health ($100,000)
The Pine Rest Pediatric Center for Behavioral Health is being built in response to our community’s critical need for improved access to mental health services for children and adolescents. The GHACF grant will support the capital campaign for this new 136,000-square-foot facility, helping to create a safe space for healing, growth, and recovery. This expanded access to care will enhance capacity for early identification and intervention, and provide treatment to an additional 10,000 youth each year.
Children’s Advocacy Center – Medical Suite Renovation ($30,000)
The Children’s Advocacy Center aims to increase participation in crucial medical evaluation
services by renovating their medical exam suite to be as child-friendly, warm, and accessible as possible. The suite is utilized to perform medical examinations for any child who has allegations or concerns of abuse. This grant will support the design and construction costs of the project to help create a more supportive and comfortable space for the victims of child sexual abuse and their caregivers.
Grand Valley State University – Postdoctoral Fellowships ($50,000)
To address environmental issues facing aquatic ecosystems in West Michigan, Grand Valley State University wishes to establish a sustainable postdoctoral fellowship program at the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI). Funding will enable AWRI to recruit a highly qualified researcher every two years to conduct critical research on local aquatic ecosystems. The fellow’s research will positively impact all residents of West Michigan by improving the health of lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater, thus the health of individuals who utilize these resources.
About the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation For more than a half-century, the GHACF has been regularly recognized as a national top 100 Community Foundation and one of the largest in Michigan. A public, charitable organization serving Northwest Ottawa County community since 1971, the Foundation encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, corporations, and organizations; and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies. In addition to awarding grants, the GHACF also offers technical support to forimpact organizations, convenes community leaders on issues of importance, and advocates for thefor-impact sector. For more, visit ghacf.org.
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