Learning Disabilities received a $30,000 Venture Grant from the United Way of Sarnia-LambtonUnited Way of Sarnia-Lambton
Venture Grants Announced
Thursday, June 14, 2007------ Laura Black, Chair of the United Way Community Investment Committee, is pleased to announce a $30,000 Venture Grant to the Learning Disabilities Association of Lambton County. This Venture Grant is the 3rd for this local agency. The programs of this agency serve the needs of those dealing with learning disabilities in Lambton County.
"We are very pleased with the outcomes of past grants awarded to this agency," said Black. "There is no other local agency dedicated to serving these needs" she added. Four out of five children requiring special education services have learning disabilities, according to this agency. "Those with learning disabilities are at a much higher risk for developing other, more serious disorders as they age. It is more difficult to assist the children in the intermediate and senior elementary years because the challenges and behaviours related to the learning disabilities begin to multiply," said Annie Sheehan, Executive Director of Learning Disabilities.
The Learning Disabilities Association provides a number of programs to residents of Lambton County including; Homework Hub, Kids Positive Program, Study Smart program, JUMP Math program, Learning to Learn Differently program, Parenting programs for those with children with learning disabilities and/or ADHD and Empathy for All In-School Workshop.
"These programs impact children and families in a number of ways", said Black. "Children feel the immediate effect of extra help in the areas they are struggling. Families who are unable to cope with the requirements of their children's homework are de-stressed. Children experience improved attendance and/or performance in school, improved conflict resolution skills, with either family members or peers, and consequently, they will be able to establish and maintain more meaningful and positive relationships. Longer term, those with learning disabilities can lead successful lives," she said.
In addition, a $6,000 Venture Grant was awarded to the North Lambton Childcare Centre (NLCC) for an Agency Revitalization program. NLCC has provided high quality care to children, parents and caregivers throughout North Lambton since 1990. "Recent introduction of new programs by Canada and the Province have provided a great opportunity for the Centre to reach out to parents and children offering early learning and literacy programs, early screening of children to identify potential issues and needs, support for parents and caregivers and assistance in preparing children for school", said Jennifer Van Geffen, Manager of NLCC. "The implementation of the Early Years' and Best Start Programs has resulted in rapid growth and demands of the Centre. A clear vision and direction needs to be set to ensure the continued viability of the Centre and service to over 500 children and their families that attend the programs," she added.
"This grant will guide the development and growth of NLCC over the next five to ten years. As such, all children in North Lambton will have the opportunity to benefit from continued and enhanced childcare, learning, literacy and parenting programs," said Black.
The Venture Grant Program has approximately $100,000 available each year to fund new and innovative programs to meet a need in our community. If your not-for-profit organization has developed a program in Lambton County to address a local community need and you meet any of the United Way's Funding Criteria of Youth with Physical, Mental or Social Challenges, Poverty and Working Poor Families, Seniors, Medical Programs and Services or Rural Programs, please visit our website at www.theunitedway.on.ca. Applications for Venture Grant funding are accepted on a year round basis.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Black, United Way Community Investment Committee, (519) 541-1332
Dave Brown, Executive Director, United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, (519) 336-5452 Ext. 7
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