The United Way of Central Missouri on Tuesday announced $80,011 in grant money will be dispersed to 16 local agencies to help address unmet needs.
From a pool of 29 applicants, 16 agencies - some United Way partners and some non-partner agencies - were selected to receive the grants to help purchase kitchen equipment, additional bedding, specialty printers and technical equipment - items they wouldn't have been able to purchase without the help of those funds.
The grant announcement was hosted at the Frank & Billie Railton Center, the new home for the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, 1105 Lafayette St.
The Boys & Girls Club received a $3,380 grant to help purchase a steam serving table for its new kitchen.
Ann Bax, executive director at the local United Way, told the grant recipients they are a part of a group of "game changers" that help make the community stronger and healthier.
"There are a lot of people in the community that face difficult situations and problems that many people don't know how to address alone in our city, outlying counties and in our seemingly innocent community," Bax said. "But we are more than the fundraisers; we're the hand raisers, we're the game changers."
As the United Way gears up for its 2017 fundraising campaign, leaders announced this year's goal is set at $1.875 million - an increase of $50,000 from last year's goal.
The campaign slogan will be "If you can dream it, you can do it," according to Jayne Dunkmann, who will co-chair the campaign with Ryan Freeman.
After exceeding last year's campaign goal of $1.825 million, the United Way was able to provide about $5,000 more than last year in one-time grants.
Among this year's grant recipients is the Jefferson City Rape and Abuse Crisis Service, which received $13,251 to help develop and sustain reliable sexual assault nurse examiner resources in collaboration with St. Mary's Hospital and Capital Region Medical Center. Patients will not have to leave the Jefferson City community for care after a sexual assault.
The Senior Nutrition Council, which consolidated its locations at the Clarke Senior Center in May, received $7,500 to assist in purchasing kitchen equipment to help the organization continue meeting the state guidelines for providing meals to seniors.
Other recipients included:
The Salvation Army - $10,000 to purchase new metal beds and mattresses for all sleeping rooms in the Salvation Army Center of Hope.
Southwest Early Childhood Center - $7,780 to support the Conscious Discipline Baby Doll Circle Time program and training.
UCP Heartland-Gibbs Center for Independence - $7,561 to purchase equipment including a mobile changing table and horseshoe therapy tables for adult day program clients.
The Healing House and New Beginnings - $7,500 to purchase a portable building to create office space and additional living space for women recovering from substance abuse disorders.
HALO Foundation - $5,000 to install safety railing around patio and playground and to secure parking area at its transitional youth home.
Moniteau Christian Ministries Center - $4,800 to partially fund a 2010 box truck that can carry up to 3,300 pounds of food and supplies.
Working Wheels for Working Families - $3,000 to provide additional resources for reconditioning vehicles.
River City Habitat for Humanity - $2,900 to purchase a pump jack scaffold system.
Jefferson City Day Care - $2,620 to provide a "Parent Cafe" for families with children enrolled in the center.
Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team - $2,500 to continue programming.
Capital City Court Appointed Special Advocates - $1,019 to purchase an ID card printer and webcam to create identification badges for court advocates.
ABLE Learning Center - $700 to purchase iPads and materials to assist with its middle school volunteer tutoring program.
El Puente Hispanic Ministry - $500 to provide baby carriers and other items needed for newborns.