The Centre County United Way’s Women United group recently awarded its annual grants to two local nonprofits for projects that directly impact women and children in the county.
The Makery and Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) were selected from among eight applicants, according to a news release.
With its $6,350 grant, The Makery will establish a Children’s Space at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte. The State College community arts studio will collaborate with the Centre County Youth Service Bureau, Centre County Family Intervention Crisis Services, Centre Safe and courthouse staff to create a welcoming place for children and teens who are waiting for hearings and meetings in the courthouse.
“A location has already been designated and now the group can begin to enhance and furnish the space giving children and youth a safe and comfortable spot in an environment that can be stressful and traumatic,” Amy Frank, executive director of The Makery, said in a statement. “A bright, peaceful area will provide a respite for children who need to be at the courthouse for a variety of reasons.”
CVIM, the county’s only permanent free health care clinic, will use its $1,000 Women United grant to spread awareness of the free breast care services it offers for women and men who uninsured or underinsured. CVIM’s Breast Health Program distributes vouchers for free mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies and other related testing to people who live or work in Centre County and meet the income guidelines.
“The program provides peace of mind to the voucher holders that they will never receive a bill,” Darion Shawley, CVIM program manager, said. “Early detection of breast cancer reduces the risk of breast cancer death and increases treatment options. We want to reach more people so they can benefit from early detection testing.”
Women United, formerly known as the Women’s Leadership Group, is an affinity group of the Centre County United Way with a focus on local women and children. Money raised through membership and fundraising events is used for the annual grant program.
