Since schools closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, Stayton High’s Future Business Leaders of America got creative to distribute its Community 101 grants.
“We were able to make a decision and complete the grant process,” said Kelly Fields, business teacher and FBLA advisor. “The students were required to identify a problem in our community and create a mission statement related to the problem. Grant applicants must indicate how their organization helps to meet the mission statement. This year’s mission is to address the rise of mental health issues in today’s youth.”
With the help of the PGE Foundation, FBLA members provided $5,000 in grant funds to local nonprofit organizations that address this issue.
“I scanned and emailed each application to the students,” Fields said. “They individually reviewed each application, then held two virtual meetings to review our mission statement and discuss the applications.
“Typically we tour each nonprofit who placed an application,” she added. “Due to the shutdown, we were not able to conduct the tours.”
Fields said fortunately at least one student in the group had benefited from each nonprofit that had applied.
“The students were able to speak favorably of the organization and clarify the purpose of their program,” she said. “It was a fabulous way to witness the nonprofit organizations at work within our community.”
The Santiam Service Integration Team was awarded $2,000 for its Santiam Healthy Youth Project that addresses detriments to health and mental well-being by helping to provide safe housing, health care, healthy foods, and educational opportunities.
A grant of $1,000 went to Family Building Blocks to help fund home visitations in the Santiam Canyon and support a positive and healthy bond and attachment between parents and their children.
The Stayton Teen Center received $1,000 to pay for a grant writer to help obtain additional grants. All funds will ultimately be used to keep the teen center open and accessible to local teens.
Horses of Hope was awarded $500 to provide 20 riding sessions at the scholarship rate through the scholarship pool.
Finally, FBLA received $500 to assist with registration fees for educational conferences and workshop so that economically disadvantaged students can attend.
