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Local
Residents Urged To Apply For Neighborhood Mini Grants
The Neighborhood Associa- tion in Hillsborough County are invited to apply for mini-grants of up to $2,500 for fiscal year 2017 to fund projects to im- prove their communities and increase civic involvement.
The applications must be submitted to the Hillsborough County’s Office of Neighbor- hood Relations by 5 p. m., on Friday, September 30th.
Applicants must participate
in an online training session be-
fore submitting their requests.
The classes are scheduled at
6:30 p.m. on the following
dates: Thursday, September
22nd, Thursday, September 27th,
and Wednesday, September 28th.
A verification code sent at the completion of the webinar must be included on the appli- cation in order for the proposal to be considered.
The mini-grants can be used for such projects as subdivision entrance signs, children’s pro- grams, neighborhood festivals, free neighborhood book library,
benches, crime watch pro- grams, disaster preparedness, websites, newsletters, and lead- ership education. Neighbor- hoods in unincorporated Hillsborough County, as well as the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace may apply.
For an application, to regis- ter for the mandatory training, and for complete information about the mini-grants process and requirements, go to HCFLGov.net/Neighborhoods and click on the “Neighborhood Grants Available” link, or call the Office of Neighborhood Re- lations at (813) 272-5860.
The neighborhood mini- grant program was established in 1988 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Com- missioners to improve and revi- talize communities, and strengthen neighborhood asso- ciations. Applications for fiscal year 2017 funding will be evalu- ated by a committee, and ap- proved by County Commissioners. Recipients will be notified by Nov. 4.
Miracles Outreach Community Development Center Announces Campaign
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
For more than 10 years, Michelle Walker and the organization she founded, Miracles Outreach Commu- nity Development Center, has provided a place for youth to live and learn, and to become productive mem- bers of society.
Miracles Outreach is launching their first citywide “Trash Two Treasure/E- Waste campaign to benefit the first area youth home- less-runway shelter.
“Help Make Miracles Hap- pen” is the slogan for the campaign, and Mrs. Walker said due to an unbe- lievable high number of dis- placed youth, the need for a youth emergency homeless- runway service shelter is needed.
“Please look in your of- fices, house, storages, and purge,” said Mrs. Walker.
“We need our overstocked, returns, outdated items such
MICHELLE WALKER Founder, Miracles Outreach Community Development Center
as furniture, appliances, clothing, shoes, and any metal items, computers, cell phones, DVDs and CDs.”
Mrs. Walker said their Fresh Start Group Homes are making strides in em- powering youth in the area, and support from the com- munity helps them continue to provide housing, training, and help thousands of multi- cultured, homeless or run-
way youth, as well as victims of human trafficking, who unfortunately are experienc- ing some of the worst and most troubling times in their lives when they should be en- joying life.
“These youth are wards of the state and the bare mini- mum is provided for their daily living expenses,” said Mrs. Walker.
“Your time, caring, and do- nations help make Miracles Happen. While education is paramount, realistic life and social skills are taught to de- velop well rounded citizens.”
Mrs. Walker said Mira- cles Outreach believes your past and present does not de- fine your future.
“While most youth come to Miracles Outreach with a variety of remarkable issues, one thing is consistent. All youth need a safe, caring en- vironment.”
If you are interested in volunteering your time and services to help these youth, call 1-866-909-2929.
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