Operation Round Up Grant Recipients 2017

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 8 applications for September 2017 in the amount of $91,000.

AMIkids - $15,000
(Clay County)
AMIkids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth (6th-12th grades) develop into responsible and productive citizens. The program works with the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide educational services for youth in the program. Grant funds will be used to purchase 145 textbooks and teachers’ editions that will serve more than 1,000 children in the program for the next 6-10 years.
 

Catholic Charities Lake City - $15,000
(Columbia, Suwannee, Union counties)
The Catholic Charities regional office in Lake City was established in 2000 to assist with unmet needs of people in five counties, regardless of race or religion. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the Feed-a-Family Rural Mobile Outreach project, which will provide more than 10,000 meals to individuals and families in identified food insecure areas in Columbia, Union and Suwannee Counties.
 

Clay County Education Foundation - $10,000
(Clay County)
The Clay County Education Foundation funds teacher mini-grants and provides classroom and enrichment supplies that extend beyond that for which general funds are available. Grant funds will be used to support programs in STEM, career and technical education, and literacy. These dollars will be matched 100 percent by the State of Florida’s funding for education foundations.
 

Rotary Club of Lake City, Inc. - $10,000
(Columbia County)
Rotary Club exists as an international service organization focused on addressing the human condition through investments of time, talent, and money. Funds from the grant will be used to sponsor the development of the Rotary Children’s Playground at Wilson’s Park in Lake City near Lake DeSoto.
 

Alachua Habitat for Humanity - $15,000
(Alachua County)
Habitat for Humanity assists low income and very low income families in obtaining decent and affordable housing by building homes using volunteer labor. Grant funds will be used to support Critical Home Repair projects, which complete repairs that are needed to make homes safe.
 

Answers Resource Facility - $5,000
(Clay, Bradford, Putnam counties)
Answers Resource Facility is a nonprofit organization in Keystone Heights that ministers to women and families through limited medical services and counseling. Funds from the grant will be used to support the Earn While You Learn program, which offers education on pregnancy, birth, parenting, and life skills.
 

Clay Behavioral Health Center, Inc. - $6,000
(Clay County)
Clay Behavioral Health Center is a caring resource providing mental health and substance abuse counseling and treatment to adults, teens, children and families in Clay County. Grant funds will be used to help remodel the children and adolescents’ waiting room and the ARNP office for children’s services.
 

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, Inc. - $15,000
(Alachua County)
The Bread of the Mighty Food Bank acquires, sorts, stores and distributes food both directly to the community and through other nonprofit agencies that provide to the needy. BMFB is the only food bank operation in a five-county area and provides mobile pantry services throughout North Florida. Funds from the grant will be used to support the Food on the Move program, which acquires and distributes donated food.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 6 applications for August 2017 in the amount of $42,000.

May Institute - $8,000
(Clay County)
The May Institute in Orange Park provides community-based services for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Grant funds will be used to purchase indoor and outdoor equipment for a pilot health and wellness program called “MAY You Be Healthy.”
 

Frank DeLuca YMCA - $2,500
(Marion County)
The purpose of the Frank DeLuca YMCA is to improve lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen spirit, mind, and body. Funds from the grant will support the YMCA Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance for those who cannot afford memberships and programs.
 

Magnolia Art Xchange, Inc. - $10,000
(Alachua, Marion, Putnam, Lake, & Volusia counties)
The Magnolia Art Xchange is a nonprofit whose mission is to repurpose historic Ocala Union Station into working artist studios, art classrooms, exhibition halls, and meeting spaces complete with gallery lighting, shared tools, and more. Grant funds will be used for a portion of the artist equipment and tools necessary for the artist in residency program, and will be matched by Fine Arts for Ocala.
 

Community Church of Keystone Heights - $10,000
(Clay, Bradford, Putnam counties)
The Community Church of Keystone Heights sponsors an annual Back-to-School Outreach event, providing nearly 300 children with clothing, shoes, hygiene products and haircuts before the school year begins. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase items for the event.
 

Liz McGrath Circle, Inc. - $1,500
(Marion County)
The Liz McGrath Circle is a volunteer group dedicated to helping the people and children of the rural community of Hog Valley. Grant funds will be used for the operating budget for the Circle’s annual Back to School Supply giveaway, which donates items to more than 80 children.
 

Camp Boggy Creek - $10,000
(All counties)
Camp Boggy Creek, located in Eustis, was founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf to make it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically-sound environment. Funds from the grant will be used to enable five families to enjoy the camp’s therapeutic programs.
 

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 5 applications for July 2017 in the amount of $54,500.

Magnolia Point Women’s Club - $9,000
(Clay County)
The Magnolia Point Women’s Club is a volunteer organization whose mission is to nourish the bodies, stimulate the minds, and increase the self-esteem of Green Cove Springs' neediest and most vulnerable children from elementary through high school. Grant funds will be used to support the Blessings in a Backpack program, which will feed 154 children by packing nutritious food in backpacks to send home each Friday during the school year.
 

Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, Inc. - $15,000
(Bradford County)
Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, Inc. is an outreach organization dedicated to the needy, deprived, seniors, and especially to the proper rearing of children to become model citizens. The group specializes in educating, teaching character, building confidence and modeling positive behavior through its after-school club, summer day camp, senior club and youth sports. The money will be used to provide personnel for the 8-week summer day camp program.
 

Keystone Heights Rotary Club - $3,000
(Clay, Bradford counties)
Rotary Club exists as an international service organization focused on addressing the human condition through investments of time, talent, and money. Funds from this grant will be used to provide approximately 100 books to each of the area’s three elementary schools to ensure that every child (kindergarten through grade 2) from a very low family income will have the opportunity to select and own a new book that has been earned through the meeting of literacy growth targets set by the teachers.
 

Vietnam Vets of America – Clay County - $12,500
(Clay County)
Vietnam Vets of America exists to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans. Grant funds will be used to help build a memorial to permanently recognize about 60 deceased soldiers from the area, from the Civil War to the present-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 

Haven Hospice - $15,000
(Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Clay & Putnam counties)
Haven Hospice is a not-for-profit, community hospice organization providing comprehensive services for end-of-life and palliative care. Money from the grant will be used to implement an Advance Care Planning Program in Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Clay and Putnam counties.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for June 2017 in the amount of $61,800.

College of Missionary Aviation - $10,000
(Clay and Bradford counties)
The College of Missionary Aviation exists to provide quality education and flight training to missionary pilot candidates. The College has served its area for a little over 2 years, and over the next 4 years is expected to have a $5 million economic impact on the local community. Money from the grant is earmarked for the general scholarship fund.
 

Middleton-Burney Elementary School - $6,700
(Putnam County)
Middleton-Burney Elementary School is located in Crescent City. Grant funds will be used to support C.A.M.P. Osprey, a 16-week program in which student leaders from the University of North Florida will serve as leadership mentors for fourth-grade boys.
 

Soldiers Freedom Outdoors - $10,000
(All counties; based in Hawthorne)
Soldiers Freedom Outdoors seeks to provide a safe, holistic place where military veterans can heal from post-traumatic stress disorder by engaging in outdoor activities. Funds from the grant will be used to expand the equine therapy program.
 

Fort King Heritage Association - $10,000
(Marion County)
The Fort King Heritage Association was formed to protect, preserve and develop the history of Fort King, a National Historic Landmark in Ocala that served as the headquarters for the Army of the South during the Second Seminole War (1837-42), and then Marion County’s first courthouse and public building (1842-44). Grant funds will contribute to the building of a replica fort on the site.
 

Habitat for Humanity - $5,100
(Columbia County)
Habitat for Humanity assists low income and very low income families in obtaining decent and affordable housing by building homes using volunteer labor. Money from the grant will be used to purchase an equipment trailer, tools and supplies.
 

George’s Lake Area Volunteer Fire Department Station 16 - $15,000
(Putnam County)
George’s Lake Area Volunteer Fire Department is a nonprofit volunteer community organization that responds to local emergencies. Its volunteers respond to medical and wildfire emergencies, assist with repairing storm damage, and monitor the well-being of senior citizens during major storms, as well as host a variety of community events. Grant funds will assist in repairing and re-roofing the station building, rehabilitating interior walls and bathrooms, and purchasing a new sign for the building and a 55-inch training monitor.
 

Salt Springs Civic Association - $5,000
(Marion County)
The Salt Springs Civic Association exists to promote the welfare and betterment of its community, and to maintain the Community Center and Civic Park. Money from the grant will go toward the construction of a new pavilion for Salt Springs Civic Park.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 7 applications for May 2017 in the amount of $62,500.

Keystone Heights Senior Center - $15,000
(Clay County)
The Keystone Heights Senior Center is a branch of Clay County’s Council on Aging, the trusted source for the health and welfare for seniors in the area. The Center plans to use the funds to redesign its kitchen workspace to accommodate an increased volume of meal preparation.
 

Voices for Children of the Suwannee Valley Inc. - $5,000
(Columbia and Suwannee counties)
Voices for Children of the Suwannee Valley Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides direct support to the abused and neglected children and volunteers served by the 3^rd Judicial Circuit through the Guardian ad Litem program. Grant funds will be used to recruit, train and retain volunteer advocates.
 

Pay It Forward Outreach Corp - $10,000
(Marion County)
Pay It Forward Outreach Corp is a charitable Christian donation program assisting families facing economic hardships by providing furniture, housewares, clothing and other essentials. The organization plans to use the grant funding for a variety of expenses, such as educational program materials, bike safety program gear for children, and truck rental.
 

Quigley House, Inc. - $15,000
(Clay County)
Quigley House is a domestic violence shelter and sexual assault program in Clay County. It operates a 24-hour emergency shelter and crisis hotline, as well as provides counseling, victim advocacy and case management. Grant funds will be used for new signage at the outreach office and for an outdoor playground set.
 

Art League of North Florida/Gateway Art Gallery - $5,000
(Columbia County)
The Art League of North Florida develops programs and services that serve the needs of artists through advocacy, networking, fundraising and grant development, and promotes the visual arts as an integral part of education. It offers several community art programs, such as the Girls’ Summit for at-risk preteen and teenage girls (with Altrusa), the Veterans’ Art Program, Art for Hospice, and the Life Style Enrichment Center. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase art supplies and materials for these programs.
 

VFW Post 10208 - $7,500
(Marion County)
VFW Post 10208 in Salt Springs offers its services to the community in a variety of ways, including hosting the Meals on Wheels program each day; organizing holiday events, such as the annual Children’s Easter Party and Christmas Party and a full Thanksgiving dinner; hosting the Warrior Hikers each year; serving as an emergency shelter; and much more. The funds from the grant will purchase a new roof for the building.
 

Friends of the Astor County Library - $5,000
(Lake County)
Friends of the Astor County Library is an organization that creates public support for expanding and improving the library. Grant funds will be used to purchase items for a teen Makerspace area to encourage creating, independent learning and project-based activities.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved 9 applications for April 2017 in the amount of $65,800.

Gainesville Agency Catholic Charities - $5,000
(Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy counties)
Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. {CCB) mission is to provide services to anyone in need, regardless of race or religion; to advocate justice, human dignity, and quality of life; and to call all people to join in these efforts thereby reflecting the compassion of God in Christ. Funds will be used to offer Direct Utility payment assistance to Clay Electric customers, and to purchase materials and supplies needed to maintain and add energy efficiency to the home, such as A/C filters, weather stripping, and glass pane replacement.
 

Salvation Army of Clay County (#15) - $3,000
(Clay County)
The Salvation Army of Clay County offers utility/rent assistance, food assistance, emotional and spiritual care, youth programming, disaster relief and much more. Grant funds will be used to purchase and repair instruments used in music instruction at the organization’s School of Performing Arts.
 

The Foundation for Florida Gateway College - $12,000
(Columbia, Union, Baker, Gilchrist counties)
The Foundation for Florida Gateway College exists solely to provide financial support for Florida Gateway College and the students it serves. Funds will be used to purchase 4 two-year scholarships from Florida Prepaid, one each for Columbia, Baker, Gilchrist and Union counties, as part of the Take Stock in Children program.
 

Pregnancy Care Center of Lake City, Inc. - $2,000
(Columbia, Suwannee counties)
The Pregnancy Care Center of Lake City, Inc. offers counseling, parenting classes, mentoring and other support services for parents. Grant funds will be used for curriculum support materials.
 

St. Phillips Lodge #55 - $5,000
(Alachua County)
St. Phillips Lodge #55 is part of the Masonic organization and offers such community service projects as Adopt a Family, Unity in the Community, back-to-school supply giveaways and youth football sponsorships. Funds will be used to support the back-to-school program and the annual Christmas toy drive.
 

The ARC of Bradford County - $7,500
(Bradford, Union counties)
The ARC of Bradford County offers work experience and training programs to assist individuals with disabilities. Grant funds will be used to replace worn out equipment used in work operation.
 

Elder Options - $14,300
(Alachua, Marion, Bradford, Lake counties)
Elder Options serves North Central Florida as the federally designated Area Agency on Aging. It offers information and referral, options and Medicaid counseling, screening for in-home services, Medicaid eligibility assistance, SHINE Medicare counseling, and a variety of education programs. Grant funds will be used to purchase support materials, host special events and develop an online Video Learning Program for the Savvy Caregiver Training program.
 

Another Way, Inc. - $12,000
(Columbia, Levy, Suwannee counties)
Another Way, Inc. provides hotline, safe shelter, individual and group counseling, court accompaniment, food, clothing, hygiene items and many other supportive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Funds will be used to purchase food, personal hygiene products and household supplies for the shelter.
 

Seeds of Grace - $5,000
(Clay County)
Seeds of Grace was founded in 2012 as a small organization focused on making a difference in the Lake Region by providing educational opportunities and life-enriching skills to at-risk children and impoverished families. Grant funds will be used to purchase materials for an irrigation system for its new Community Garden project in High Ridge Estates.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved nine applications for March 2017 in the amount of $73,000.

The ARC of Putnam County - $10,000
(Putnam County)
The ARC of Putnam County, Inc. provides advocacy, individually tailored living environments, meaningful day activities, work training, employment services and support to approximately 130 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and spina bifida. Grant funds will be used to enhance the outdoor and backyard area of the John’s Place Group Home to be safe and fully accessible.
 

Columbia Public Schools Foundation - $4,000
(Columbia County)
The Columbia Public Schools Foundation raises funds to support and enhance Columbia County School District programs, including managing scholarships from private organizations, recognizing the Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee nominees, and selectively funding academic competitions. The Foundation recently opened an Educators' Emporium for teachers. The Educators' Emporium is a "store" where teachers can get items for their classrooms for free. The Emporium is supported solely by donations from community businesses. Funds will be used to purchase supplies for the Emporium.
 

Elder Care Alachua County - $10,000
(Alachua County)
ECAC provides in-home and community based services that enable elderly clients to remain independent in their own homes for as long as they are able. Elder Care is perhaps best known for its Meals on Wheels program, but it also provides many other services that increase the quality of life for the frail elderly who live on a very limited income. Funds will be used to support the meal program.
 

First United Methodist Hawthorne - $9,000
(Alachua County)
First United Methodist Hawthorne and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion have entered into a collaborative effort to serve the most vulnerable population within Hawthorne and surrounding areas. Hawthorne Area Resource Center (HARC) will serve as a food pantry and resource center. Funds will be used to provide the ministry site with an HVAC system, including duct work, in order to make a healthy and safe environment for the food pantry and outreach ministry.
 

Lee Conlee House - $10,000
(Putnam County)
The Lee Conlee House is the certified domestic violence center serving Putnam County. Its mission is to stop the campaign of violence by providing crisis intervention, emergency shelter, advocacy, treatment, prevention, and education through the establishment of community partnerships. Grant funds will be used to support the Children of Hope program, a youth-targeted domestic violence program.
 

Mercy Support Services - $10,000
(Clay County)
Mercy Support Services (MSS) is built on the premise of "A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out", guiding individuals and families from a temporary crisis to permanent self-sufficiency. MSS operates the only Supportive Housing Program in all of Clay County. Grant funds will be used to update and replace appliances (water heaters, air conditioners/heating units, refrigerators, washers, dryers and stoves) with more energy-efficient models.
 

Seamark Ranch - $10,000
(Clay County)
Seamark Ranch, Inc. (a nonprofit corporation) was organized in Northeast Florida in 2001 to provide a solid Christian home for abused, neglected, abandoned, orphaned, and homeless children in need of a chance. The Ranch is dedicated to an environment filled with grace, love and service which fosters emotional healing in reclaiming the lives of such children. The Ranch's major source of revenue is private contributions. Funds will be used for its 2017 Student Work Study program.
 

Special Olympics FL-Clay County - $2,500
(Clay County)
The mission of Special Olympics Florida -Clay County is to provide year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in order to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Funds will be used to support the cost of athlete participation.
 

Stirrups ‘n Strides - $7,500
(Marion County)
Stirrups ‘n Strides’ mission is to provide therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to anyone with physical, mental or emotional challenges, and to improve the quality of life for these individuals with the opportunity for emotional, educational and physical growth through horsemanship and competition. Funds will be used for scholarships and for the supplies needed to build stalls in the new covered arena.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved nine applications for February 2017 in the amount of $74,000.

Clay County Habitat for Humanity - $7,500
(Clay County)
Since 1977, Clay County Habitat for Humanity's mission has been to build or renovate homes for low to moderate income families in partnership with the community. Grant funds from the Foundation will help with the construction of an affordable home for a family.
 

10 Can Inc. - $10,000
(Alachua County)
This organization is an outdoor ministry for military families. They rehabilitate Wounded Warriors by strengthening their family foundation. This is done through outdoor recreational therapy, creating outdoorsmen and providing wilderness experiences for urban families. Funds will be used to support the GAT (Growing Adolescents Today) program. While this program focuses on children of military and first responder families, it is open to all children. GAT programs include a children’s garden, wilderness survival camps, rite-of-passage, father-daughter dance, mother-son spring day, hunting and fishing expeditions, river retreats, school field trips, martial arts and more.
 

Putnam Habitat for Humanity - $12,000
(Putnam County)
Founded in 1991, Putnam Habitat for Humanity serves residents of Putnam County based on need. Funds from the Foundation will be used to help build a home for a veteran in Palatka. Putnam Habitat is planning to build more homes for veterans in the area, as it has determined there is a need for this type of housing in the county.
 

Christian Service Center of Columbia County - $7,500
(Columbia County)
The Christian Service Center of Columbia County is a nonprofit serving the residents of Columbia County since 1984. The scope of assistance provided includes food, clothing, utility bills, gas assistance, bus tickets, emergency lodging and prescription assistance. The organization serves approximately 10,000 clients (includes all family members) per year. The grant funds will be used for the Christian Service Center’s Client Assistance Program to help residents with their utility bills.
 

PACE Center for Girls Clay - $7,500
(Clay County)
PACE Center for Girls Clay opened in January 2015 and focuses on the power and potential of girls in Clay County. The program features a balanced emphasis on academics and social services with a focus on the future for middle- and high school-aged girls and young women. It currently serves 50 girls from throughout the county, and served 100 girls in fiscal year 2016. Funds will be used to help pay for the programs and interventions needed to help at-risk girls be successful in school, relationships and in the future.
 

Kids Feeding Kids in Columbia County - $2,500
(Columbia County)
Kids Feeding Kids in Columbia County began in 2012 as an initiative to provide fresh vegetables to food insecure children served by the Columbia County School District. The program also seeks to show children where food comes from by teaching them about gardening and agriculture. Funds from the Foundation will be used to purchase a Verti-Gro system to enable the students and educators to produce more vegetables and expand the reach of the program to more schools and students throughout the county.
 

Putnam County Fair Authority - $7,500
(Putnam County)
The Putnam County Fair Authority is a board appointed by the Putnam County Commission to oversee the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the fairgrounds and facilities. Also, the annual Putnam County Fair is organized and produced by this board. The funds from the Foundation grant will be used to enhance the Expo Hall by purchasing a PA system for the facilities. The Expo Hall has quickly become a much-needed and sought after building for many groups to use for meetings and other functions throughout the year. The building needs upgrades to accommodate the needs of the community.
 

Communities in Schools of Bradford County - $7,500
(Bradford County)
Communities in Schools of Bradford County surrounds students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The organization serves nearly 1,600 students. Funds will be used for the “Guys in Ties – Teen Pregnancy Prevention Through Teen Empowerment” program.
 

Florida Center for the Blind - $12,000
(Marion and surrounding counties)
The Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. is a non-profit serving Marion and surrounding counties. The organization provides services to any individual who is blind or visually impaired. Funds will be used to create a pilot intervention program to provide rehabilitative training and intervention services to any individual who has a severe visual impairment or progressive disease to enable them to have the skills to maintain their confidence and independence as their vision is deteriorating.

The Clay Electric Foundation approved seven applications for January 2017 in the amount of $71,160.

ACORN Clinic - $10,000
(Alachua, Bradford, Union counties)
Founded in 1974, the ACORN Clinic uses volunteers to provide high-quality, low-cost health and dental care to low-income patients with and without insurance and with little financial resources to pay for their medical needs. The funds will be used toward replacement of the current HVAC system and installation of insulation in the medical clinic. The system is more than 15 years old, and replacing it will improve energy efficiency.
 

Lake Area Ministries - $10,000
(Clay, Bradford, Putnam counties)
Lake Area Ministries (LAM), an all-volunteer organization, is primarily a food pantry focusing on feeding needy families. As funds allow, the organization assists with other basic needs. The funds will be used to assist families in need with electric bills, gas to help clients get to medical appointments, gas for home heating and cooking, and non-narcotic prescriptions.
 

Fort McCoy Little League - $12,160
(Marion County)
Funds will be used to purchase new baseball equipment including helmets, catchers’ sets, bats, bases, a moveable pitcher’s mound and a batting cage. Funds will also be used for a new septic tank, a new roof and framing for the bleachers, and new clay to bring the field up to league standards.
 

Happy House - $12,000
(Columbia, Suwannee counties)
Happy House serves socioeconomically disadvantaged families through a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program. Funds will be used to purchase specialized playground equipment to promote the physical development of children by providing a range of outdoor opportunities that build gross motor skills, collaboration and social interaction.
 

Rodeheaver Boys Ranch - $10,000
Palatka (located in Putnam, serves all counties)
Founded in 1950, the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch is a 790-acre sanctuary for boys who need a home, a family, and roots for a brighter future. Funds will be used to run electricity to the Boy Scout camp on the ranch.
 

Friends of the Micanopy Library - $5,000
(Alachua, Marion counties)
Funds will be used to support the Micanopy Tutoring program, which provides free, after-school, one-on-one tutoring and mentoring so that at-risk, poorly performing K-12 students can reach their educational potential and increase their self-esteem.
 

BASCA Inc. - $12,000
(Clay County)
BASCA, Inc. focuses on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve a higher quality of life and sense of belonging. Funds will be used to support the BASCA CREATIONS Project. This project is part of a life skills development program and teaches social and communication skills as well as helping individuals to stay on a task and complete it; follow directions; work independently and in teams; develop their creative nature; and be self-reliant. Examples of creative activity choices include arts, crafts, dancing, music, writing, photography, woodworking and ceramics.