The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation identified as its theme “Liberating the Peninsula Community.” As part of this theme, the Foundation awarded funds to organizations providing transformational services, especially for high barrier populations which are least served, least desirable to serve, and the most vulnerable.
The Foundation’s 2014-15 funding was three pronged.
A $125,000 grant was awarded to the Center for Child & Family Services to support the Breaking Free Program, a prostitution diversion program and LAUNCH, a program designed to help youth aging-out of foster care, youth leaving residential treatment and youth exiting incarceration, gain the skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood. Both programs began with two 2013-14 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation grants.
The Foundation awarded four $20,000 Core Operating Support Grants. For these grants, the Board of Directors chose to give priority to the area of housing for high barrier populations. Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Gloucester Housing Partnership, Natasha House and Transitions Family Violence Services received the four grants.
One $100,000 grant was awarded to two agencies who would work in partnership, co-labor to Liberate the Peninsula Community. The partnership would enable the participating agencies to make a significant impact in addressing a need, or working toward a solution to a complex/serious problem. The recipients of the grant were VersAbility Resources and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. The grant will fund a two-year Ready 2 Work program serving at least 60 Peninsula youth.
The Foundation also provided $5,000 in Discretionary Grants, $10,000 for emerging needs, and $10,000 for ongoing education for nonprofit staff.