Vision Coalition aids local organizations

by Jessica Pratt
Teen News Team member,
Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills

During a time when America’s current financial and economic problems are constantly splashed across news headlines, it is rare to find a story where money is not an issue. One organization that has managed to fall into the latter category is the Vision Coalition of El Dorado Hills, which is a program of El Dorado Hills Community Vision, Inc. On April 21, the group awarded $149,000 in grants to various youth development programs in the community.

During the fall of 2008, organizations aimed at providing preteens and teenagers with safe, healthy and drug-free activities submitted applications to the Vision Coalition in order to be eligible for the mini-grants. The applications were then reviewed by teens and adults in the community, and the Vision Coalition determined how much money to award. After many review sessions, the group finally came to a decision and was able to present the grants during last Tuesday’s celebration.

During the event, a few representatives from each funded program prepared a short speech in order to thank the Vision Coalition and explain what they were going to do with the money. Some of the speakers were from groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, El Dorado Musical Theater, Faithful Stewards, Hands for Hope and different programs at Oak Ridge High School, Pleasant Grove Middle School and Rolling Hills Middle School. Most of these organizations had received grants from the Vision Coalition in the past, but some new groups were introduced as well. Some of the newly funded organizations include the P.A.R.T.Y Program of Northern California, which educates teens on the dangers of drinking and driving through realistic experiential simulations including partnering with local hospitals. The Vision Coalition also presented funding for a new teen Web site called www.Teenzhub.com, where teens can read all about the latest news and activities happening in the community.

Most of the mini-grant recipients received funds for up to $5,000, but there were a few organizations that received even more money. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District Teen Center was presented with $20,000 for a five-year period, which adds up to a total of $100,000 in the end. This money will be used to increase the number of teen programs offered and the number of facilities available.

Funding for the grants was provided through Sierra Health Foundation’s REACH program, SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), and through business and individual donations. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.edhvisioncoalition.org or call (916) 941-8482.