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Special Safety Grants Awarded

December 03, 2018

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the first round of recipients of its special grant opportunity related to safety. During the 2017 Community Conversations process held in partnership with United Way of Hancock County, safety was ranked as one of the top issue areas by participating Hancock County residents.

“Hancock County is very safe in the typical meaning of the word. But certain groups like the elderly and youth often feel vulnerable. Better informing and preparing our community to face familiar or new challenges, like human trafficking, will add to the quality of life of everyone who lives or works in Hancock County,” said Katherine Kreuchauf, President of The Community Foundation.

The recipients are:

  • 50 North - $10,045
    • These funds will support 50 North in creating an Emergency Response System (ERS) for Older Adults. 50 North will work with emergency response companies to provide assistance to Hancock County residents over the age of 50 who do not qualify for assistance through the Medicaid waiver program or Veterans Services. The ERS would be available to assist with falls, strokes, heart attacks and more.
  • American Red Cross, North Central Ohio Chapter - $5,000
    • This grant will support the creation of a pilot program called the Community Preparedness Education Program (CPEP). CPEP is a new series of free coordinated courses, educational programs, and presentations. CPEP’s objective is to establish a comprehensive, nationwide preparedness safety education program that enhances the resilience of individuals, households, organizations, and communities when challenged by disaster and empowers people to save lives when witnessing life-threatening events.
  • Boy Scouts of America – Black Swamp Area Council - $10,000
    • The Boy Scouts of America Black Swamp Area Council will implement Youth Protection Training for all volunteers to ensure the safety of local scouts. Additionally, scouts will be required to complete a cyber-bullying training, bullying awareness and tactics to protect themselves. Sessions will also be offered for other community volunteers.
  • The Family Center - $3,500
    • These funds will allow for camera upgrades and an additional DVR at The Family Center.
  • Northwest Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition of Hancock County - $10,000
    • This campaign of the Rescue and Restore Coalition will focus on outreach to those most likely to interact with human trafficking victims. The program will educate health care providers, social service organizations and law enforcement to help better identify and help victims. There will also be education materials shared with community members, neighborhood block watch groups, church groups and more to help raise awareness of the signs of trafficking.
“We are pleased to support these organizations in work regarding safety in our community. Looking at each of these projects, they have the potential to increase feelings of safety in our community, whether it be with seniors, households, businesses, families, or youth,” said Brian Treece, Program Director – Community and Organizational Development and Evaluation.