Community center, literacy program, Divine Arts Cafe awarded grant

The Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association board has voted to give $5,400 in grants to four local non-profits. Since 2013, the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association has supported local projects that educate, enhance safety, build community, and beautify the neighborhood.

 

Shelby Community Center

SCC 01The Shelby Community Center will receive $2,400 toward purchasing two moveable, height-adjustable basketball hoops for youth and family leisure use. The hoops will also be used for organized activities during the afterschool program at the Shelby Community Center and for league play for kids ages 4 to 6.  The mission of the Community Center is “to provide a variety of age and ability appropriate programs in a safe and enjoyable environment, while encouraging positive experiences through recreational activities based on the needs of the diverse communities we serve.”

 

Divine Art Cafe

Divine 02The Divine Art Cafe provides culinary training for individuals in recovery and those with disabilities, as well as outreach and inclusion for the community’s elderly. The Divine Art Cafe was awarded $1,000 towards the purchase of a commercial refrigerator. The cafe opened in August 2015 with the goal of becoming a place for the community to gather and enjoy good food and coffee while supporting those who are often marginalized by society. The cafe is located across from Rite-Aid in the back of the 604 Gallatin Ave. building.  

 

Give Me 10

Give Me 10 02Give Me 10 is a community led movement to address the issue of hunger among children in East Nashville.  The $1,000 grant will be used to help Give Me 10’s efforts this summer to provide meals and snacks to the Maplewood High School football team. More than 89% of the students at Maplewood are considered economically disadvantaged and rely on school breakfast and lunch. In the summer, consistent access to healthy food and meals can be a challenge for them.

 

East Nashville Hope Exchange

Hope Exchange 02For the second year running, the LSNA board has awarded a grant to the East Nashville Hope Exchange.  The ENHE will receive $1,000 to assist its work strengthening literacy for at-risk children in East Nashville. Their summer program serves children from kindergarten through 4th grade and focuses on intensive literacy assistance. The program is tuition-free and breakfast and lunch are provided to the students. Year-round programming builds on and continues the work begun in the summer program by following and supporting the students and families during the school year.

 

The annual grant application deadline is April 30.