CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Nine programs have been selected to receive grants from proceeds of the sale of Bradley Memorial Hospital that are administered by United Way of Bradley County.

These grants are separate from the annual United Way campaign, which began this month, said Brenda Abel, United Way president and CEO.

“Please remember that these are two separate sets of funds,” she said. “We are very excited that we are able to help programs through the grants but want to be sure that we don’t lose sight of the fact that our existing United Way-funded agencies are still dependent on contributions made during the campaign.”

When Bradley County sold its public hospital to a private company, the profits were split into two funds.

Investment income earned by one fund is awarded as grants for capital projects by the Bradley County Commission. Investment earnings from the other fund are given as grants for programs by the United Way.

Recipients of the first round of program funding include:

* AUDIO-C (Against Underage Drinking In Our Community), a prevention program in middle schools;

* Behavioral Research Institute, a preschool anger control and conflict resolution program;

* Boy Scouts of America, a wellness program combating obesity and unhealthy habits;

* Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, a youth leadership program for “at-risk” youth;

* LUDIC (Lee University Developmental Inclusive Classroom), for autistic children;

* Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, respite care and training for the elderly and their families;

* Starfish, an in-home education program to help children prepare for school;

* STARS (Students Taking a Right Stand), substance abuse prevention programs in middle schools;

* Youth Counseling Center, mental health services including counseling in Spanish and sign language if necessary.

The grants were awarded from among 29 programs that applied.

The grants total nearly $400,000, according to Matt Ryerson, United Way vice president of community investment strategy and coordinator of the Bradley Memorial Hospital Endowment Fund.

“From the information received in the grant applications, we will be reaching over 11,000 people directly, and many, many more indirectly though these grants,” Mr. Ryerson said.

The hospital endowment fund administered by United Way is about $19.5 million.

Last month the County Commission awarded grants for capital projects.

Comments