The Help Office of Owensboro and the H.L. Neblett Community Center were each awarded a $100,000 grant Tuesday night by Impact100 Owensboro. A third nonprofit received a $38,000 residual grant, while a fourth received the $6,700 NextGen grant.
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center was chosen for the residual grant, while Beverly’s Hearty Slice was selected to receive the NextGen grant.
The Help Office will use the grant for essential upgrades such as security cameras and window terf for added security. To ensure the safety of perishable food items, they will also add a generator. Due to insufficient and inconsistent volunteers in the clothing closet, there is also a need for a newly created staff position – donation coordinator.
The Neblett Center is planning to replace two of three daycare playgrounds for ages 1-4 years old. They will remove all rubber mulch, add a soft rubber surface, and install new equipment with a sun-shade. We are excited to include updated sensory equipment that will encourage healthy early development of crucial cognitive skills like memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.
The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center supplies 100% of all blood products administered at Owensboro Health as well as 10 additional medical facilities in western Kentucky. The oldest of three centrifuges has been discontinued and must be replaced. The grant will help pay for the new one.
Beverly’s Hearty Slice was founded in 2020 and serves individuals struggling financially. They provide warm meals, hygiene products, and essential resources bi-weekly in underserved communities. The grant will help support their ongoing efforts.
“The women of Impact100 are thoughtful in where they put their dollars and by giving collectively, Impact members are a catalyst for transformational change,” said Beth Clements, president of Impact100 Owensboro.
Over the last 19 years, Impact100 members have given more than $4.3 million back into the community.
“For many nonprofit organizations, an Impact grant is a dream come true, but bringing that dream to fruition isn’t easy,” Clements said. “We are grateful for their dedication and in awe of the hard work they do every day. Thank you to our grant recipients and applicants for allowing us to be a part of the journey and celebrate your success.”
With the 20th anniversary approaching, Impact100 is extending an invitation to the women in Owensboro to join the organization in 2025.
“Every year there are grants for programs that go unfunded. Impact100 is a diverse group of women who come together as one,” Clements said. “However different our backgrounds, we are all like-minded in one thing: we want the community we live in to be the best it can be.”
Scholarship opportunities are available and pledges can be paid throughout the year. Interested individuals may become a members online through the Impact100 website at impact100owensboro.org.
