Mentoring Programs, Emergency Squad Benefit From ACAF Grants

(Oct. 2020) The Allegany County Area Foundation selected the Family Service Society, Inc. (FSS) and the Independence Emergency Squad (IES) for $1000 each in grant support at its September meeting. The grants were made out of ACAF’s Allegany Fund, an endowment that helps Allegany County non-profits.

Corning-based FSS runs youth mentoring programs at Genesee Valley and Whitesville central schools. This year FSS is introducing an Extracurricular Enrichment comp

onent to these efforts. Focused on fun, learning, and exploration, the enrichment program will offer classes in art, aviation (through the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center), and science (with Tanglewood Nature Center).  These classes are currently being held online but will return to the school setting once on-site afterschool programing is permitted.

Research has consistently shown that students that participate in mentoring programs like these become more confident and are more likely to stay in school and less likely to engage in substance abuse and other negative behaviors. ACAF has supported these mentoring programs for the past several years.

The Independence Emergency Squad (IES) grant helps with replacement of the IES/Whitesville Fire Department sign board. “Our old sign has served the community well for many years.” Noted IES Captain   Dennis Graves. “A new sign will allow multiple announcements at one time and emergency notifications would be more visible.”  “This new electronic sign board will benefit the area and help the Emergency Squad and Fire Department in the important work they do,” says ACAF director Bruce Campbell.  “IES and the WFD did a great job coming up with funds for this project. ACAF is glad to be a part. And we really appreciate the creative thank you!” In addition to emergency and IES/WFD messages, the sign displays general local announcements, notices from schools, non-profits, etc. The electronic sign will be up and running in early to mid-winter.

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