tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/fr/projects?page=25 2025-03-13T15:39:19Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/234826 2023-09-27T00:00:00Z 2025-03-13T15:39:19Z Traditional social justice efforts chronicle Black American experiences by highlighting violent histories and intersectional oppression. While it is important to combat the material consequences and emotional toll of violence and exclusion on Black people, an unintended outcome is that we are only known for the things done to us and are characterized in perpetual struggle. This approach erases the fullness of Black people’s humanity, particularly how we experience joy and affirm ourselves as a people. This challenge is even more difficult to overcome in State College due to the dearth of spaces dedicated to making Black residents feel seen and joyful outside the parameters of Black History Month and calendarized events marking Civil Rights landmarks. The Black Joy Archive is an initiative that seeks to address this missing component of justice work in State College. The initiative comprises of two components: a funk-inspired concert called “Tonight, We Dance!” tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023 and a pop-up expo. During the performance, audience members will respond the question, “where do you experience or observe Black joy in State College?” Responses will be written down on blank cards and pinned to the expo wall, giving others opportunity to read multiple responses. We plan on conducting short video interviews with willing audience members and will ask them about their engagement with the show and their response to the expo question. The goal is to generate multiple artifacts that will constitute State College’s inaugural Black Joy Archive. The written responses, interviews, and concert recording will be submitted to the Racial Equity Advisory Commission to record as public local history. We also hope to submit the artifacts to Penn State’s Blockson Collection of African-Americana and the African Diaspora, so that these experiences of joy are well documented and preserved for future generations. Wideline Seraphin "Tonight, We Dance!"- Concert & Black Joy Expo https://radio.wpsu.org/race-identity-and-culture/2018-10-17/soul-space-uses-music-for-storytelling-and-healing-in-state-college United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228435 2023-09-26T00:00:00Z 2023-09-27T16:12:35Z We just soft launched our community peer support outreach days on 7/11 and 7/13. Our peer support is for neurodivergent, disabled, queer, and mad-identifying folk. A pair of folks from our 5 person team drove to meet with people in Multnomah County who scheduled a peer support visit with us. We met in their homes or a place they felt most comfortable (like a park). Since our name is Call Bubbie ("grandma" in Yiddish) we brought a bag of goodies (mental health buttons, Oreos, and strawberry hard candy) and a print out we created specific to each person we visited of resource referrals. This referral sheet included peer support resources and local resources. They were important because for further connecting folks after the call ended since broader disability and mental health disabilities can be really isolating. When visited folks out in the community, we did a 1.5-2 hour peer support session. We like to say that peer support sessions act as a way for someone to not have to be in their brain alone. After the call, we followed up with any additional resources and peer groups we thought would be beneficial. Ultimately, we would also like to host a monthly peer support group folks can be referred to after our visit ends. Bee Sheeler Call Bubbie https://www.callbubbie.org/ United States Portland, OR https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/portland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230663 2023-09-26T00:00:00Z 2023-09-27T00:34:49Z I am currently working on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. For my project I am working with Old Farm Rockport to give them a permanent structure over an activities table they use and a native plant garden. Old Farm Rockport is a non profit that houses people with severe brain injuries. In addition, they run programs for non resident community members. There are two parts to my project. They have a patio next to a shed. I am creating a roof structure to cover the patio used for work projects and eating. It will be 10'x12' and have a pitched top. I will have to clear the area out for where my roof project will be. They have some old flower planters there that I will have to remove so I can create my covering. I will also be taking out a window and restructuring the side of the shed to fit a new door that connects to the covered area to help with accessing the shed. This will allow the residents to use the area during inclement weather as well as provide shade during summer days. Currently they do not utilize the area if it is raining or too hot. I will also be creating a native plant garden that will help restore a balanced ecosystem there. It will be located right at the entrance of their property. They have a fenced in flower garden that is a major part of their summer program. They wish to start a multi year project to develop a portion of their front lawn into an area filled with native plants. I will clear an area for future planting. I will also be constructing a 10 by 10 flower bed for native plants to better help the environment there and to help the residents. Anna Drost Eagle Scout Project to Benefit Old Farm Rockport United States Rockport, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/rockport tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231519 2023-09-26T00:00:00Z 2023-10-02T15:56:22Z The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter in Partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art and local artist (Gabriel Moreno) have come together to create an ofrenda honoring those who have passed away from Alzheimer's and dementia. To celebrate the ofrenda, we will also be hosting a community event which will be free to attendees. For everyone who comes to see the ofrenda, they will also have the chance to upload a picture of their own loved one who has passed from the disease to our digital ofrenda (https://alzheimers-illinois.org/Ofrenda/). Throughout this project, we hope to raise awareness of the free bilingual resources that the Alzheimer's Association can provide to family members in the Hispanic/Latino community. Amelia Garza Alzheimer's/Dementia Ofrenda https://alzheimers-illinois.org/Ofrenda/ United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223353 2023-09-25T00:00:00Z 2023-09-25T14:59:57Z The Wilds is a 40 acre park and nature reserve close to the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was derelict and abandoned 9 years ago, when I began a clean-up which grew into a volunteer-driven restoration, transorming this historic space into a sanctuary for nature, enjoyed by an extraordinary diversity of people. It has gone from being a space feared by the residents of the city, to the top-rated park in the city, and the winner of several awards. One of the key elements used to bring people back to the park has been the installation of artworks, which I began by donating my own sculptures, and since grown to include many other artists. We have found that mosaic works very well - it's brightly coloured, hardy in this outdoor environment, and benefits many emerging artists. And, we can commission designs which put a spotlight on local wildlife and flora, bringing an educational element - the park is visited by thiousands of children every month, and this is a visual way to teach them. The Wilds is a public park, free of charge to everyone, open every day of the year, and owned by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. The Friends of The Wilds is a registered non-profit, and enables specialist improvement projects in this public space. James Delaney Mosaics for The Wilds https://www.facebook.com/groups/1582183308538762 Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233654 2023-09-25T00:00:00Z 2023-09-27T01:28:17Z I would like to use the funding to bring back our community's Halloween Haunted House this year and ensure we can continue this event annually. The Haunted House will consist of 5-7 Halloween themed rooms to include the Field of Screams, Creepy Clown Carnival, the Zombie Asylum, the Butcher Shop, Ghost Resurrection, and the Purge. Kids ages 12 and under will be guided in groups through a tour of the Haunted House as they try to "survive" from our scare actors inside. The tour last 10-12mins. After the tour, each child will receive a candy bag. This event will be FREE for all of the children in our community. Once Halloween is over, all of the decor, props, machines and masks will be stored properly for use again. Marquis Haskel SW (Bellevue) Halloween Haunted House United States Washington, DC https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/dc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228429 2023-09-21T00:00:00Z 2023-10-19T21:17:08Z I am developing a 2SLGBTQ+ choir open to 2SLGBTQ+ and allied adults of the Kingston region. 2SLGBTQ+ choirs have been site to connect with similar-identity peers, build community, develop musical skills, and engage in political advocacy. Canada has seen rates of hate crimes rise in recent years, and I can think of no better response than gathering together to make something beautiful and share it with the world. Choirs are a great gathering place that is structured, non-sexual, and sober - making it a safe place to find community outside of gatherings at bars. Choral participation can also improve health equity, self-esteem, which is highly relevant as 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians are more likely to experience mental illness and healthcare discrimination. My hope is that we can be a safe haven for 2SLGBTQ+, questioning, and allied people to find solace and build a healthy and diverse community in a time of sociopolitical turmoil. Ren Challacombe Spectrum Voices - A 2SLGBTQ+ Choir https://linktr.ee/spectrumvoices Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229955 2023-09-21T00:00:00Z 2023-10-19T15:18:21Z Norland Middle, located in Miami, is a Magnet Arts and Drama school that serves 680 students of which approximately 80% of the students receive free and reduced lunch. My personal desire is to volunteer after school and teach at least 20-30 Honor Roll students each quarter how to craft, and use the Cricut machines to make T-shirts for our different Clubs and student of the month while learning a skill to be self-sufficient and become future entrepreneurs if given a grant to purchase these tools. With the skill, the students will learn how to assist in the enhancement of simple drama and dance costumes, t-shirts, or personalized items in-house. They will learn how to design props and build stages and backdrops for all school productions that have been outsourced for years. Receiving the financial support to purchase the tools to launch this program, students will eventually learn a skill that they can use to start their own small business from designing a website for placing orders, to sewing, photography, videography, and much more. They will learn how to manage a business by learning about financial management, credit management, investing, and savings as part of the curriculum. Allowing our students to participate in these programs and activities will create a sense of school pride. It will give them a chance to apply the knowledge they attain in the classroom through real-world projects or even by starting their own small business. Marica Mitchell Norland Middle School Business Center United States Miami, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/miami tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228447 2023-09-20T00:00:00Z 2023-09-25T23:56:26Z Westlakes Athletics Club is a local volunteer-run non-profit organisation that has a strong tradition of providing athletics training and competition for local families in the Westlakes region and surrounds. We strive to keep our registration fees as low as possible to enable greater participation amongst local families, however this means that the majority of our facilities tend to be either donations from local entities and residents, or scraped together with the limited resources that we have. We use Wangi Athletics Oval for our competition nights and annual Gala day, and conduct the majority of the upkeep and maintenance of the oval ourselves, despite it being a Council facility and used by the local community. Outside of our athletics events, members of the local community regularly use the facilities 7 days a week, for athletics training, general fitness, and play. It is also used by the Wangi Warriors Rugby League Club. This maintenance incurs a cost that we struggle to cover with our limited funds. We are seeking assistance with some of the basic maintenance so that not only can we can continue to offer our services to our local families for the upcoming athletics season (starting 1st September), but so that the local community members who use these facilities during the week can continue to safely do so. We would be delighted to acknowledge Awesome Lake Mac's support with social media and website recognition and have the ability to place branding at our events if requested. Tony Campbell Maintenance of Wangi Athletics Oval http://www.westlakeslac.org.au/ Australia Lake Mac https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/lakemac tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226348 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2023-11-28T13:45:24Z **website is for the park friends group, we don't yet have a dedicated food forest website Fernhill Park is Philadelphia's 2nd largest city park, and within it are many areas that have been neglected and overgrown with aggressive weeds. In 2021 we began transforming one of these areas into a community "food forest"- in short, a diverse planting of edible plants that seek to mimic a forest ecosystem. Focusing on perennials, we have over a dozen fruits trees, shrubs, berry bushes, herbs, flowers, with many annual vegetables as well. The food forest has already brought many people in the surrounding community together in a magical way, sparking interest and engagement from all ages and socio economic backgrounds. We have hosted educational activities with children from the neighborhood and 2 different nearby schools, and the diversity (and deliciousness) of what is growing has something to interest anyone. The mission of the food forest is one of empowerment, health, education, and connection. Many people in our community have little to no access to healthy produce. The benefits of bringing everyone together to grow our own fruits, vegetables and herbs is honestly too long to list in this application, but I hope will be sufficiently self evident. Jaron Olevsky Fernhill Food Forest https://www.friendsoffernhill.com/ United States Philadelphia, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/philadelphia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226906 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2024-05-13T08:09:01Z Following on from a successful theme from the Fleurieu Future Leaders Program, of the importance of "growing your forest" (building community connection being the key to resilience), I'm proposing a project to deliver a podcast series (10x episodes) of conversations with Fleurieu leaders. The podcast would consist of me having heart-led conversations with Fleurieu icons, in relation to mental health, personal reflections, experiencing of supporting others, building healthy culture within their organisations and wider community. The intention is to gain insight, advice, stories and support strategies for the wider community, as we continue to navigate increased challenges in life. The podcast will aim to build a greater sense of community and highlight the importance of "growing your forest" in order to be resilient in the face of adversity. As a registered counsellor, mental health advocate and educator, the conversations will be strengths focussed and trauma informed. The intention would be to ensure listeners are inspired to lean into the challenges of life, knowing they have the collective support of their community. I anticipate leveraging existing relationships within the Fleurieu community to support and promote the series. Matt Newlands Community Connection-Growing the Fleurieu Forest Australia Fleurieu https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/fleurieu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227856 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2023-08-29T14:38:15Z We, all across the Board, have seen a drastic increase in food insecurity. We are no strangers to this at Dr. Denison SS. Last year, we were able to secure funding from President's Choice Children's Charity that we will now not be getting. Those funds allowed us to provide healthy breakfast and lunch choices to our student population. At the present time, we do receive some funding from the Ministry and we also have partnered with Food Banks of York Region but this is not sufficient to offer the quality of programming we wish to offer. We are wanting to build intentional community by caring for each other in various ways. We would have our hospitality students cook meals once a week for students who may need meals due to financial challenges in their homes. Rita Goverde Denison Nutrition Program http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/denison.ss/Pages/default.aspx Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233069 2023-09-19T00:00:00Z 2023-10-18T13:24:01Z Eu Zélia Aparecida Teixeira moradora a mais de 25 Anos no Parque da cachoeira , sendo a 15 Anos desde 2015 onde eu iniciei um projeto social , devido ter uma grande quantidade de crianças no bairro. Onde não proporciona atividade esportiva , cultural e musical , onde as crianças ficam sozinhas , jogadas na rua , sem motivação , não ganham presentes . em seus dias de aniversários eu e mais algumas amigas fizemos a primeira confraternização social , com as mães e as crianças . onde fornecemos alimentação brinquedos , para as crianças brincarem , como pula pula piscina de bolinhas, maquina de algodão doce maquina de pipocas , Palhaços. E onde no final , nos realizamos uma distribuição de brinquedos . Onde possivelmente as crianças ganham esses brinquedos durante o ano , somente nesse evento . Sendo assim estou enviando as fotos das imagens que realizamos no ano de 12/10/2022 . Devido ao rompimento da Vale muitas dessas crianças estão fazendo tratamento psicológicos Zélia Aparecida Teixeira 15 Anos de Ação Social Parque da Cachoeira Brazil Brumadinho (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/brumadinho tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222319 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-09-18T20:35:36Z In the poverty- and trauma-impacted rural community of Taos in northern New Mexico, Queerious is an off-campus, innovative, and rare after-school program for LGBTQIA+ teens to tell their stories and feel free to talk about their feelings and share their struggles without judgment or stigma. We have the goals of supporting LGBTQIA by listening to their struggles; and of creating a media format that projects their true stories. Led by a multi-lingual self-identified lesbian with a passion for human rights and self-expression. HOW? • Our overall objective will be to tell our stories without judgment or stigma, have a dialogue about the importance of intersectionality, mental health disparities across social identities, risk factors involving being out and or staying in the closet, we will take a look on how conversion therapy affects a human being in their entire life span, how parents view their LGBTQIA+ child, affirming spaces and activities specially at school, policies and practices that support transgender and non-binary youth among other topics that may arise. • After covering most or all of the topics above we will evaluate how and where to tell our stories. And having all the necessary tools, we can produce a short film, a podcast, or film a short doc-series (that could be a continuous form of art that we can pass on to future students.) WHAT? A Podcast (this will cover several topics!) PSAs (sound and restricted images/video) Anything the students want to create! Later: A film Photograph exhibit Welcome Lindsey Queerious http://www.TrueKids1.org Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230461 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-10-16T05:21:40Z #TOYZSTEAM Dah-Varsity Scholars is a program focused on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) creator industry. Through its Dah-Varsity app, users are taken into an interactive world where people are empowered to be the superhero version of themselves. The goal is to improve the economic mobility of disadvantaged populations by exposing them to STEAM. The program uses digital storytelling, 3D modeling, game design, coding, audio production, music, and entrepreneurship to teach students how to create, sell, and tell their stories through designing and manufacturing superhero toys. Damola Idowu TOYZSTEAM and the DAH-VARSITY SCHOLARS https://toyzelectronics.com/ United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233367 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-10-06T17:40:21Z "Arts in the Hills" aims to unite the community through creativity and artistry, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the immense talent that resides within Pine Hills. Mark your calendars for a day of artistic immersion and cultural revelry that promises to leave you inspired and enchanted. This one-day event promises an immersive experience, bringing together an array of performing arts performances that include dance, acting, film, singing, instrumentalists, comedy, and local artists. Jeremiahya Anderson Arts in the Hills United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/233486 2023-09-18T00:00:00Z 2023-09-19T11:58:27Z SHADOW DANCING is inspired by a series of unique photographs by award winning multi disciplinary artist FRANC PALAIA, based on an historic series of urban wall paintings by world renowned and street artist pioneer, Richard Hambleton. The photo series entitled, NightLife, is a collection of color photographs taken by Palaia in New York City from 1981-87. The black shadow wall paintings depict standing, posing and jumping life sized human figures that appeared throughout NYC and the world, a total of 400 or 500 in total. In the early 1980s, these ominous black shadow figures caused a sensation of fear, mystery, anxiety and un-ease throughout NYC and worldwide Shadow Dancing is an animated version of the NightLife photographs. The performance includes four dancers, dressed in black and moving and posing, simulating the shadow paintings but animated accompanied by live music performed by Nate Jackson (Nick’s twin brother) on keyboards and artist Franc Palaia on drums and percussion. The dancers move behind a large 10’x40’ translucent scrim which is illuminated from behind, and in turn makes the dancers appear only in shadow. The performers pose, dance, twirl and jump according to the musical beat. The musical beats include Hip Hop, Fusion, Afro, ethereal and Funk. A variety of props help to enhance the animated dancers which include wings, headwear, swords, sparklers and rope. The dancers perform individually as well as in groups of two , three and four. The audience can follow along by identifying particular moves and poses that resemble the shadow figures in Palaia’s NightLife photo book. My Goal with this project is to create a platform for Dance theater programming for the youth of Poughkeepsie. A combination of dance, music, and photography. Nicholas Jackson Shadow dancing United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226484 2023-09-15T00:00:00Z 2023-10-01T15:50:46Z At Farm in the Dell, our mission is transforming disabilities into abilities through purposeful work and life experiences in a community farm setting. We don’t just grow produce. At our core, we serve people with developmental disabilities – adults, young and old, who live with Autism, Down’s Syndrome, etc. who were born with chronic conditions and were dealt a hand in life that no amount of money, hours in the field, or boxfuls of tomatoes will ever erase. With that said, we work hard everyday to support our employees through livable wages, prayer, friendship. In our commitment to further the mission/impact at the farm, we are looking to further expand our employment opportunities. Currently, our space at the farm consists of tilled field and a pole barn (with no bathroom, no floor, no heat, no air condit), not allowing us to provide employment outside of the growing season, which is between May - Oct. It is with deep sadness that we have to say goodbye to our employees each fall, hoping/praying that they not only return the following spring, but, more importantly, that they find other means of employment/other places to belong/have purpose during the off-season. Because we don’t have a usable structure on the farm to grow produce outside of the regular growing season, we don’t have a way to start seedlings in the spring, meaning that we have to either rent space from a local nursery or outsource the process. In turn, it forces us to stall the onboarding of our employees until we are ready to transplant our seedlings into the ground, and we lose out on them being a part of the initial planting process in early spring. Starting this year, we are attempting to lengthen our employment season by renovating the old unusable greenhouse on our property, which was built/used before we moved onto the property. If we had a working greenhouse on-site, we start our own seedlings and do succession planting, allowing us to lengthen our employee season by one to two months. Anna Sather Greenhouse Ronnovation http://farminthedellrrv.org United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231436 2023-09-14T00:00:00Z 2023-11-30T00:23:42Z We are proud to announce our 22nd $1,000 grantee, Mississippi Meets Mississippi. We chose this project because Mississippi Creative Arts Elementary School is building community with this project. Fourth and fifth grade students will have a hands-on learning experience on the Mississippi River to better understand the river’s connection to science, history, art and culture. According to Kathleen Kreitzer, teacher and grant applicant, "Our school, Mississippi Creative Arts is working to build identity and community. The theme for our year is "Mississippi Meets Mississippi." We are attempting to create hands on experience that connect students to the Mississippi River and provide them with a better understanding of the river and its connection to science, history, art, culture, etc. Last year during PLC (professional learning community) every grade level brainstormed focused lessons on our theme. Teachers would like to offer field trip opportunities for our students that connect to this learning. The Big River Journey would be a perfect field trip. Students would actually get to be on the Mississippi River for a memorable hands on learning experience. From the experience, our students will create an art piece to be shared at an All School Assembly. " Katie Kreitzer Mississippi meets Mississippi (River Boat Journey https://riverrides.com/school-trips/big-river/ United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223021 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z 2023-09-16T11:51:33Z I am a clinical herbalist and herb farmer, and I want to put this show on the road so that I can reach more folks in need of holistic health! As an herbalist, accessing an apothecary is crucial-both for myself and my clients. And we don't have one anywhere close by! We are an herb desert here in Westminster. I've been having more and more people requesting herbs to support their health, but my personal apothecary is in my basement. It is not accessible to many folks, and is not the professional look I would like for it to be. Which leads me to the project: the mobile herbal clinic and apothecary! I am looking to renovate a vintage travel trailer, outfitted with my office space to meet with clients, and storage/shelving to provide bulk herbs. I would also like to provide my Reiki services here, as well. This trailer provides multiple benefits to the community. Aside from bringing it to clients who have limited access to transportation, I will also use it as my physical office space on our property, the Barefoot Medicine Farm. I offer donation-based outdoor community yoga, teach workshops about ethical harvestation and foraging, and am soon to lead plant walks. I just need a place for people to use the bathroom- hence, the trailer. Amy Boldt Mobile Herb Clinic and Apothecary http://www.thewildwomanmedicine.com United States Westminster, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/westminster tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230997 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z 2023-09-14T13:40:01Z Since World War II, American’s have been convinced that the only attractive lawn is a monoculture– a dedicated space around a home covered uniformly with only one type of plant: turfgrass. This is terrible-- for the soil, for our aquifers, and for our pollinator friends. The chemical lawn industry has marketed a standard ideal to Americans which is simply unsustainable– in both the short term and the long term. Because of the chemical industry’s marketing, any amount of diversity is seen as a failure in one’s lawn. Prior to World War II, however, plants like clover were regularly included in standard grass seed mixes and dandelions were not seen as a nuisance. Homeowners far too often expect perfection from their lawn, because this is what the chemical industry has convinced us is “normal.” In an ongoing effort to attain that level of perfection, synthetic chemicals are applied again and again, in the hopes that any flaws will be instantly fixed. This eradication of any amount of diversity from lawns is contributing to the decline of pollinators’ populations. Without clover populating the landscape, bees and other insects can’t find enough of the food they need to sustain their numbers. So our plan is to help homeowners incorporate Dutch White Clover back into their lawns, free of charge! As we secure funding, we'll purchase bulk clover seed, divide it into quarter-pound packages, and give it away until the supply is gone, or until we secure more funding. Steve Veldheer Pollinators Eat for Free http://www.GoodSweetEarth.org United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227979 2023-09-12T00:00:00Z 2023-09-23T15:29:04Z Huge congrats to last night’s AWESOME Pitch Night winner: the group behind the Beautification of Caroline Ave. They’ll be spending the $1000 to add benches, a bike rack, and other smaller things to make the community more comfortable and cheerful for their residents. Thank you to Heidi Pearson, Tina Banks, and Ellen O’Connor! It was nearly impossible to decide the winner with 3 incredible applications, but this crew had a super strong plan, and we couldn’t say “no”. Heidi Pearson Beautification of Caroline Ave! United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221810 2023-09-11T00:00:00Z 2023-09-11T21:54:43Z Art in the Loo is a clandestine public art project, in which I will make 50 small original paintings of Yucca plants, and then install them in public bathroom stalls all over Santa Fe, for the duration of one year. I love creating a little surprise for people by planting art in unexpected places. In this case, it will also be creating a point of interest and possibly beauty in a setting that is generally the most unaesthetic spot one can think of. The pieces include lithography, drawing, painting and encaustic; 5”x7" or 9”x12”, depending on location. Mounted on thin wood panel, they are affixed to the bathroom stall wall or door with strong but damage-free adhesive. A small QR code (on removable sticker) next to the painting goes to a map of Santa Fe with all the locations. There is no advertising, no name of the artist visible. For the person going to the bathroom, it is anonymous. The managers of the spaces, will however, be engaged to participate, with the possibility for an unusual camaraderie in which people from very different kinds of spaces are part of an invisible network. The paintings create this invisible network, linked by content (the Yucca plant), the map of all the locations, a book which will include photos of all the installations, and at the end, an exhibit. When the pieces come down at the end of one year, there will be a show with all the paintings in one room, and an opening reception to which all the participants (and the general public) are invited. To make participation easy: Host sites are not responsible for damage or theft (it’s just part of the character of the project); I will leave no trace at the end; and participation is free — that’s why support from an Awesome grant would be so awesome! Locations include laundromats, restaurants, libraries, gas stations, the airport, Walmart, Discount Tire! I want to catch people who don’t normally go to see art, while they’re a captive audience. Christy Hengst Art in the Loo https://christyhengst.com Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230156 2023-09-10T00:00:00Z 2023-09-11T00:24:18Z Mockingbird Farm Animal Sanctuary Youth Program: Making the Connection Mockingbird Farm Animal Sanctuary provides forever homes to farmed animals who have been neglected, abused or fated for slaughter. Its historic Byron, New York, farm is a peaceful and curative place where animals simply live their lives on their own terms, walk through serene pastures, and experience an atmosphere of true compassion. Mockingbird is home to a darling crew of sentient beings who will forever know what unconditional love feels like. In May 2023 Mockingbird hosted its first youth tour, welcoming 80 students and chaperones from the Hilton Central School District in suburban Rochester, New York. The students, ages 13-14, met the Mockingbird animal residents face-to-face in a supervised environment and listened attentively as Mockingbird’s volunteers shared the animals’ moving stories. A number of the students had never encountered farmed animals before, but all approached the sanctuary residents with gentleness, respect, and delight. The student visitors also participated in activities that supported the farm, including creating enrichment vegetable garlands for Mockingbird’s chickens and ducks to eat; planting flowers in window boxes to be placed on the chicken coops and duck shack; decorating birdhouses, and painting memorial garden stones to commemorate Mockingbird residents who have passed away in sanctuary. The students took away a new impression of the peaceful beauty of animals in sanctuary and left behind a bit of themselves in the art they created. Delighted by the meaningful success of this pilot tour, Mockingbird will build upon this foundation by formalizing its youth program, Making the Connection. Mockingbird will welcome young people from schools and youth groups to tour the sanctuary, meet the beloved animal residents, and participate in fun and enriching activities that support the farm. Mockingbird plans to conduct 3 to 5 youth tours per year. Jonell Chudyk, Founder, Mockingbird Farm Animal Sanctuary Mockingbird Farm Animal Sanctuary Youth Program https://www.mockingbirdfarmny.com/ Worldwide Vegan (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/vegan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231095 2023-09-09T00:00:00Z 2023-09-11T20:24:56Z This year, Mar Vista's brand new Green Team received an Ocean Guardian's grant. The funding included money towards a "sensory art path" that would lead from an existing butterfly mural to a new native plant and Life Lab garden. The garden is hard to see from the campus, and the sensory path would bring attention to it, literally leading students to its gate while educating them about native plants and pollinators. We are working with local SPECTRA artist Martina Goulart to collaborate with students to create the 135-foot path and make it a part of the Mar Vista campus. Funding will be used to augment the Ocean Guardian's grant and make the path happen. Lola Britton Sensory Mural for Mar Vista Elementary United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226618 2023-09-06T00:00:00Z 2023-09-06T23:26:01Z I am a Sophomore at Strongsville HIgh School and I am applying for funding for my Girl Scout Gold Award Project which has been approved by the Gold Committee at Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. My project is called the ROAR Initiative (Reach Out At Recess) which will help improve inclusivity and reduce negative behaviors on the playground. This multistep process will provide the following to 5 elementary schools: Installation of 5 buddy benches Refinishing benches at the school playgrounds that are in a state of disrepair Purchasing and installing black top games for black top only recess Purchasing and installing a Peace Path to help to improve conflict resolution for playground disputes. Purchasing board games for indoor recess that promote fellowship, inclusivity and group play. Assist in hosting a “Community Day” for volunteers to assist in the painting the blacktop games at each school Assist in hosting an Opening Day where high school students visit the elementary schools to teach them about the new equipment and improve interactions between younger and older students. Lengitu Hovanic ROAR Initiative United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229915 2023-09-06T00:00:00Z 2023-09-06T23:25:32Z ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The "One Set: 10-month School Based Program" is a after school program for teen parents and expecting teens in Cleveland, Ohio. Our first program will be in partnership with Euclid High School meeting once a month for the 2023-2024 academic year. During meetings, pregnant teens and teen parents will be introduced to a variety of educational resources and workshops to aid them throughout their pregnancy and after as they navigate parenthood. Topics of workshops and resource sharing will include: - Infant Health + Safety - Sexual Health + Wellness - Limiting future teen pregnancies - Goal Setting + Future Planning - Mental Health ( postpartum) - Self love + care - Prenatal care - Navigating Teen Parenthood Additionally, our program will bring students experiencing teen pregnancy together along with mentor figures to build a supportive community that is caring, warm, and understanding. ABOUT ONE SET: One Set is a non-profit organization in Maple Heights, Ohio promotes health and community by providing educational resources, advocacy, and mentorship to teen parents. Here at One Set, both teen mothers and fathers are welcomed to supportive services as well as building relationships not only with health professionals, but also those who have been in their shoes. In addition, One Set prioritizes community outreach within local school districts by playing an active role within a school setting. Through various programming and services, local teen parents will be given the tools to cultivate a healthy future in parenting and self-development. Madena Green One Set: 10-month School Based Program https://www.oneset.org/ United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231005 2023-09-06T00:00:00Z 2023-09-11T12:32:56Z A group of 12 to 15 victim-survivors that meet together monthly and learn about ways to heal from sexual violence. WWYW’s groups are conducted within a safe peer-support environment and are facilitated by two experienced professionals. The facilitators create a safe environment for recovery with clear rules and guidelines for the peer-group to ensure appropriate conduct and confidentiality. The aim is to be an open and safe space for survivors of sexual violence to come together and to connect with others with similar experiences and leave with gained knowledge and tools for healing and recovery. Each session will be run by a trauma informed facilitator, a counsellor/psychologist and no group will run if a counsellor/psychologist is not present. The role of the counsellor/psychologist is to monitor the group, step in if needed and provide one on one support if any participants become triggered or overwhelmed. The group is totally free of charge and currently running in Newcastle where we have our grass roots, however we are looking to expand into Sydney and other cities in line with the expansion of our organisation. These groups are significantly important for the community because there is currently very little sexual violence support groups in the area (especially free ones). Multiple sexual assault services have found that a particular successful method of working with survivors of sexual assault and trauma is by bringing survivors together in groups. Groups are an effective tool in providing support, validation, connection, healing, empathy and giving hope. It will create safe spaces for victims who really need the community to not feel isolated and alone, whilst also helping them find ways to manage the emotions and trauma that comes post experience of violence. Expanding these services into Sydney will also allow us to spread our voice into the city, raising awareness of our other services and work (including upcoming drink spiking education to venues) that will make Sydney a safer area for all on nights out. #awesome for all! Unfortunately pics of the groups are unavailable due to confidentiality however please see some of the other amazing work we have done! Brittany Cozic WWYW Survivor Healing Groups https://www.whatwereyouwearingaus.org/ Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230277 2023-09-05T00:00:00Z 2026-01-24T19:11:19Z Iedereen die 100 jaar of ouder wordt, krijgt een serenade van een groep muzikanten van onze muziekvereniging. Op deze manier krijgt de verjaardag een extra feestelijk tintje.. We bereiken de ouderen via de gemeente: alle 100+-jarigen krijgen al standaard een brief van de gemeente, met de vraag of ze de burgemeester op bezoek willen krijgen. Daarnaast kunnen ze aangeven of ze ook een optreden van de Bazuin willen hebben. We spelen 'gouwe ouwe', liedjes die de ouderen van vroeger kennen, zoals 'daar bij die molen', 'er zaten twee motten', 'daar in dat kleine café aan de haven' en natuurlijk 'als ik boven op de Dom sta'. Veel van deze 100+-ers wonen in een verzorgingshuis, waarmee we met onze serenade niet alleen de jarige en het bezoek verblijden, maar ook andere bewoners bereiken. Bij de 100-jarigen die nog zelfstandig wonen, spelen we op straat, zodat de buurt de muziek goed kan horen en dus ook weet dat er een bijzondere gebeurtenis in de straat is. Gertrude Abbring Serenades bij 100-jarigen http://www.bazuinutrecht.nl Netherlands Utrecht https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/utrecht tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228899 2023-09-05T00:00:00Z 2023-09-15T04:13:11Z HI! I'm a science teacher. I don't do art or music or dance. I'm a strange fit to lead an arts program, But my students crave ARTS! I work at a tiny middle school - only 99 kids. We are a public school - so we have a huge diversity of students. We're tiny, so I know EVERYONE - and in my 3 years here I've seen a big difference between the kids that have extra cash to take fancy arts classes and the students that just don't have that cash. Arts training gives kids self esteem, focus and motivation. That's not fair. My broke students should get all that training in dance, arts, music, circus and ALL the things!! So I started an arts program here. It's AMAZING. We changed our bell schedule to have dedicated time 4 days a week IN SCHOOL for ALL STUDENTS to do the arts. However, it's a public school funded by low per-pupil funding and we only have credentialed arts teachers 2 days a week. That means for 2 days a week, each mainstream core teacher is filling in with the arts that we can teach. As a scientist, I started a cooking class - because cooking is similar to chemistry and I feel comfortable there. The PE teacher is teaching Dance. Etc - We are mostly staffed up - The problem is, I need funding to pay some musicians. Last year we had a staff member taught guitar/ukulele and fundraised for guitars and ukuleles. The kids LOVED IT! Their attendance improved! They bonded with kids that weren't their friends before! They built more self-esteem! Sadly, that teacher left our school, and broke our hearts. Thankfully he left us with all of the guitars and ukuleles. In order to use these resources, I want to hire a guitar/ ukulele teacher to come and teach a bunch of really cool (and very awkward because they are young teens) middle schoolers. Please give me, or the Parent's Action Committee at my school 1000$ to pay a local artist to come in and teach guitar to our young teens? Sarah C Nelson Rock and Roll Middle School https://my-sfcs.org/ United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230265 2023-09-05T00:00:00Z 2023-09-16T23:40:17Z I am writing a book, based on my own experience, about a post partum woman who is being haunted. It is a book about Jamaican ancestry and folklore, matriarchal lineage and the things we leave our children. My post partum journey was lonely and maddening, it also made me analyze my relationship with my own mother, which led me to the fledging manuscript I am working on. My father is Jamaican and this writing journey has lead me to all sorts of research that is necessary for me to tell this story that is for and by the Jamaican Diaspora. Many of the books my local library has on my subjects are by white men, and in order to find the ones actually written by Black people, I have to purchase them myself. This project has blossomed in ways I could not possibly imagined, and if lucky enough to be awarded, I would take this grant as more of a loan because the minute I am able to sell this book, I will pay it forward to the next Bay Area writer in need. Eirinie Carson The Fourth United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222053 2023-09-04T00:00:00Z 2023-09-05T04:14:37Z Hi! I'm the founder of KERET, a Budapest based DIY underground platform for upcoming musicians and bands. We have a blog, we make videos, we have our own stages at music festivals. Our main goal is to support fresh underground acts in the city. We think the next step would be launching an online radio with only the freshest local music 24/7 playing. Currently there's no other radio station just like that, and we think it would be a hit. andras kocsis KERET Radio https://keretblog.hu Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231244 2023-09-04T00:00:00Z 2023-09-10T14:34:41Z With the support of the Awesome Newburgh Foundation, I want to present the "Holiday Springs and Sprockets" by Steve Gerberich in Newburgh November 16 to January 26, Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 5pm. This kinetic-art exhibition will have FIVE large, holiday-themed mechanical sculptures that were created from an assortment of recycled materials, including old machine parts to kitchen utensils, pieces of furniture and old toys. Gerberich will activate the iconic Saving Bank Building at 94 Broadway and host a free art exhibition for four months, host three children’s workshops and rigorously invite locals and visitors to access arts and enjoy themselves in downtown Newburgh. Gerberich will illuminate the downtown figuratively and literally. One example of the five-part Holiday Springs and Sprockets is eight flying reindeer pull Santa in his sleigh. The animals' legs move via their attachment to exercise bicycles (with bells on their spokes), and their antlers are bicycle handlebars. Rudolph has a glowing red nose and wears sparkly red Converse shoes. In addition to the fantastical sight of repurposed salvaged items coming to life, Gerberich will be encouraging visitors to do their own art. Gerberich will host three Children’s Workshops where he will inspire and direct willing participants to sculpt their own mini-masterpiece from a smorgasbord of parts collected during Gerberich’s nationwide travels culled from surplus everyday objects, thrift shops, and dollar stores. Handmade sculptures will be assembled using hot glue “welding.” Projected dates are Saturday November 25 (Newburgh Shop Small Business), December 2 (Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour) and December 9. Funds are necessary as early as the end of September. Gerberich will open his workspace in Atlas Studios during Newburgh Open Studios and inform the 2,000 visitors. In early October, Gerberich will coordinate transportation, installation, volunteer recruitment, and exhibition marketing Steve Gerberich Presenting Holiday Springs & Sprockets in Newburgh http://www.gerbomatic.com United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225647 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z 2024-04-21T17:23:29Z MusicGNV was born from an impassioned vision to bring the vibrant city of Gainesville an array of top-notch shows, invaluable learning opportunities for creatives, and a comprehensive suite of resources to empower artists in building their fan base and securing higher-quality gigs. The unexpected upheaval caused by the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 has reshaped our beloved music scene in unimaginable ways. Undeterred, we have adapted our approach to ensure that the spirit of Gainesville musicians thrives, all while raising awareness about the venues that have been profoundly affected throughout our community. Our belief in the legacy of Gainesville's musical storytelling tradition lies at the heart of MusicGNV. We strive relentlessly to enhance Gainesville's music scene, creating an inviting space for musicians of all backgrounds to share their stories through meticulously curated shows, fostering talent, offering apprenticeship opportunities, and providing invaluable resources. United as artists, technicians, promoters, and passionate fans, we work tirelessly to cultivate a more inclusive, diverse, and thriving music community in Gainesville. We are dedicated to building an equitable and thriving music scene not only in Gainesville, FL but also in the wider north-central Florida area. Through active engagement with diverse stakeholders who represent our community, we aim to develop and implement programs and processes that broaden the horizons of local musicians and all those involved in the music industry. As we grow, we are committed to fostering diverse leadership and ensuring that all the opportunities presented by MusicGNV remain accessible to marginalized and under-served members of our community who bring unique perspectives and contribute to shared musical journeys and experiences. Brandon Telg Music GNV http://www.musicgnv.com United States Gainesville, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/gainesville tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230319 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z 2024-03-28T05:48:40Z The Bowerbird Collective is premiering a new performance at the Nature Festival SA in October which explores the Kaurna seasons. Produced collaboratively by myself and Anthony Albrecht of the Bowerbird Collective alongside Jamie Goldsmith and Taikurtinna Dance Group, the project is being guided by Kaurna Elders Aunty Lynette Crocker and Uncle Jeffrey Newchurch. This one-hour cinematic concert features stunning visuals, immersive soundscapes, song, dance and ceremony, as well as new music for string quintet and traditional instruments by David John Lang. We think it will be an unmissable, sacred celebration of culture in harmony with nature. We already have some funding support from Arts SA and the Australia Council, however to meet the Elders' ambition of two performances, one at Marion on October 14 and one in the CBD on October 15, we need all the help we can get. Both performances will be free to the public (with optional donation) to make them as accessible as possible. This project is a celebration of cultural collaboration at a time of division in the community caused by the referendum. We are thrilled to present this project to the Adelaide community, and intend for it to tour around the country at a later stage. Simone Slattery Kaurna Yerta - The Seasons https://www.naturefestival.org.au/event/kaurna-yerta-the-seasons-adelaide Australia Adelaide https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/adelaide tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230411 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z 2023-11-13T22:09:53Z My awesome project is called Shoes for Soldiers. My primary mission is to provide new or gently used shoes to our community’s homeless veterans. My secondary mission is to provide socks as they’re donated. After asking the veteran’s homeless shelter what they needed most, I was told that shoes are desperately needed. They have a little over 100 residents and shoes will help them tremendously. Besides the shelter’s residents, there are also low-income veterans in the community that need shoes, so I would eventually like to help them as well. I’m currently in partnership with some local businesses and organizations to collect new or gently used shoes. I’m doing this by setting up shoe collection points at these locations and asking for donations. I just started this project in July and I’ve already collected just over 70 pairs of shoes. This project will be on-going and I will conduct shoe drives and make drop-offs at least once per month. James Cox Operation Shoes for Soldiers https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094914017622&mibextid=LQQJ4d United States San Antonio, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/sanantonio tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/358444 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z 2025-07-17T00:00:13Z DIY crafting classes are a fun way to spend more time with family and friends while learning a few new and cool things or just relaxing in each others company. My goal is to expand the knowledge of different arts and craft shows/events such as this one and get people interacting with one another more often and in different ways then they may be used to. We offer candle making classes, diy home decor, body butter and jewelry making classes, paint n sips or paint n snacks. Or come to learn about the healing powers of crystal cleansings, crystals, yoga and meditation. - DIY Crafting United States North Minneapolis, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/northminneapolis tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228828 2023-08-31T00:00:00Z 2023-09-01T01:50:49Z The Gloucester Transition Program is the Gloucester Public Schools' personalized, community-based program for 18-22 year-olds who have completed high school, and remain eligible for special education support. Participants focus on training, daily living skills, and employment opportunities to ease their transition to adulthood. The 2022-2023 year in the Transition Program was filled with tremendous individual growth, determination, generosity, joy, creativity, collaboration, self-advocacy, and accomplishment. In addition to paid employment positions; our team worked together to build job skills while donating our services to improve the Gloucester community! Collectively, we: - Organized 4 major events, hosting a total of 134 community members - Made 78 delicious thank you gifts - Provided 1,260 hours of clerical support and meal service at the Gloucester Preschool; including the distribution of 6,042 student breakfasts and 7,632 student lunches - Redirected 15 pounds of food waste to the animals at Marshall’s Farm - Volunteered 50 hours of clerical and event support at the Rose Baker Senior Citizens Center - Invested 75 hours in the mission of the GHS Food Locker by restocking their shelves - Contributed 45 hours weighing and bagging vegetables at Open Door for Gloucester’s food insecure residents - Gave 315 hours of retail service at the Second Glance Thrift Store - Delivered 6,256 free newspapers to GHS classrooms - Collected and gave 32 boxes of used newspapers to Cape Ann Animal Aid Those experiences gave our participants a chance to know Gloucester. Now, we want Gloucester to get to know our participants! We are applying for this grant to purchase work shirts for our participants that include the participant's name and the Gloucester Transition Program logo, By providing our volunteer crew a consistent, professional uniform, the Gloucester community will come to know our participants by name, and recognize their professional dedication and work ethic. Heather Driscoll Gloucester Transition Program...at your service! United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228853 2023-08-31T00:00:00Z 2023-09-05T21:14:23Z We are the only organization led 100% by and for autistic BIPOC committed to advancing community mutual aid and systemic change with a unique focus on disability justice, economic justice, and racial justice. We work as one of the only disability activism organizations with a nonhierarchical, collective decision-making, and horizontal structure, and are planning a long-term transition away from the founder-led model to a worker-managed, self-directed nonprofit structure. This structure and our commitments give us a unique position at the nexus of informal mutual aid projects, community organizing campaigns, and public policy and research-oriented systems change work, which few organizations are able to do even with larger staffs. Additionally, we foster numerous partnerships to support interns and fellows through many different programs to build capacity for the future of the autistic and broader disabled BIPOC community, and benefit from expertise and lived experience in many sectors. We stay in community and partnership with former staff, partners, and fellows, which enables us to sustain critical relationships across our community. We are also well known across the disability rights and disability justice communities, and thrived for the first four years of our existence solely on widespread community support in small dollar and larger donations. The Fund has given nearly $300,000 in individual microgrants (up to $500) to autistic people of color. We are currently publishing a series of community-informed policy and research briefs on topics of importance to autistic people of color, as well as building a leadership and movement building fellowship program to support emerging and established disabled BIPOC leaders seeking to replicate our model. **What our grantee is saying:** “The Autistic People of Color Fund has always been a labor of radical love and community care. We are so grateful and honored to be chosen for this support from the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter to help us take care of each other. As a small, truly grassroots organization, we rely on community support to keep going. This grant will support our commitment to sustainability in how we do the work.” Lydia Brown The Autistic People of Color Fund https://www.autismandrace.com Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/231132 2023-08-31T00:00:00Z 2023-08-31T22:13:13Z The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the devastating Maui wildfires. HCF is working in close collaboration with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members to get an understanding of the quickly evolving priorities. HCF will not be collecting a fee for donations to the Maui Strong Fund; 100 percent of the funds will be distributed for community needs. Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong Worldwide Homelessness (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/homelessness tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229168 2023-08-30T00:00:00Z 2023-08-23T01:13:50Z Founded in 1972, Orchard Village each year serves 300 men, women, and children with developmental disabilities, most of whom are living below the national poverty level. A very popular service of ours is our recreational therapy program. Many of our participants have a goal in mind when beginning recreational therapy services, such as learning how to ride a bike. Orchard Village currently owns four accessible bikes, one recumbent bike, and three upright three-wheeled adult bikes. These bikes allow our participants to learn how to ride a bike, something not afforded to them without access to handicap-friendly bicycles. With so many participants achieving their goal of learning to ride a bike, our recreational therapist created a biking club. However, without a bike carrier trailer to transport these bicycles, our bike club is unable to travel very far from our campus. Acquiring a bike carrier trailer will allow our bike club to explore the beautiful bike paths in and around Skokie and maintain their newfound bike-riding skills. Julia Morrow Bike Carrier Trailer for Orchard Village Bike Club https://orchardvillage.org/news/our-bike-gang/ United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/230653 2023-08-30T00:00:00Z 2025-03-13T15:37:51Z The Happy Valley Latin Festival is a one-day community event that brings together Latin music, food, and art & crafts vendors showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the Latinx/Hispanic culture in Central Pennsylvania. The event is open to the public and family-friendly and it is made possible with the help of sponsors and volunteers. The festival will take place on October 7th at the MLK plaza. This is the third year of the festival. A non-profit organization. Latin Vibe, was recently formed with a broader vision to host cultural community events. The festival will be one of the events in the future. At this time, the festival still relies heavily in individual sponsorships and it would be great if we could have 3 Dots be a sponsor of the event. This event showcases how we are all part of the Centre County community and people from other parts of the world can feel at home. LatinVibe (Happy Valley Latin Fest) Happy Valley Latin Fest http://happyvalleylatinfestival.org/ United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227756 2023-08-29T00:00:00Z 2023-11-17T02:48:55Z From the grant recipient, Maya: "My project, Five Oh Five, is to develop a perfume range using predominately Australian Native scents as ethically and organically as possible. I have been making candles and room sprays and other things with my Mum's support for a couple of years. Recently I became quite addicted to perfume but natural and unique scents that are quite expensive. They create such a happy sensory place for me to help me cope with environments outside of my home, A month ago my mum purchased all that I needed to get started to experiment making my own blends. Now everywhere I go people are asking me what my perfume is, I proudly say Kakadu Plum, I made it, or whatever other scent I may have made. As I am approaching 15, most of the people my age are looking for part-time jobs around school. For me, that isn't possible. But a business I can manage from home. The perfumes will be unique and promote the amazing and unique scents of the Australian native landscape, others will incorporate my mother's culture: Dutch. The perfumes will have blends that require lower fragrance load and longer lasting base notes so it impacts sensitive people less. Our whole community is disabled and many people are very sensitive to perfumes, and fragrances and it has a significant impact on them if it's not harmonious, it's a negative one. Having lower loads and native fragrances reduces the risk of negative impacts. I have the benefit of my mum who has been working with Aromatherapy for over 30 years and my brother who is an analytical chemist to help me do all the formulations and planning. I have sourced all local businesses for our supplies from glassware to ingredients to ensure our carbon footprint is minimal to zero. My business is named after an Arctic Monkeys song, It is the bus that takes me from my front door into the world and the time I was born." Maya Lakerink Five Oh Five Australia Melbourne (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/melbourne tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225310 2023-08-28T00:00:00Z 2023-08-29T01:00:07Z August’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Julia Winterhalder and the Purple Sisters Youth Advisory to support SlutWalk Ottawa 2023. “SlutWalk is a movement of protest which aims to end rape culture and sexual violence,” explains Julia. “The goal of the protest is to move towards eliminating a culture of victim-blaming and sex-shaming in our society, and to empower and inspire survivors. It raises awareness that no matter what someone is wearing, it is never the survivor's fault.” SlutWalk started in Toronto in 2011, after a police officer told students at York University that if women wanted to avoid rape they should not dress like sluts. This year’s SlutWalk Ottawa will be focused on the theme of bodily autonomy. “With reproductive rights and transgender healthcare being increasingly at risk,” says Julia, “we want to open the SlutWalk space to more intersectional feminist issues. We will be encouraging speakers from these areas, and those wishing to discuss the traditional SlutWalk themes, to share their stories and perspectives. In addition to making posters beforehand, we will also be hosting a chalking session as the event concludes, where participants will be able to decorate the area with their messages. We are hoping that in doing so, not only are participants more able to create community, but leave a more lasting impact.” The event will take place on Sunday, September 10, from 12:30-4:30 PM, starting from the Human Rights Monument at Elgin and Lisgar. There is no need to sign up, but organizers suggest bringing a poster and a friend. “SlutWalk is more than a march,” adds Julia. “It is an opportunity for community building, storytelling, and challenging the patriarchal status quo.” Julia is an undergraduate student in international development, gender, sexuality, feminism, and social justice. The Purple Sisters are a group of young feminists who work to empower young women and gender diverse people from all backgrounds, regardless of class, race, sexual orientation, religion, or ability. Julia Winterhalder and Purple Sisters Youth Advisory SlutWalk Ottawa 2023 https://www.instagram.com/purple_sisters/ Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228722 2023-08-28T00:00:00Z 2023-08-28T19:23:43Z Գյումրիում զբոսաշրջային հետաքրքրությունն ավելացնելու համար մտադիր ենք ունենալ Free Gift Shop։ Գյումրի այցելող ամեն այցելու հնարավորություն ունի վերցնել անվճար հուշանվեր, բայց այն վերցնելուց առաջ պետք է իր ձեռքով պատրաստի մեկ հուշանվեր՝ իրենից հետո այցելող հյուրի համար։ Կարող են նաև խմբով այցելել ու մեկը մյուսի համար պատրաստի հուշանվեր։ Հետաքրքրությունն ավելացնելու համար մարդիկ կարող են նկարներ կիսվել սոցիալական ցանցերում՝ նկարագրելով ում կողմից պատրաստված նվերն է բաժին հասել իրենց՝ ապահովվելով հետաքրքրություն և անընդհատ հոսք դեպի Գյումրի։ Սա նոր մարդկանց հետ շփվելու, սեփական ձեռքով այլոց համար անվճար հուշանվեր պատրաստելու, իրենց հասանելի անվճար հուշանվերը տանելու լավ հնարավորություն է։ Նույնիսկ այլ երկրներից ժամանած հյուրերի համար հետաքրքիր կլինի։ Ժամանել ես մի տեղ, քաղաք, երկիր, որտեղ միայն այցելելուդ համար արդեն նվեր ունես։ Գյումրու հենց կենտրոնում Գյումրիկ հուշանվերների արտադրամաս ունենք ու տարածքը զբոսաշրջային հոսքով պայմանավորված հասանելի ու այցելվող վայր է։ Աշխատանքային միջավայրը, գործիքակազմն օգտագործելու ենք համատեղ գաղափարի համար։ Առաջին հուշանվերների շարքը պլանավորում ենք իրականացնել լուսանդրադարձնող ժապավենների կիրառությամբ։ Այս քայլով փորձում ենք ուշադրություն հրավիրել երեկոյան ժամերին լուսանդրադարձնող աքսեսուարների ցանկալի կիրառության նշանակության մասին։ Հատկապես թերի լուսավորված փողոցներում, բնակավայրերում զբոսանելիս հրաշալի ազդանշան է վարորդների համար մարդկանց կողմից լուսանդրադարձնող իրերի կիրառումն ու օգտագործումը։ Մի քանի հաճելի ու օգտակար գործոն փորձում ենք իրար հետ համատեղել։ Այն կլինի Հայաստանի առաջին անվճար հուշանվերների խանութը, որ իրականացնելու հնարավորթյան դեպքում անմիջապես գրանցվելու է մտավոր սեփականության տեսքով։ Այցելուները նաև տեղում հնարավորություն ունենք արդեն պատրաստի իրեր ու առարկաներ ձեռք բերել նաև վճարովի ձևաչափով։ Կարող են նաև մարդիկ կիսվել կոնտակտային տվյալներով՝ ենթադրենք ԱՄՆ-ից Ջեյնը կուզի իր պատրաստած նվերը տանող մեկ այլ մարդ իր հետ կիսվի տպավորություններով։ Միավորող է դառնում Գյումրին այս դեպքում։ Arsen Vardanyan Free Gift Shop in Gyumri Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229834 2023-08-28T00:00:00Z 2023-08-30T19:00:46Z Did you know that there are only three law libraries open to members of the public in Washington, DC, and none of them are designed to serve non-lawyers? We are going to bring the law library to the communities that need it the most by setting up a reference desk outside public libraries and parks and at community events throughout the District. You might be thinking this is a bit too ambitious for a $1000 grant, and you’re right! We share more specifics about the $1000 below, but here I will explain how this project fits into our broader plans as an organization. Where we are now: our organization is less than two years old, and is run entirely by volunteers. We provide law library services online two to four hours a day through our virtual reference desk. Where we want to be: when we are financially sustainable, we will have paid staff providing law library services up to 12 hours a day both online through our virtual reference desk and in person on a bookmobile. How this project fits in: this project will bring us into the community to provide reference service in person. This grant won’t give us the ability to provide the consistency in service that our long-term plans anticipate, but by introducing ourselves to our neighbors and providing information about how to get service from us online, we will be able to reach more people, which is both critical to our mission and to giving our organization a record of performance that will help us get additional funding. Our goal from the start has been to bring the law library to residents; indeed it was a brainstorm about basing our library on a bookmobile that gave us the final push to establish JusticeAccess. Rebecca Katz Introducing: the mobile law library! https://justiceaccess.org/en/ United States Washington, DC https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/dc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227283 2023-08-23T00:00:00Z 2023-08-27T13:55:41Z Ballerz United Academy is a not for profit organization located in Brampton, a city in the Greater Toronto Area. Through basketball, we provide positive mentorship to marginalized youth between ages 6-18, giving them a platform to develop social, mental, and economical skills, and values such as faith, accountability and the importance of academics. The Awesome Funds will be use to help with participant registration fees as well as new training equipment and gym permits. Keon Tatham Ballerz United Academy http://Ballerzunitedacademy.com Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228751 2023-08-23T00:00:00Z 2023-08-25T13:59:53Z Spina bifida is a fault in the spine which develops in early pregnancy. Currently, 1 in 1,000 pregnancies in Scotland are affected. Most babies born with the disability will be paralysed from the waist down, be affected by bowel and bladder complications and will be lifelong wheelchair users. In addition, around 80% of those affected will also have hydrocephalus. This complex condition is a build-up of fluid which causes increased pressure on the brain. Children and young people born with the disability(s) will require lifelong support and have multiple complex support needs. We would be grateful to receive a donation of £500 from the Awesome Foundation to fund accessible sports days for children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus whose families may not be able to afford it otherwise due to financial constraints. Financial strain can lead to isolation for people experiencing it which in turns leads to a reduction in confidence, self-esteem and independence. This isolation for children and young people is also added to by feeling different from their peers and not having people around them who relate to their situation. In addition, many of our families do not have access to accessible greenspaces. These sport outings will provide an opportunity for our children and young people to experience something new, meet new people who have similar experiences to them, develop new skills, enjoy the outdoors and get active, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, many children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus do not have confidence to try new activities in the wider community due to specialised needs i.e. shunt, continence and mobility issues. The accessible sport activities are run by experts who know how to support people with complex needs and SBH Scotland will work with facilitators to ensure all specialised needs are met. Iona Campbell Accessible Cycling for Wheelchair Users https://www.sbhscotland.org.uk/ United Kingdom Glasgow https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/glasgow tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226710 2023-08-22T00:00:00Z 2023-08-23T01:11:38Z We send books to young people in Illinois prisons and jails. In 2021 we began publishing a magazine for and by young people inside. This grant will allow us to pay the stipends of some of the contributors to the magazine—often formerly incarcerated young people, who write columns on life skills, stories they want to share, etc. The project is led by a steering committee (nine total volunteers who mainly run the books to prisoners end of the project) and the magazine editorial committee which is specifically led by impacted young people (two of the programming leads are formerly incarcerated themselves). Bettina Johnson Liberation Library http://liberationlib.org United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228186 2023-08-21T00:00:00Z 2023-08-31T20:00:22Z Third Floor Window exists as a nontraditional art space that presents contemporary video art in an accessible format. By looking up, a curious neighbor, dog walker, and restaurant-goer can all be enchanted by a glowing window. One quick view can instill joy and healthy questioning as the artwork presents different visual scenarios -- ranging from a cake-obsessed werewolf to a compilation of flowers in bloom. Curating one artist a weekend, on loop, every Friday and Saturday evening. The window faces a brewery, restaurant, and shop, all of which attract residents to look up and engage with the art. The goal is to now create a pop-up version of the Third Floor Window in various locations. In spaces that are easily accessible by the community, like a neighborhood garden or on a brewery wall, there is an opportunity to have a pop-up art cinema, a space that is for everyone. The current focus is a pop-up in Mt. Lebanon; on the main road is a parklet where families relax after dinner with ice cream. This park is an accessible point for residents to enjoy and engage with video art. "Third Floor Window Pop-up Cinema" would allow emerging artists to showcase their work outside a gallery setting and expose the community to video art. Carolina Alamilla Video Art Pop-up! https://www.instagram.com/thirdfloorwindow/ United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229041 2023-08-21T00:00:00Z 2023-08-21T20:36:46Z When a crafter dies mid-project, or is no longer able to do handwork due to disability or illness, they will likely have unfinished items they were making for friends and family. These tangible, handmade expressions of love could get lost, donated away, or thrown out. We match unfinished projects to volunteer finishers who complete and return the garments, blankets, & accessories, to their loved ones. Since we started less than a year ago, we have recruited 12,000+ volunteer “finishers” from around the globe ready to share their skills with strangers. More than 1,000 projects have been connected to local volunteers for completion. Loose Ends aims to ease grief, create community, and inspire generosity that transcends social and political boundaries by connecting strangers bound by a shared experience in handwork. Handworkers are passionate about making, with most creations being a gift for a loved one. An object can take hundreds of hours. When a maker starts a project, they rarely plan on how it would get completed if they were unable to finish it. No one wants to envision that scenario, yet it is common. For the intended recipient, who is often not skilled in the craft, and in the midst of mourning, they are left with the challenge of what to do. It is too sentimental to discard but they don’t know where to turn. This is not a service for hire, it is a labor of love. Loose Ends addresses this need. It benefits both the bereaved and the finisher. There is a shared sense of completion, an act of goodwill for the giver and the receiver. It is often an emotional, in-person exchange of the completed project, in a public place, creating a larger sense of community. Masey Kaplan Loose Ends Project https://www.looseendsproject.org/ Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Non-active) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/229484 2023-08-21T00:00:00Z 2023-08-22T18:52:56Z Artist Corie Mattie aka "LA Hope Dealer" resided for several years in Thornton Park. It was during this time that Corie began questioning her sexuality and in this community and during those times, she felt safe to do so. Embracing her hew new-found confidence of who she was and coming out as a Lesbian she then moved out to LA and became a successful street artist. Since than the political climate regarding one's freedom of choice in their own sexuality has changed for the worse. Corie watching from afar felt helpless and enraged that this city that she once felt so safe in to discover who she was, no longer felt safe to others going through the same journey. Reaching out through a mutual friend to one of our Board Members, Corie introduced herself and said she needed to do something to make her voice heard, and to give courage to others who may be feeling fear to show their true selves in our city. Corie flew herself out, paid for all her expenses and painted the first mural on the side of The 808 building. The mural is in a 1950's style which represents that we are unfortunately going back to more restrictive times. We are having Corie come back to Orlando and finish with the second mural that will continue in the same style with a straight couple in the middle and two same sex couples on either side. We are hoping that this mural will bring hope and unity to the community and perhaps courage to those who see it to show the world their true selves. Lisa Cuatt Love is Love https://store.lahopedealer.com/pages/meet-corie-mattie United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/fr/chapters/orlando