COMMUNITY

ORTING NON PROFITS AWARDED GRANTS

By: Kim Farnes January 23, 2010

Two Orting nonprofits have been awarded the prestigious Greater Tacoma Community Foundation (GTCF) Vibrant Community grant: Communities in Schools of Orting and the Orting Senior Center.

In 2009, GTCF launched the Vibrant Communities grant program, searching for forward-thinking organizations and leaders who are evolving to better meet the needs of their communities and find long-term solutions. The foundation is now focusing its efforts on addressing root causes, identifying systemic challenges and supporting community driven solutions.

The Orting Senior Center was awarded for its efforts in helping seniors in the Orting Valley with basic needs, such as senior nutrition and fitness; resource and referral to help with home maintenance, utility assistance, and health care; and adult education like computer classes and art classes.

“We are truly grateful for the support of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation,” said Barbara Hansen, Director of the Orting Senior Center. “Since September 2008, our daily average attendance has doubled and our program offerings have expanded. That GTCF has recognized our efforts to serve the members of our community is truly gratifying.”

Communities in Schools of Orting was awarded for its efforts in working with youth. Since their inception in 2001, CISO has worked with the schools to bring needed resources to the students, so that they could more easily access them. CISO serves more than 1,000 youth and their familes yearly through their outreach, enrichment and mentoring programs. Kim Farnes, Communities in Schools director, said, “without the support of organizations like Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, our youth would seriously lack the resources they need in order to stay in school and prepare for life."

For more information about Orting Senior Center programs, contact Director Barbara Hansen at 360-893-5827 or via e-mail: seniorcenter@orting.wednet.edu. For more information about Communities in Schools of Orting, contact Director Kim Farnes at 360-893-3156 X1 or check out their website at www.orting.ciswa.org