$120,000 in Grants Awarded to Local Nonprofits for Community Partnership School

The development of Polk County’s first Community Partnership School at Crystal Lake Elementary is underway as United Way of Central Florida awards two grants to develop innovative and creative education programs.

Learning Resource Center and Tri-County Human Services will each receive $60,000 to serve Crystal Lake students and community members.

“The Crystal Lake Elementary Community Partnership School will be a valuable asset to the entire community,” said Alan H. Turner II, President and CEO of UWCF. “We are constantly searching for creative and effective ways to serve residents and this an amazing opportunity to strengthen Central Florida.”

Learning Resource Center will use this grant money to fund year-round tutoring for at least 100 kindergarten to fifth-grade students. Tutoring will be offered in one-on-one settings, small group sessions or summer camps. All tutors will be trained and qualified teachers who can provide a wide variety of approved curricula to meet individual needs.

Tri-County Human Services will use $60,000 to offer the Strengthening Families Program, an evidence-based parenting skills, children’s social skills and family life skills training program designed for high-risk families, including low-income families and those dealing with high levels of stress. 40 families will participate in 14 parent education/family counseling sessions lasting over two hours each.

Group leaders model appropriate parent/child interactions during family dinners provided by Tri-County. After dinner, families break into three groups for age-appropriate skills training. Groups will be separated by children, teens and parents. Children five and under will participate in early literacy activities facilitated by UWCF.

All programs will be offered free of charge.