Partners for Youth will be allocating over $95,000 during this year’s Grassroots Grants Celebration on May 13.
“Partners for Youth works to empower and uplift the young people in our communities, providing them with the resources they need to lead successful lives as adults,” Mayor Linda Gorton said.
Since Partners was founded in 1995, the non-profit has allocated over $2.2 million to 499 different youth programs through its Grassroots Grants program.
The grants range in size from $750-$3,000. They are awarded to small, hands-on, grassroots programs that provide positive opportunities for at-risk, underserved youth.
“Partners for Youth promotes positive youth programming and builds capacity through collaborative efforts with local businesses and organizations,” said Shanreka Shackelford, Interim Executive Director of Partners for Youth Foundation, INC. Partners helps the community support the most vulnerable youth in Lexington by promoting positive youth development and preventing juvenile delinquency.
Grassroots programs that have been funded by Partners offer academic tutoring, recreation, diversity programs, art programs, and many other activities.
One of the programs Partners has funded is “A Chance to Dance,” a non-profit organization that offers dance classes free of charge to students of all ages with special needs. “We are extremely thankful for Partners for Youth and the support they have shown us over the past several years,” said Jenna Ward-Lyon, Founder and Director of “A Chance to Dance.” “Thanks to Partners for Youth, we are able to continue our program and make a positive impact on individuals with special needs!” Students’ families do not pay for “A Chance to Dance” classes or costumes to ensure that everyone can participate.
This year’s Grassroots Celebration will take place 8 a.m. – noon., Saturday, May 13, 2nd Floor Council Chamber, Government Center, 200 E. Main St. The celebration is a time to award grant programs their first checks, present educational material, and highlight non-profit resources.
