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This is the third in a series of articles about the Davie Community Foundation and its work in the county.

In 2021, the Davie Community Foundation has awarded $236,779 to local agencies and non-profits in the community.

“We are thankful for the generosity of our friends and neighbors and their investment in their community,” said Jane Simpson, president.

In the last two articles, the fresh food and fun that grants for mobile units have brought to Davie County this summer were featured.

Now, it’s about what Davie Community Foundation is doing to help neighbors in need.

During the community grants cycle, the foundation concentrates on giving money to agencies and non-profits that have plans and programs designed to better the community. The focus is on proposals that address education, health & wellness, poverty and our youth.

The following grants were awarded to non-profits helping address the issue of poverty in Davie County.

• A Storehouse for Jesus’ goal is to provide food to those in need. They operate their program 7 days a week with volunteer staff. In 2020, they made 3,506 home visits provided 13,844 one week supplies of food including, meats, vegetables, fruits and bakery items. Operating funds come from individuals, churches, businesses, organizations and foundations. Grant money helped purchase the food needed.

• The Advocacy Center of Davie seeks to help families in crisis avoid homelessness. Grants will allow the center to provide emergency assistance for Davie residents.

• Davie High Hunger Fighters addresses hunger needs of Davie County students and families. Volunteers use 100 percent of funds to purchase and provide weekly food for more than 70 students and families, summer food bags for more than 70 students and Holiday Break Food boxes throughout the school year. This project is solely funded by personal/private donations and by local grants.

• Family Promise of Davie County provides case management to families with minor children who are at-risk of or already experiencing homelessness.They serve 100-115 families annually through the Graduate Support Program. Last year, 90 percent of shelter graduates lost employment due to COVID but 100 percent remained housed through the shutdown. Family Promise has operated with one full-time employee, the executive director and a part-time case manager. Grant funds ensured that a full-time case manager could be hired so that more families could get the help that they need.

• Smith Grove United Methodist Church is addressing the systemic issue of poverty by building meaningful relationships in the community through food. It hosts a weekly hot meal where they serve more than 80 adults and children at The Bridge – 197 Main Cooleemee. They also run a non-perishable food pantry. The team is comprised of volunteers from the church and community and participants that help to serve the meals.

A total of $57,500 was awarded to help friends and neighbors in need thus far in 2021.

To learn more about the foundation contact Simpson at (336) 753-6903 or jsimpson@daviefoundation.org or visit www.daviefoundation.org.