Benton Harbor, MI: The United Way of Southwest Michigan and the Good Fellows Fund will award two $5,000 grants to help give babies their own beds and prevent bullying in area middle schools.
Last month Good Fellows and United Way requested grant applications for organizations focusing their efforts on children. The intent was to award one $5,000 grant from the Good Fellows Fund with United Way administering the grant process.
“When the grants came in there were two organizations with programs that stood out and really met some crucial needs in our community,” said United Way of Southwest Michigan President, Anna Murphy. “We were glad this was a partnership so we didn’t have to turn down one of these applications. United Way was able to match the grant from the Good Fellows Fund and support both programs.”
The Berrien County Health Department’s Nurse Family Partnership runs the Baby’s Own Bed Program. The initiative helps to ensure that qualifying women receive safe portable cribs, crib sheets and sleep sacks. More importantly, the families receive education on the safe way to let babies sleep to avoid suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“This program has proven successful in the past,” Murphy said. “As part of the parent education already being provided by the Nurse Family Partnership, the baby will have a safe place to sleep.”
The Berrien County Council for Children also received a $5,000 grant for bullying and harassment workshops at middle schools in Watervliet, Coloma and Buchanan. The programs also hope to work with students and school officials to develop solid harassment policies within the schools.
“Most of us remember our middle school years as not the most secure years of our lives,” Murphy said. “Students are going through a lot of changes as they enter middle school. This program will help to provide a secure environment for them to make good choices.”
For more information on the United Way call 269-925-7772. For more information on the Good Fellows Fund call 269-429-2400.
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