The Junior League of Pelham (JLP) is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of the annual Community Grants Program. These non-profit organizations support projects and services aligned with the JLP’s focus on healthy families, education, and Pelham improvements. The grant committee is honored to have awarded a total of $6,000 to these seven worthy nonprofit organizations after reviewing a total of sixteen applications.

• Friends of the Highbrook Highline is working to transform the two-acre rail bed of the former New York Westchester and Boston Railway near Highbrook and Young Avenues into a greenway for the whole Pelham community to enjoy. The JLP awarded the organization $2,000 to go towards the creation of a pathway connecting Young Ave. with pavers replacing the current dirt path. Here to accept the grant tonight is Susan Mutti.

• Hearts and Homes for Refugees is a nonprofit, grassroots humanitarian organization that works with U.S. State Department-designated agencies to welcome, assist and advocate for refugees. The JLP awarded $250 to go towards the organization’s participation in an upcoming Westchester County Summer Heritage festival. At each festival, volunteers share information about refugees and the Welcoming movement in Westchester, engage in advocacy efforts, and offer volunteer opportunities. Here to accept the grant this evening is Lori Hosp and Ann McCool.

• The mission of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce is to work as a unified network of Pelham businesses and organizations with the goal to initiate ideas and strategies that will increase sales and grow business. They strive to improve the spirit of enterprise and community, which will, in turn, improve the quality of life for all of Pelham. The JLP awarded $400 to go towards the development of a Pelham-wide podcast that would provide information on community-wide events and businesses. Here to accept this award is Clay Bushong, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

• My Sisters’ Place is an organization that strives to end domestic violence and human trafficking through comprehensive services, advocacy, and community education. The JLP awarded $850 to support clients as they experience day-to-day challenges in an effort to stay safe, care for their children, and move their lives forward. Examples include, medical bills, tuition costs, clothes, etc. Here to accept this award is Hayley Hoffman from the My Sister’s Place development office.

• Pelham Art Center The Pelham Art Center is a nonprofit, educational and cultural institution committed to providing opportunities for the  public to see, study and experience the arts, foster lifelong arts appreciation, and thereby strengthen the community. The JLP awarded $500 to support the Pelham Art Center at the 2019 Pelham Street Festival and the Pelham/New Rochelle Arts festival. Funds will cover free art education projects, craft workshops, demos for all ages and performers. Here to accept the grant this evening is Charlotte Mouquin, the Executive Director at the Pelham Art Center.

• The Pelham Children’s Center is a small, nonprofit, Early Childhood Education Center. The JLP awarded $1,000 towards the hiring of an outside instructor to provide structured physical activities to promote body awareness, as well as weekly art activities to address the children’s need for fine motor development, creativity and social interaction. Here to accept the grant this evening is Stephen Madey, Director of the Pelham Children’s Center.

• Finally, The New Rochelle YMCA is part of a worldwide  movement committed to the  promotion of youth development,  healthy living, and social responsibility. THe JLP awarded $1,000 towards a new program that offers 50% off membership for youth ages 12-17, who did not make a school run sports team but still want to be active in sports. In return, the youth will take on a leadership role at the center.