_Horizontal.png){kind=logo}
In other words, giving that meaningfully transforms situations and circumstances toward resolving chronic issues and interests. We honor donor intentions, engage the community in our processes, and work alongside families and community partners with grants awarded. The Foundation conducts community grant processes each year benefitting nonprofits that serve our communities. We also award multiple scholarships each year to deserving students, both graduating high school seniors, and adults seeking a degree or credential.
We also work collaboratively within our service area on initiatives to address interests and needs such as the ones listed below. The Foundation’s initiatives are born out of an identified gap in the community or in response to a time-sensitive need/issue not otherwise being addressed. The issues and needs we tackle have a broad impact on the community. Some initiatives are short-term; others are ongoing.
Below is a listing of some of the community initiatives developed and deployed in partnership:.
Working in partnership with community organizations and churches, the Foundation helped in organizing end-of-school-year events to express appreciation for our public school personnel in Yadkin County and also for Clemmons-Lewisville Schools.
In 2021, the Foundation conducted a study of the childcare shortage in Clemmons, Lewisville, and Yadkin County. The October 2021 report and its recommendations may be downloaded (hyperlink here). Since then, along with a team of community leaders, the foundation has been exploring the launch of a unique model developed by the Andrews Group in Minnesota to expand childcare availability in Yadkin County. Currently, the team is working with NC DCDEE to ensure that the model will be approved within the state’s regulations and rules. With their guidance on rule changes, the planning team hopes to have a solution to the dire crisis in the near future.
Many individuals and organizations have had an interest in underwriting scholarships for deserving students and often in memory or recognition of a beloved family or organization member. However, in the past, underwriting a one-time scholarship wasn’t feasible without a gift of sufficient size to sustain it annually. The Board of Directors created Community Scholarships to meet this need.
This unique college access program was developed and launched in 2018, in partnership with Yadkin County Schools. The program supports students as they explore career options and prepare for their chosen career. Created for 11th and 12th grade students, the program provides a peer group and a personal mentor during high school and two years beyond high school graduation through the transition to college or occupational training. The program also assists with expenses of books, supplies, tools, and fees while students are participating in the NC Career and College Promise program (dual college and high school enrollment) and will assist with last-dollar scholarships toward tuition not otherwise covered by the Yadkin Guarantee or other tuition assistance programs.
Other examples of programs and initiatives jointly developed and launched and continuing today:
an Alliance representing area churches, school site leaders and social workers, and community groups who are focused on supporting local schools and student success.
A leadership program to help equip local residents with knowledge and tools to step into local leadership, informed and aware of the assets and opportunities in Clemmons and Lewisville. The program is now owned and operated by the Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce.
Formed and funded in response to the national pandemic, local leaders met regularly to assess the community needs as the pandemic unfolded and funded strategies to mitigate impact. While most funds have been depleted and regular meetings have been suspended, the Foundation staff members and team leaders continue to monitor residual issues and convene the teams when needed.
