In Our Community

Anniston Community Education Foundation (ACEF) recently awarded $100,000 in grant funds to five organizations in the West Anniston and Hobson City communities to help improve the quality of education for children.

A breakfast was held Sept. 12 at the Classic on Noble to recognize each grantee and their program.

ACEF 2008/2009 Grantees

• Anniston Housing Authority received $35,000 for the Parent and Child Teacher Project, or PACT Project. The PACT Project is a parental and youth education program to encourage parents to become more concerned about their children's education. This project focuses on families residing in public housing and Section 8. Call Ms. Carolyn Swain at 256-236-1575 for more information.

• Community Enabler Developer Inc. received $35,000 for the Sable Community Center's after-school program. The Sable Community Center is a safe haven where youth become involved in different life skill activities. The center is the only after-school program in the Hobson City community. Call Mrs. Maudine Holloway at 237-6144 for more information.

• Community Actors' Studio Theatre, Inc. (CAST) received $10,000 for the Young Artists for a Better World. This grant will provide 10 one-year performing arts scholarships to youth from West Anniston. The contact persons for this program are Mrs. Joan McKinney and Ms. Kimberly Dobbs. Call 820-2278 for more information.

• Boys & Girls Club of East Central Alabama received $10,000 for the D.E.A.R. Program, which stands for Drop Everything and Read. This reading initiative program involves the local clubs dedicating 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for reading. Call Mr. Johnny Byrd at 236-7054 for information on this program.

• Health Services Center (HSC) received $10,000 for Project YELL (Youth Education/Life Lessons). This project focuses on Health Education. HSC will deliver prevention education to youth in the west Anniston community. Call Mrs. Julie Hope at (256) 832-0327 for more information.

Anniston Community Education is a non-profit, private operating foundation, established as a result of the Partial Consent Decree between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Solutia Inc. (Solutia,) and Pharmacia Corporation (Pharmacia) entered by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Call 741-1629 or visit www.aceforg.org for more information on Anniston Community Education Foundation grant opportunities.