$1 million in grants approved by Community Foundation

AMHERST TWP. — More than $1 million in grants were awarded to 36 organizations in the July meeting of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. They are intended to support post-pandemic challenges faced by local nonprofits, according to the foundation. "This money will provide much-needed support to continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community," said Maria Grega, chair of the Grants Committee. "This round of grants speaks to the pillars of the Community Foundation of Lorain County and the incredible mission-driven work of Lorain County nonprofits and (we're) especially impressed about the essential health and human service programs available throughout the county." Among the grantees is Let's Get Real, a nonprofit that provides support for people who struggle with alcohol and opiate addiction. When Mercy Health Lorain Hospital, Mercy Health Allen Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Avon and University Hospitals have patients experiencing an overdose or other drug-related emergency, the hospitals call Let's Get Real to provide a "warm handoff" before discharging patients. Staff and volunteers from Let's Get Real help patients determine their next step, usually identifying and entering a treatment program. The nonprofit received $30,000 in the July round of grants to increase outreach, transport services and engagement length for those struggling with addiction, said Let's Get Real Executive Director Kim Eberle. "So often the family and loved ones are expected to hands-on navigate the individual through the systems," Eberle said. "These monies will benefit the greater community by relieving the families of that obligation and connecting and utilizing existing social services in Lorain County. Additionally, we can lessen the strain on the community by initiating services quickly and working with each client over a longer period." July grant awards • Catholic Charities Corporation — $70,000 • Neighborhood Alliance — $75,000 • Lorain County Free Clinic — $65,000 • Lorain County Safe Harbor Genesis House — $55,000 • Alzheimer's Association — $23,250 • Family Planning Services of Lorain County — $40,000 • Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center — $35,000 • Let's Get Real — $30,000 • Lorain County Lutheran Presbyterian Cooperative Ministries — $15,000 • Pathways Enrichment Center — $30,000 • Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry — $25,000 • Oberlin Community Services Council — $25,000 • Voices for Children — $5,000 • Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging Foundation — $16,000 • Achievement Centers for Children — $8,000 • NAMI Lorain County — $12,500 • Leadership Lorain County — $30,000 • Educational Service Center of Lorain County — $8,500 • Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio — $40,000 • Ohio State University Extension, Lorain County — $34,000 • Cleveland Museum of Natural History — $20,000 • College Now Greater Cleveland — $20,000 • Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland — $20,000 • Atmosphere Adventures — $12,000 • Second Baptist Church Adopt-A-School Initiative — $2,200 • Legal Aid Society of Cleveland — $60,000 • Lorain County Urban League — $50,000 • YWCA Elyria — $45,200 • Lorain County Habitat for Humanity — $10,000 • Harrison Cultural Community Centre — $27,000 • Western Reserve Land Conservancy — $10,000 • SCORE Cleveland Chapter 30 — $3,000 • Great Lakes Theater — $35,000 • Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra — $25,000 • Lorain Historical Society — $20,000 • MAD Factory — $5,000 Donors can contribute to the COVID-19 Relief Fund at peoplewhocare.org.