The Bethlehem Center celebrated the success of this year's Community Connections Summer Grants Program. The program provides summer program funding for organizations that deliver education, discipleship, and/or leadership development programming for the youth representing underserved communities.
“In 2018, the Bethlehem Center began administering the program in order to serve Chattanooga youth and the community,” says Reginald F. Smith II, executive director at The Bethlehem Center. “We have provided guidance, structure, support, and professional development training to selected partner organizations ever since.”
Two areas the Summer Grants Program focuses on are Outdoor and Arts Programming. Outdoor programs allow children to engage in outdoor education and play to support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development, while also benefiting their health. The art programs provide children with different points of view, allow them to empathize with “others,” help to reduce stress among children, and give them an outlet for expression and the opportunity to reflect on the human condition.
The 2022 programming included sculpting a functional bike within 40-hours, learning how to use digital design software, mural painting, farming and gardening skills, and more.
2022 CCSG Recipients:
Alpha And Omega Outreach
Brainerd Baptist Hispanic Church
Bridge Chattanooga
Chattanooga Football Club Foundation - Chattanooga Sports Ministries
Christ Community
Doors Open Jazz, Inc.
East Lake Expression Engine
Hamilton County Coalition
Highland Park Commons
Iglesia Bautista de Chattanooga
Iglesia Evangelica Filadelfia
Impact1!
Misión de la Basílica - Casa de Oración Santa Cruz
MVP Summer Program
National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Chattanooga Chapter Inc
Net Resource Foundation
New Monumental Baptist Church “Community Operation Outreach” Program
Orchard Park Church S.T.E.P. Camp
Placing Emphasis Around Kids (PEAK)
Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Red Bank
Quarterback Club
Reach One Teach One
Smoking For Jesus
St. Peter & Paul Basilica Hispanic Ministry
The Centenary - First-Centenary United Methodist Church
The Pursuit of Happiness
Tob.Art Creative Painting
Unity Performing Arts Foundation of Chattanooga
Young Ladies of Power Inc.
To learn more about the Bethlehem Center and our Summer Grants Program, visit thebeth.org or email grants@thebeth.org