2 local entities receive Variety program funding

Two local non-profit organizations, Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. and Sleep in Heavenly Peace/Page County, have each been awarded grant funding from Variety - the Children’s Charity to further their program objectives.

Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. serves Page, Fremont and Montgomery counties with incentive-based parent education programs, and will utilize their $4,000 grant to fund the Nest Program, providing basic safety items such as car seats, cribs, gates and CO2 detectors, which parents earn by attending monthly educational classes. Sandy Geer, Administrative Director, reports,

“This past year 150 children and their parents participated in 84 educational classes. All families and individuals have the capacity to grow and change.

This capacity is enhanced when families are provided support, information, alternatives and resources. The results are healthier family functioning, increased knowledge about child development and parenting, and improved nurturing and attachment between parent and child.”

Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Page County is the area chapter of a national organization [shpbeds.org] whose mission statement is: “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.”

Serving the four southwest Iowa counties of Fremont, Page, Mills and Montgomery, this all-volunteer group has built and delivered more than 70 beds to children who were otherwise sleeping in unfavorable situations.

Each delivery includes a twin bed [single or bunked] with new mattress, sheets and blankets.

Chapter President Jake Johnson states, “A good night’s sleep is very important to a child’s development. From general health and social interactions to success in school, everything in the life of a child is improved by having a comfortable and safe place to sleep. Our $3,000 grant award will enable us to build and equip an additional 20 beds to be delivered to area children in need.”

Variety is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children.

For more information on Variety grants and programs, visit varietyiowa.com.