Support Families in Transition in grant contest
Local nonprofit in the running for State Farm Family Assistance award
news@theeveningtimes.com
Families in Transition is in the running for some much-needed funding through a competitive grant and is looking for some support from the public.
The local nonprofit, which shelters and counsels family victims of domestic violence, jumped out of a filed of 2,000 applicants into a final round of consideration for the nationwide State Farm Family Assist Grant.
The final round comes in the form of a social media voting contest. FIT stood to win $25,000 if they finish anywhere in the top 40 organizations receiving votes. Local State Farm Agent Fred Leonard spoke on behalf of the company and the other local agents, Julie Burns and Phil Ford, asking for votes for the West Memphis based cause.
“Families in Transition applied and got through the first cut,” said Leonard.
“It’s an awesome feet to be in the top 200.”
Leonard touted the work that FIT does.
“I will vote for them because of what they represent and what they do for our community,” said Leonard. “I would vote for them because I believe in their cause and because they align with what we try to do here locally and nationally with State Farm by helping families. This is an awesome opportunity for someone here locally to receive a nationwide grant from State Farm and it would go to a worthwhile cause.”
Leonard rallied for getting out the vote to support FIT.
“We want everyone that believes in what Families in Transition believes in and how they serve our community to vote ten times a day for ten days in a row,” said Leonard. “We want everyone to spread the word to those in their social media contacts, professional contacts and within their community. It is not limited to people in West Memphis. So, if you have people in Chicago, they can also vote for Families in Transition in West Memphis.”
Cassie Hoskins directs FIT, often called the best kept secret in the city because of its confidential shelter and services for those impacted by domestic violence. The 25-year-old local non-profit aimed at a specific need the $25,000 prize could fill. FIT had to turn away 525 requests for shelter due to limited housing capacity last year.
The grant money would be matched by other funding and private donations to expand the facility and increase the number of families served. The group entered a multi-phase renovation plan to update and enlarge its safe house.
Estimated phase one costs amounted to $75,000.
FIT has raised some matching money elsewhere and needs a little more help to get started.
“We need a lot of work done to the house,” said Hoskins. “We will knock down walls and have to relocate electrical. We still have screw in fuses. We need new wiring and about $25,000 of plumbing work to expand. Right now we have multiple families trying to cook dinner in a galley style kitchen on a 24 inch stove. It’s frustrating. We need an expanded kitchen. We need a family room, a common area for the kids to get out of the individual family dorms.”
Phase two plans included a new wheel chair ramp, parking and an addition onto the back of the house.
Hoskins was thrilled to be in the top 200 organizations nationally selected by State Farm. She indicated voting was easy.
“You restore the first time; it is really quick,” said Hoskins. “You can vote ten time with one button push really simple. Just follow the link., https:www.
neighborhoodassist.com/ entry/2024849. Check out Families in Transition’s Facebook page for the direct link. “
