Submitted by Rocksolid Community Teen Center
Rocksolid Community Teen Center recently was awarded grant funds from Clark County Realtors Association and Washington State Youth Development Relief Grant. These grants will allow Rocksolid to continue to run the program and support youth virtually during COVID-19 restrictions, and in person, once allowed.
The $1500 grant from Clark County Realtors Association will enable Rocksolid to continue the Life Skills Program. The Life Skills Program teaches youth valuable skills like cooking, banking, financial planning, coping, motivation, etc. This grant will assist with education themed kits delivered to teens via Rocksolid staff. The lessons are taught by local staff, volunteers, business owners and/or community leaders.
The $19,000 grant from The Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relief Fund are funds to allow Rocksolid to fill fundraising gaps to ensure the program can continue to operate and serve local youth. The Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relief Fund was made possible by the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) and was led by School’s Out Washington working closely with the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The COVID-19 outbreak, extended school closures, and social distancing have deepened inequities and hardships for young people across Washington. In response, youth development programs quickly adapted their services to provide supports for youth and families to whom they are deeply connected. Expanded or adapted offerings have included emergency childcare, social-emotional supports, academic mentoring, virtual programming, and basic needs supports. For many, these organizations have been a sustaining lifeline.
By providing access to essential services and pivoting to offer expanded learning opportunities online, they have helped ensure that children and young people remain safe, engaged, and supported.
On average, 88% of youth served by awardees are in the Relief Fund’s priority populations (including BIPOC, LGBTQ, migrant/immigrant, youth experiencing homelessness and youth in poverty) and 48% report serving 100% priority youth.
Although Rocksolid’s program is not open in person, we are meeting teens via Zoom twice a week. It is vital for youth to stay connected. Rocksolid registration is always open, and the registration fee is being waived during the restricted virtual meeting only. Contact Rocksolid for more details at 360.885.2181.
“We are extremely grateful for these funds, especially during the COVID-19 crisis while fundraising efforts are more challenging. These funds will enable us to serve youth in new and innovative ways.” states Marcy Sprecher, Executive Director.
