Mahaska Safe Kids Receives Strengthen Rural Iowa Grant Award

Oskaloosa—January 19, 2011

Mahaska Safe Kids has received a Strengthen Rural Iowa (SRI) grant as one of 14 nonprofit organizations located in southern and southeast Iowa. As a result, Mahaska Safe Kids will receive training, technical assistance, and a grant award to strengthen its operations. Grant funding was obtained from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 – Strengthening Communities Fund – Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.

Mahaska Safe Kids, located in Oskaloosa is directed by Jessica Gituma. The main focus of the organization is to provide family supports that ensure safe and secure environments for children and youth. Administered by the Iowa Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the Strengthen Rural Iowa project is designed to assist grantees enhance their social services, achieve greater sustainability, and create stronger collaborations. Grant project training and technical assistance will aid organizations in areas of leadership development, organizational development, program development, collaboration and community engagement and evaluation of effectiveness.

Nonprofit organizations receiving SRI grants are located in Appanoose, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Mahaska, Wapello and Wayne counties. Each nonprofit organization will also receive up to $20,000 in grant funding to help achieve their project goals. The SRI project starts in January and concludes September, 2011.