People
Six area nonprofits get $50,000 grants
By: Bill Myers
Examiner Staff Writer
February 5, 2009
Six D.C.-area nonprofit groups are getting an infusion of cash to help poor kids receive early education and care, thanks to the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.
The foundation announced six grants, totaling $300,000, to D.C. Appleseed, CentroNia of Maryland, Empower D.C., Fairfax Futures, Hopkins House and Voices for Virginia’s Children.
The money is designed to help give poor families a break with childcare and early education.
“Investments such as these are a win-win for the community,” Craig Pascal, a PNC Bank vice president and member of the grant collaborative, said Tuesday.
Child care experts say infants and toddlers are most receptive to early education because their brains are the most “elastic.” Intervention can sometimes lessen the impact of disabilities in small children and help them become better students as they age, according to numerous studies.
The grant is a welcome infusion, said Walter Smith, executive director of D.C. Appleseed, which will use the money to help raise wages for nannies and childcare workers.
“The wages for childcare workers are among the lowest in the city,” Smith said. “They’ve got a rough lot, and the kids have a rough lot. And we’re going to help.”
The foundation announced six grants, totaling $300,000, to D.C. Appleseed, CentroNia of Maryland, Empower D.C., Fairfax Futures, Hopkins House and Voices for Virginia’s Children.
The money is designed to help give poor families a break with childcare and early education.
“Investments such as these are a win-win for the community,” Craig Pascal, a PNC Bank vice president and member of the grant collaborative, said Tuesday.
Child care experts say infants and toddlers are most receptive to early education because their brains are the most “elastic.” Intervention can sometimes lessen the impact of disabilities in small children and help them become better students as they age, according to numerous studies.
The grant is a welcome infusion, said Walter Smith, executive director of D.C. Appleseed, which will use the money to help raise wages for nannies and childcare workers.
“The wages for childcare workers are among the lowest in the city,” Smith said. “They’ve got a rough lot, and the kids have a rough lot. And we’re going to help.”
