Introducing Our 2018 Beneficiaries

After a very long and challenging process to winnow down our wonderful applicants to just three new beneficiaries, we have done just that.

(We so wish we had fifty grants to give away! Thanks to all who applied and stay tuned for some changes in the application process for 2019.)

The beneficiaries of the 2018 Dayton Book Fair are Rebuilding Together Dayton, The Victory Project and We Care Arts.

Rebuilding Together Dayton works to  build community partnerships that provide home rehabilitation for low-income Dayton Area homeowners, particularly the elderly, so they may live in warmth, safety and independence. All of their work falls into one of four focus areas: safe and healthy housing, youth and corporate engagement, community revitalization and veteran housing.  The average age of their clients is 77, and the average annual income $16,000. Read more about their vision and accomplishments at their website  http://www.rtdayton.org

The Victory Project is a privately funded nonprofit after-school program which mentors disengaged young men in our city. They forged an alliance  between business, criminal justice and faith communities to allow local teens to break the cycle of hopelessness, insignificance and isolation by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  Offering a real alternative to the streets, they are open year round, six days a week, building long-lasting relationships with young men at risk, sharing dinner together every weeknight, providing  individualized tutoring and entrepreneurship models through landscaping and home improvement micro-businesses.  Check out their website at http://www.victoryproject.org/

An uncommon alliance has formed between the business, criminal justice and faith communities to allow our young men to break the cycle of hopelessness, insignificance and isolation by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

We Care Arts works with developmentally disabled adults and youth, senior citizens with dementia, and the mentally ill to  achieve greater personal independence. Through a variety of art experiences, they promote the artist’s individuality, self esteem, community skills, ability to focus, life skills, responsibility, confidence and job skills.  A team of paid staff and volunteers creates an environment that fosters individual talents and provides  training for each artist. In addition, We Care Arts has developed installations for use in public schools and the “Art on a Cart” program for patients receiving chemotherapy.  Click their website link to learn more!   http://www.wecarearts.org/