The United Way of Central Arkansas has awarded $7,000 in mini grant funds to eight local agencies. 

The mini grants benefit agencies experiencing need outside of the regular grant making cycle. This year, the UWCA mini grant program is awarding grants to non-profit organizations located in Faulkner, Perry County and Van Buren counties based on the submission of a one-page application.

Agencies and programs that received funding:

● Community Action Program for Central Arkansas – $1,000 toward Project Homeless Connect, which is committed to connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the services and care they need to move forward at no cost to them.

● Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County – $750 to help start a volleyball league.

● Bethlehem House – $750 to add additional days to its Breakfast Program. Bethlehem House has a program to serve dinner nightly. This grant will allow the breakfast program to serve 365 days a year from 6 to 8 a.m. In addition, Bethlehem House received a grant for $750 for its Outreach Laundry Program, which assists the unsheltered, nearly homeless and low-income individuals with laundry services each week.

● Faulkner County Juvenile Court – $500 for its Kicks and Gloves assistance program, which provides necessary equipment needed by youth to participate in a court ordered rehabilitation program that educates and empowers youth.

● Conway Police Department – $750 to buy coats for children in need. Police officers deliver these coats to children at home over the Christmas break.

● Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas – $500 to begin the Domestic Violence-Art Therapy Program, which will provide holistic services for survivors of domestic abuse.

● Van Buren County Juvenile Court – $1,000 for its Dressed Not Stressed program, which provides the necessary equipment for youth to participate in court ordered rehabilitation programs that educate and empower youth.

● Clinton School District – $1,000 for Every.Girl.Period., which improves the health and well-being of at-risk girls who are unable to purchase sanitary supplies during their period. Girls will have better attendance, avoid potentially embarrassing situations and have better self-esteem.