Neighbors and Friends of Table Rock Lake recently announced the grant awards for their 2023-2024 funding cycle. At the group’s April 8 luncheon meeting, representatives from 18 area nonprofit agencies were on hand to accept the awards.
To be eligible to apply, local area charities must benefit area children according to criteria developed by the NFTRL Service Committee. The award recipients for this cycle include the following organizations:
· Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks
· The Brook Wellness Center
· Children’s Smile Center
· Christian Action Ministries
· Faith Community Health
· Gateway Branson
· Gift of Hope, Inc.
· Harbor House Domestic Violence Center
· Kimberling Area Library Association
· Lifesong Community Diaper Bank
· Living Alternatives/Options Pregnancy Clinic
· Pregnancy Life Line
· Shell Knob in the Spotlight
· Stone County Citizens in Action
· Taneyhills Library Club
· Veterans of the Ozarks
· Weekend Backpack Kids
· Wellness for Warriors Quilting Group
The grants often help agencies offer or expand specific programs above their usual operating expenses. For example, at Faith Community Health, the funds will help support a healthy eating program offered in partnership with the University of Missouri Extension. One of those courses focuses on helping lower-income families learn to prepare healthy meals and stay active; and Executive Director Kyle David said the grant helps cover the expense for items to prepare the meals, which the class participants can then take home to their families.
Rosie Robinson, director of The Brook Wellness Center, said the award will provide valuable assistance with their annual Toy Drive for clients’ children. “Last year we served 363 children; this year it will be more like 400,” she said. “With the money we will be able to buy underwear, toys, hats and gloves.”
Neighbors & Friends of Table Rock Lake is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to foster friendship among its members and help them become involved in community, social, civic and educational causes, and to support charitable and humanitarian projects within the community. Women of all ages are welcomed, including long-time residents as well as women new to the area. Membership has grown in recent years to over 250, but a variety of Interest Groups provide the opportunity to get acquainted in a smaller setting, including a Garden Club and a group supporting the Kimberling Area Library. Members raise funds each year for local charities, with a committee in place to ensure organizations meet the funding criteria and members then voting to determine the awards. Over the past 12 years, over $690,000 has been raised and given.
Anyone looking for a place to meet new friends, get involved and serve in the community should visit www.nftrl.org for membership information.