Young Leaders awards over $15K to nonprofits

The Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County program last week awarded $15,218 in grants to local nonprofits during its 5th Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser at Black Brook Golf Course in Mentor.

The sold-out event drew a record 144 participants, said Young Leaders’ staff lead Jodi Matsko.

According to UWLC, the mission of Young Leaders is to positively impact the lives of children in Lake County through improved health and education. Members of the program work toward their goals, in part, via the support of nonprofit organizations in Lake County with grants that promote a similar mission geared toward youth.

Young Leaders received a total of 21 grant applications. The funds were awarded to the following seven nonprofit agencies and organizations:

• Alliance for Working

Together: Junior Botz Program — $1,250

• Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio: Journey Program — $1,100

• Hospice of the Western Reserve: Grief Resources Program for Children — $1,000

• Lake County Free Clinic: Helping Children Breathe Better — $2,593

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (Lake County): Ending the Silence — $2,000

• Salvation Army Citadel: Steam Program — $2,275

• Youth United Way: Grant Award Allocation Program — $5,000

Representatives from each agency were on-site to accept the grants.

Since its inaugural grant funding cycle in 2016, Young Leaders has awarded nearly $45,000 in grants, including this year’s distribution, and the allocations awarded to UWLC’s Youth United Way program for its grant distribution process.

Young Leaders was established in 2014 by a core group of United Way volunteers. The group’s purpose includes engaging, empowering,

mentoring and supporting the youth of Lake County in the achievement of their goals, and is accomplished through the group’s philanthropic efforts of giving, advocating and volunteering, according to a UWLC news release.

Members of Young Leaders range in age from 21 to 40. The group raises donations in support of their grant program primarily through its annual golf outing.

For additional information about Young Leaders, visit www.uwlc. org/young-leaders-yl or call 440-639-1236.

— SUBMITTED Morris Beverage III, United Way of Lake County’s 2018 Campaign Chair, launches a drive at Black Brook Golf Course last week during Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County’s annual fundraiser.