Latest news with #communitypartnerships
News.com.au
22-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Homebuyer's first step makes big impact for crisis support charity
A homebuyer's first step onto the property ladder in Lara is set to help a Geelong charity provide crisis accommodation for the next four years. Samaritan House Geelong received the financial boost after the $675,000 sale of the four-bedroom house in Reflections Crescent, Lara. Bisinella Developments donated the 518sq m Lara Lakes Estate lot to Samaritan House Geelong, facilitating the Hamlan Homes construction, with styling by Moda Interior Styling. Landscaping was arranged and funded by Bisinella as a further donation to the project. Which states lead first-home buyer surge Coulter Legal, a longstanding supporter of Samaritan House Geelong, provided the conveyancing for both the land donation and the property sale. The property was purchased in May by first-home buyers from Altona Meadows for $675,000 and the property was expected to be settled in late June. The four-bedroom residence has two bathrooms and an open-plan living, dining the kitchen area that opens to the back yard. The proceeds from the sale will support the Samaritan House Geelong's work providing crisis accommodation and essential services to men experiencing homelessness in the region. Samaritan House Geelong Director Wally Pelaccia said Bisinella's contribution was 'deeply impactful'. 'The success of this project is a reflection of the power of community partnerships,' he said. 'Bisinella's donation will underpin our operations for the next four years, giving us stability and allowing us to plan ahead.' Bisinella Developments director Richard Bisinella said it's an important cause. 'Homelessness is a critical issue across Australia that Bisinella Developments and our partners are committed to solving at a local level,' he said. 'Supporting organisations like Samaritan House is one way we can help make a real difference to people's lives. 'We are grateful to have been a part of this fantastic initiative and look forward to welcoming the new homeowners into our Lara Lakes Estate.' Mr Pelaccia said Samaritan House Geelong, which was established in 2012, offers much more than shelter. 'It's a space to reconnect, to build friendships and to believe in a better tomorrow,' he said. 'Guests often form bonds that lead to shared work opportunities and long-term housing, helping to break the cycle of homelessness. 'Support of Samaritan House Geelong enables those men who have fallen on hard times a chance to breathe and re-evaluate their lives.' Inspired by the success of this initiative, Samaritan House Geelong has placed the idea of a second home build on its agenda, although no immediate plans are in place.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Community groups and charities invited to apply for Co-op funding
Community groups and charities can now apply for a share of £5 million from Co-op's Local Community Fund. The fund seeks to support causes across the UK that "help people and communities thrive," with a focus on improving access to food; mental wellbeing; youth opportunities; community cohesion; and sustainability. David Luckin, head of community partnerships, funding, and impact at Co-op, said: "It's always exciting to start the search for local causes to take part in a new round of funding. "Our members have told us that they want Co-op to focus on the real issues affecting people's lives, and act on the issues that matter most. "We know that things are increasingly challenging for communities, and through this funding, we can make a difference locally and help people and communities to thrive." Since 2016, the fund has supported more than 39,000 projects across the UK. Applications for the latest round of funding are open until Sunday, July 6. Co-op members can view current local causes, and choose a community project to support, via the Co-op membership app at For more information about the funding, and to apply, community groups and charities can visit
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Rhode Island Calling All Hands To Make Students Better Problem Solvers
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee joins families, students, and educators at a statewide Math Extravaganza ... More to spotlight efforts to improve math achievement. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee (D) has no mixed feelings or hesitation about his education vision for the state—be better than Massachusetts and Connecticut. 'There is zero reason why Rhode Island can't be the best education provider in our region, in the country,' he told me at the recent 'Math Matters RI Extravaganza' in Providence. The strategy? Stop putting responsibility for educational outcomes solely on teachers' shoulders. Bring the entire state into it. 'I'm a parent, grandparent and former basketball coach. My wife Susan is a retired reading teacher. I know that classroom learning is only part of the answer,' he said. 'To make real progress, our students need to feel the energy of learning and the power of problem solving in more of the places where they thrive—in their after-school activities, in their clubs, and teams—and especially at home.' The governor made education a major pillar of his agenda in 2023 by launching 'Learn365RI' to 'shift learning from the traditional 180 school days to 365 days of learning by supporting partnerships between municipalities, local education agencies (LEAs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) to expand high-quality, extended learning experiences.' That enthusiasm and support was on full display at the Providence event, hosted by Gov. McKee, R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education. More than 700 people participated, along with math-related partners from groups like Zearn, Khan Academy, New Classrooms and Prisms. Particularly encouraging was watching kids, parents, policymakers and educators roll up their sleeves and dig in on games and activities that help promote math and problem-solving skills. 'Let's be clear. We're not talking about year-long classroom instruction,' he said. 'We're talking about ensuring that our students are surrounded by quality learning opportunities every day, inside and outside of school. Those games that kids and parents were playing today are great examples of things that we can all do to help our students succeed.' The state has injected some $7 million into partnerships and programs in 38 of 39 municipalities across the state that have signed municipal learning compacts with the governor. Nearly $3 million of that investment supports out-of-school math-focused programming, specifically. Each of the locations has followed its own approach for boosting youth partnerships outside the classroom to increase learning opportunities—from math camps and career technical education to computer programming and STEAM—or science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics classes. They also include non-traditional programs using activities like sailing and sports to increase contextual understanding of mathematics concepts. This challenge is daunting. Test scores from the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) underscore the problem that Rhode Island leaders are attempting to reverse. The most recent 2024 scores found math proficiency rates among eight graders in the Ocean State stubbornly static. But Rhode Island leaders are seeking to build on recent momentum. State assessment math results have rebounded past pre-pandemic levels of achievement with more students meeting or exceeding expectations than before the pandemic. Rhode Island has been able to close its math performance gap with Massachusetts by nearly 50 percent. And, the recently released Education Recovery Scorecard indicated that Rhode Island is recovering from pandemic learning loss faster than all New England states and ranks 14th in math recovery nationally. Gov. Dan McKee was joined at the Math Extravaganza by local mayors, Education Commissioner Angelica ... More Infante-Greene, and nationally recognized math leader Shalinee Sharma of Zearn. 'The best way to help our students is to be completely honest about where they stand academically,' R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green told me. 'We continue to move in the right direction as a state, but about half of our students are graduating and they're not ready for the next stage of their careers, whether that's a four-year university or other skilled occupation. We're taking a proactive and collective approach to address this.' That statistic has fueled updated graduation requirements, requiring students to complete four credits in math, including algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2 and an advanced math credit. To meet the new readiness-based graduation requirements, students must also prove proficiency in civics, financial literacy, computer science and the arts, as well as complete a resume and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 'We are certainly raising the education bar,' said Infante-Green. 'But that's what's needed to ensure our kids have every opportunity to do well in life. It's now up to us—all of us—to do as much as possible to help them reach that bar.' The state is measuring progress on three metrics: 1) Mathematics and English language arts scores on the state annual summative assessment, the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System; 2) School attendance rates to address the state's chronic absenteeism; and 3) Completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 'Today, I watched kids and their parents playing board games and having a blast,' said Gov. McKee of the recent math event. 'That kind of activity is boosting their math foundation, while teaching them all kinds of other team building skills. And they're having fun while doing it. That's the kind of action we can all take to help our youngsters become amazing problem solvers.'
Globe and Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
VANA PURE Announces Global Initiative to Support Children from Underserved Communities
Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - June 4, 2025) - VANA PURE, the fast-growing online platform specializing in home and personal cleaning products, today announced a groundbreaking global initiative to support children born into low-income families. This program, set to be officially unveiled through international media outlets in June 2025, represents the company's long-term commitment to creating cleaner, safer environments for children worldwide. VANA PURE The initiative is built on three core pillars: Remote Employment Opportunities for Mothers: Recognizing that economic hardship often begins at home, VANA PURE will offer remote work opportunities to qualifying guardians, with a particular focus on mothers. This initiative is designed to empower women while ensuring a stable home environment for their children. Free Access to Essential Cleaning Products: VANA PURE will supply select low-income families with essential, high-quality cleaning products at no cost. These include FDA-approved child-safe cleaners, hypoallergenic floor-cleaning systems designed to reduce asthma and allergy triggers, household disinfectants, and pet-safe cleaning supplies. These tools aim to help families create healthier living spaces and prevent chronic health issues stemming from poor sanitation. Long-term Corporate-Community Partnerships: The company will collaborate with top-tier suppliers in China to provide targeted aid packages to disadvantaged families for a period of 1 to 3 years. These aid packages will include both products and financial subsidies designed to promote long-term household well-being. "We believe that clean environments are not a luxury, but a right for every child," said Isaiah Li, a spokesperson for VANA PURE. "Through direct action, community empowerment, and strategic partnerships, we aim to make a lasting difference." Families facing hardship are encouraged to reach out to VANA PURE through the company's official website, to apply for support or learn more about the program. Media Contact: MINDY WONG, marketing director press@ 1312 17TH ST NUM 1303 DENVER, CO 80202
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Platte County recognized as Blue Shield community
PLATTE, CO., Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has recognized Platte County as a Blue Shield Community in recognition of Platte County's commitment to Public Safety. The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration and build strong community partnerships for public safety. Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland said, The Platte County Sheriff's Office has a long-standing tradition of excellence as a leading law enforcement agency in Missouri, built on our commitment to integrity, innovation, and service to our community. Achieving the Missouri Blue Shield Designation is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our deputies, jail staff, and administrative personnel. This honor reflects our collaborative efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen community partnerships, and we are proud to continue serving Platte County with the highest standards of professionalism. Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield Designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community's commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program's goals.
