Rotary Club of Evanston Funds Anti-Violence Efforts

“Building a More Peaceful Evanston” Grants Distributed to Local Organizations

The Rotary Club of Evanston announced this week that it has distributed grants intended to help address the problem of violence in Evanston, ranging from youth gang activity and bullying in schools to domestic violence and urban crime.

Grants of up to $2,500 were distributed to several Evanston organizations addressing violence in the community through innovative programs.  A total of $10,000 was awarded. Grantees for 2013 include:

· Literature for All of Us

· Family Focus

· YWCA Evanston/North Shore

· James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy/Evanston Police Department

· Youth Organizations Umbrella (YOU)

“We were delighted by the number of applications we received for our grants and were impressed by the quality and creativity of the various applicants who are addressing this serious issue facing Evanston,” said Ada Kahn, president of the club. “All our recipients are to be commended for their outstanding work.”

Grant recipients were asked to submit programming ideas that discourage violence in general, including, but not limited to, programs aimed at reducing gang activity, youth bullying, adult violent-crime, or domestic violence. Programs aimed generally at building more peaceful communities through better understanding and greater tolerance were also considered.  The grants were distributed through the Rotary Club of Evanston’s Charitable Fund, which each year distributes thousands of dollars to not-for-profit organizations working to improve Evanston. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Evanston Charitable Fund, please visit www.evanstonrotary.org.

About the Rotary Club of Evanston

Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club of Evanston provides service to the community via hands-on volunteer projects and fundraising to help worthy causes. The club also provides scholarships, supports international aid projects and maintains the Friendship Garden in Evanston’s Ladd Arboretum for public use.

The club’s weekly luncheon meeting is held Thursdays from 12 to 1:15 p.m. at Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston. Guests are welcome. To learn more about being a guest or becoming a member, visit www.evanstonrotary.org.