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Identifying Our Community Grant Awards

3rd Quarter 2011 - Community Culinary School of Charlotte

2nd Quarter 2011 - Urban Ministry Center's Moore Place

1st Quarter 2011 - UMAR ARTS Center

4th Quarter 2010 - United Way of Central Carolinas

3rd Quarter 2010 - Humane Society of Charlotte

2nd Quarter 2010 - Charlotte Christian School

1st Quarter 2010 - NC Outward Bound

4th Quarter 2009- Charlotte Rescue Mission

3rd Quarter 2009 - The Mint Museum

2nd Quarter 2009 - Thompson Child & Family Focus

1st Quarter 2009 - Catawba Valley Scottish Society

4th Quarter 2008 - Sickle Cell Regional Network/Crescent Health Institute

3rd Quarter 2008 - St. Peter's Homes' McCreesh Place

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5,000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to the Community Culinary School of Charlotte. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of building signage at the Community Culinary School location in Charlotte's South End neighborhood.

The Community Culinary School of Charlotte (www.communityculinary.org) provides training and job search assistance in the food service indurstry for people who have experienced barriers to employment. CCSC is committed to helping adults who struggle with unemployment and underemployment achieve success in their careers and personal lives.

The award to CCSC is the thirteenth in a series of twenty grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5,000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5,000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to the Urban Ministry Center's Moore Place. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of building signage at the future Moore Place location on North Graham Street in Charlotte.

Moore Place (www.urbanministrycenter.org/moore-place) will be Charlotte’s first Housing First model of Permanent Supportive Housing for Charlotte’s chronically homeless. Modeled after successful communities across the country, Moore Place will offer 85 efficiency apartments with on-site case management and 24-hour security for chronically homeless men and women. This will be the only option in Charlotte for chronically homeless women and a cornerstone piece of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

"We are so grateful to the selection committee and honored to have been chosen! As we work to open the building, signage is a very necessary but expensive part of the project. The grant will make a huge difference for us," says Moore Place Development Director Kathy Izard.

The award to Urban Ministry Center's Moore Place is the twelfth in a series of twenty grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5,000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5,000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to the UMAR ARTS Center. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of building signage at the UMAR ARTS Center location in Charlotte.

The UMAR ARTS Program (www.umararts.org), located on the grounds of Spencer Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlotte's NoDa District, organizes partnerships with artists from the community to teach various forms of art to adults with disabilities. Program participants have the opportunity to learn about, create and display for sale, different forms of visual art such as painting, pottery, and digital photography. As program participants gain skills in their chosen art mediums, they also receive critical job training. UMAR has extensive experience in job training for adults with disabilities and the arts curriculum follows the same education process. After training, program participants my be placed in competitive employment in the community as support for artists in locations such as galleries, museums, frame shops, ceramics studios, retail stores, catering or performing art venues. Students may also be commissioned to create custom art pieces such as paintings or murals for individuals or organizations.

"The timing of recieving this grant could not be better as our UMAR ARTS Center is undergoing some major changes - a campus expansion, the addition of the NoDa Arts Garden in collaboration with McGill Rose Garden and the hiring of a new arts director," says Marilyn Garner, Director of Development at UMAR. "It will make such a huge difference in identifying our unique arts program in the NoDa district."

The award to the UMAR ARTS Center is the eleventh in a series of twenty grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5,000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to United Way of Central Carolinas. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of building signage at the United Way of Central Carolinas location in Charlotte.

A non-profit organization that raises money for 96 Health and Human service agencies, the United Way of Central Carolinas (www.uwcentralcarolinas.org) has been helping those in our community since 1931. Since all funds raised by the organization are restricted for partner agencies and other non-profit causes, their marketing budget is small and can only be used for fundraising materials, not marketing and signage. In addition, with local, state and federal funding drastically slashed, Charlotte’s health and human services agencies are more dependent than ever on United Way. Faced with record unemployment, increasing foreclosures, etc., these agencies are overwhelmed, so the urgency to get the word out about those in need has never been greater. “We’re grateful to SouthWood for this grant, because it enables us to raise awareness about community issues and still direct more donor dollars to the agencies who serve our families, seniors and children most in need,” says Bill Norton, Marketing Director at United Way of Central Carolinas.

The award to United Way of Central Carolinas is the tenth in a series of twenty grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“Over the past 40 years, our community has played an important role in SouthWood’s success,” says Amy Spang, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. “It is with sincere pleasure that we have an opportunity through this grant initiative to identify our community as a great place for all its citizens. We are especially delighted to name United Way of Central Carolinas a most worthy recipient at the half-way point of our grant program.”

SouthWood Corporation, which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded the inaugural "Identifying Our Community" Grant to St. Peter's Homes Inc./McCreesh Place. The $5000 grant from SouthWood includes the design, fabrication, and installation of the signage.

St. Peter's Homes, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that owns and operates McCreesh Place, Charlotte's first single-room-occupancy (SRO) apartment community that provides affordable, permanent housing, with supportive services, for men with disabilities who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

"This signage will help identify McCreesh Place to our residents and prospective residents in need, as well as help identify us in the NoDa community and among donors, volunteers, health care workers and vendors," says Jermayne D. Cook, Executive Director. "We are thrilled to have been chosen to receive SouthWood's Identifying Our Community Grant."

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to Crescent Health Institute (formerly Sickle Cell Regional Network.) The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of the signage which is needed as a result of rebranding the organization.

“After delivering sickle cell services in Mecklenburg County for 36 years, the Sickle Cell Regional Network has become the Crescent Health Institute,” says the organization’s executive director Patricia Lambright, JD. “With a new location, the nonprofit organization is positioned to offer new programs and services to improve the health outcomes, health care, and overall well-being of vulnerable and underserved people in our metropolitan area.”

The award to Crescent Health Institute is the second in a series of grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“The response to our grant program has been wonderful,” says Amy Ricarte, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. “We are pleased to be impacting the community in such a positive way.”

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to Rural Hill/Catawba Valley Scottish Society. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of signage as part of the restoration of Rural Hill – Center of Scottish Heritage.

The mission of Catawba Valley Scottish Society (CVSS) is to educate people about the culture, heritage and contributions of the Scots and Scots-Irish and to provide venues for recognizing and celebrating their rich legacy. CVSS is preserving Rural Hill Farm as a community resource and family attraction for visitors to Mecklenburg County year round. Visit www.ruralhill.net for additional information.

“Our plans for Rural Hill include preservation of historic assets located within the 265-acre Davidson family property and development of historical, agricultural and environmental programs. Plans also include providing a venue for cultural heritage events such as the Rural Hill Scottish Festival,” says Ed McLean, executive director of the Catawba Valley Scottish Society. “In May 2008, Mecklenburg County officially designated this property to be known as ‘Rural Hill.’ We have been lacking permanent signage for this historical property. This generous signage grant from SouthWood will enable us to enhance the experience for visitors to Rural Hill.”

The award to Rural Hill/CVSS is the third in a series of grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“It has been a joy to assist these organizations with their image, identity and signage,” says Amy Ricarte, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. “We are looking forward to receiving even more applications for next quarter’s grant.”

Thompson Child & Family Focus offers a continuum of education, treatment, and care for at-risk children and families. Last year, Thompson merged with The Family Center, a 30-year-old organization also focused on the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Thompson operates four agency locations: Saint Peter’s Lane (off Margaret Wallace Road) in Matthews; 7^th Street in Charlotte; Clanton Road/West Boulevard in Charlotte; and an environmental education site in Lancaster County, South Carolina.

“This grant from SouthWood will provide signage that will help families and children in crisis identify Thompson as a helping agency and a place where they can turn for help,” says Lynne Bradley Hiltz, Director of Community Advancement for Thompson Child & Family Focus. “Additionally, signage from SouthWood will help Thompson’s volunteers and donors find the agency’s four sites more easily.”

The award to Thompson Child & Family Focus is the fourth in a series of grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“SouthWood is pleased to assist Thompson Child & Family Focus with their image, identity and signage,” says Amy Ricarte, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. “We are looking forward to receiving even more applications for next quarter’s grant.”

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to The Mint Museum. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of signage at the Mint Museum of Art on Randolph Road in Charlotte.

The timing of the signage is ideal, as the collections at the Mint Museum of Art will be reinstalled following the opening of the Mint Museum Uptown in October 2010. A new sign will serve as a reflection of all the changes that will take place within the historic United States Mint structure.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to receive SouthWood’s ‘Identifying Our Community’ grant,” said Executive Director Phil Kline. “The new signage will provide the Mint Museum of Art with a much improved roadside sign reflecting our current design initiatives.”

The award to The Mint Museum is the fifth in a series of grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“SouthWood is excited to provide The Mint Museum with signage that reflects its creative nature,” says Amy Ricarte, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. “We are pleased to be able to contribute to our community in this way and are looking forward to receiving more applications for next quarter’s grant.”

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to Charlotte Rescue Mission. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of signage at their location at 907 West First Street.

Charlotte Rescue Mission provides residential programs for homeless, jobless men and women with alcohol and drug addiction issues. “This signage grant from SouthWood will allow us greater exposure and clearer identity within the community and with the men and women we serve,” says Rev. Anthony Marciano II, executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission.

The award to Charlotte Rescue Mission is the sixth in a series of grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“Our community has been a vital part of SouthWood's success over the last 40 years and it is with sincere pleasure and excitement that we have this opportunity to give something back,” says Amy Spang, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. “We hope this grant initiative makes our community a better place for all its citizens.”

The application deadline for the next SouthWood Identifying Our Community Grant is April 15, 2010. The next grant recipient will be chosen at the end of April.

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a $5000 “Identifying Our Community” Grant to North Carolina Outward Bound School. The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of main identification and building signage at the North Carolina Outward Bound School location at 1351 East Morehead Street in Charlotte.

North Carolina Outward Bound School (www.ncoutwardbound.org) is a wilderness-based, experiential education organization, which provides scholarships to youth and adults, as well as open enrollment wilderness courses and professional development workshops for the general public. “Receiving this signage grant from SouthWood will help spread awareness about our programs for students and educators in Charlotte and the opportunities provided by the North Carolina Outward Bound School to members of our community,” says Amanda Sturner, Charlotte Program Director for North Carolina Outward Bound School.

North Carolina Outward Bound has been applying the experiential education model of learning using the wilderness as a classroom for more than forty years. This model is based on the four pillars of physical fitness, craftsmanship, self-reliance and compassion. The organization's mission is “to inspire people to discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others, and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings.”Students challenge themselves physically and emotionally through camping, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, ropes and team initiatives, and rock climbing. In addition, they learn how to communicate effectively, lead a group of their peers, overcome fears, and practice compassion.

The award to North Carolina Outward Bound School is the seventh in a series of grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area. SouthWood’s Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly $5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

“Over the past 40 years, our community has played an important role in SouthWood's success," says Amy Spang, spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. "It is with sincere pleasure that we have an opportunity to through this grant initiative to identify our community as a great place for all its citizens.”

The application deadline for the next SouthWood Identifying Our Community Grant is July 15, 2010. The next grant recipient will be chosen at the end of July.