The Berrien Community Foundation has released the list of Heart of Cook grant recipients for this year. BCF Program Manager Susan Matheny tells WSJM News the Heart of Cook is the charitable arm of the Cook nuclear power plant. Employees choose the grant recipients each year.
“The Heart of Cook grants support a huge range of programming, everything from food pantries to community outreach to summer camps for kids,” Matheny said. “They really like projects that address education, human services, and environmental projects as well. They have just a huge heart for the basic needs.”
The Heart of Cook is giving out more than $78,000 in grants this year to 29 non-profits. Among them is a newer initiative called Bridgman Blessing in a Backpack.
“It’s a program where they fill a backpack with shelf stable food that young people can assemble and feed themselves, and they take that home with them on Friday so they can have food throughout the weekend.”
Other grant recipients include the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, which is getting a grant to set up an outdoor performance area on its property, and the Benton Harbor Public Library, which is getting funds to purchase books. Matheny says Heart of Cook grant applications for 2023 will be available in January.
This year, the Heart of Cook committee selected the following organizations as winners of the 2022 Heart of Cook Grant:
· The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts
· Advancing Christ’s Kingdom Ministries – Michigan City
· The Avenue Family Network
· Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety
· Benton Harbor Public Library
· Berrien Area Hockey Association
· Berrien Community Foundation
· Berrien County Youth Fair Association, Inc.
· Boy Scout Troop 603
· Bridgman Blessing in a Backpack
· Feeding America West Michigan
· Ferry Street Resource Center
· Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
· Green Bridge Browers
· HOPE Resources
· Lest We Forget
· Living Epistle Fellowship
· LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.
· Lory’s Place
· Lybrook Elementary School
· Oronoko Charter Township
· Readiness Center
· The Region of Three Oaks Museum
· Senior Nutrition Services
· Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation
· St. Augustine of Canterbury Tiny Houses for Big Change
· St. Joseph High School Key Club
· St. Joseph Township Fire Department – Station # 1
· St. Margaret’s House
· Summit Financial Wellness
· Three Oaks Township
· Vista Maria
· Youth Development Company/PAL
· YWCA of Greater Central Indiana
