Texas City/Galveston, TX - November 07, 2008
In 2009, La Marque High School students will have access to a comprehensive, on-site science resource center that will maximize their opportunities for learning state-mandated science concepts. The institute will provide academic enrichment and computer-based tutorials for students, as well as enable them to work on science fair projects, laboratory research projects and career exploration.
This is one of 10 projects made possible this year thanks to the 2008 Texas City Operations (TCO), Community Grants Program. The grants funded, which totaled $40,000; represent a diverse group of projects that will provide needed services for the local community.
The community grant program, now in its fifth year, has funded about $200,000 in local projects. A committee of community members and TCO employees reviewed the more than 65 applications and selected the winners based on greatest impact to the community and alignment to Dow’s strategy.
"Every year we receive more and more grant applications and every year we are more and more impressed with these project lists," said Charles Jackson, TCO site leader. "This is a collaborative effort between Texas City Operations and local non-profit organizations to bring about sustainable enhancements in our community."
Another project funded will allow young mothers and mothers-to-be to "earn" baby food and formula, diapers and other baby supplies at The Crisis Pregnancy Support Center while learning about prenatal health, preparation for labor and delivery and infant health and safety among many other important lessons.
"Because we receive no state or federal funding, we rely on the donations and support from our local community," said Christy Anne Dickson, executive director for Crisis Pregnancy Support Center. "Dow’s community grant allows us to assist mothers in getting the information and the products they need to ensure healthy pregnancies and to take care of their babies."
Recipients of the 2008 community grants and the projects that will be funded are as follows:
Crisis Pregnancy Support Center
Project: Galveston County Outreach ($5000)
Provide curriculum and durable medical models for "Earn as you Learn" program at satellite Galveston County location.
Contact: Christy Anne Dickson (409) 945-2888
Hospice Care Team, Inc.
Project: Grieving Mother’s Retreat ($1000)
Provide a therapeutic environment free of charge, facilitated by a professional grief counselor that will enable up to 20 mothers from the community who have lost a child to share their stories with those who understand and will support them.
Contact: Deborah Perryman (409) 938-0070
K.B. Kids Preschool and Day Care
Project: Healthy Star ($5,000)
To purchase fitness equipment to help children develop good exercise and eating habits that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Contact: Keesha Boyd (409) 908-9833
La Marque Independent School District
Project: La Marque High School Science Institute ($5,000)
To enable the first phase of the La Marque High School Science Institute to open. This resource center is focused on maximizing opportunities for student learning of the science concepts mandated by the Texas Education Agency’s curriculum standards.
Contact: Christina Allen (409) 938-4251
Libbie’s Place Senior Day Program
Project: Therapeutic Container Gardening for the Elderly ($2,224.62)
Enable our elderly participants to plant vegetables, herbs and flowers that enhance their awareness of and engagement in their environment.
Contact: Alice L. Williams (409) 741-2538
Rotary Club of La Marque
Project: Gateway to Science for the 3rd grade ($5,000)
Will provide student books, teacher editions and safety equipment for "Gateway to Science" for the 3rd grade to assist Inter-City Elementary, the LMISD campus of greatest need for science improvement.
Contact: Colleen Laine (409) 986-9393
Stephen F. Austin Middle School
Project: Tranquility Reading Garden/Outdoor Classroom ($5,000)
Build and outdoor classroom that will be a greenhouse that allows students to use a hands-on approach to learning about botany, chemistry and the environment.
Contact: Susan Riedel (409) 789-1369
Teen Health Center, Inc.
Project: Back to School Vision and Hearing Screening ($5,000)
Provide hearing and vision screening for children ages 4-18 in the Texas City and La Marque areas during the summer of 2009, including the Nessler Center, Boys and Girls Club and various daycares throughout the area.
Contact: Liz Ginn (409) 938-7250
Texas City I.S.D. Foundation for the Future
Project: How Much Does it Really Cost? ($5,000)
Students will learn how much electricity typical household items use, expanding knowledge of electricity and energy conservation. Students will finish with a plan to conserve energy at home sharing their findings with the customers on Earth Day at the Texas City Museum.
Contact: Deborah Laine (409) 942-2612
The Gulf Coast Center
Project: PATH Support Packages ($2,750)
Provides outreach, referral and case management to adults who are homeless and diagnosed with mental illness. Basic hygiene items, socks, laundry soap and other personal needs will be purchased and prepared as PATH support packages to be distributed upon first contact.
Contact: Carolyn Rose (409) 944-4447
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Kyle Bandlow
The Dow Chemical Company
(409) 641-4226
