HOPE Center Coalition Focuses on Funding

Remember Kids, Stay in School!

The HOPE Center at Lincoln School in Lamar received several visits from funding sources, according to Executive Director, Lori Hammer. She informed HOPE Coalition board members of recent visits from representatives from the Adolph Coors Foundation in late August and is awaiting word of grant funding from the Anschutz Family Foundation.  Hammer said the Center has applied for a $50,000 grant from Coors and she expects some funding, but probably not the full request.

Grasshopper is Ready to Jump

Lamar artist and sculptor, Jeremy Cooper, concocted some unique pieces of artwork using suggestions from HOPE Center students and some pieces and parts of metal and equipment he had available. The result is several ‘bugs’ that the students plan to use to decorate the proposed skate park which will be built in Willow Creek Park.  The praying mantis, caterpillar and grasshopper will be painted by students before they are set in place.

Caterpillar On the Go

Work continues on a sod playground for the Lincoln School. Much of the work is being donated as well as the sod itself.  Last week, local contractors were bringing in tons of fresh dirt on which the sod will be laid this fall, after the sprinkler system is set in place.

Hammer said the number of students coming to the Center continues to increase, with as many as 206 recently in attendance, although the numbers fell short during the Lamar homecoming festivities. Several students met with the CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation and representatives of the organization recently.  The organization is seeking input from the student’s point of view for such concerns as social media bullying, suicides, and drug and alcohol use.  Coalition member, Morgan Bennett said the CEO mentioned how refreshing it was to have just students to speak to and the insights the group received from those meetings was very informative.

Anita Zavala told the Coalition that students from Rise Above will take part in the September 29^th KVAY radio broadcast providing education on issues related to substance abuse in our community.  The station’s special broadcast will run from 6am to 6pm and is affiliated with “SAVE our Communities.” SAVE is an acronym for Substance Abuse Victimizes Everyone.  Numerous local speakers and representatives will take part in the all-day broadcast, she said.

The annual HOPE Center chili supper, usually held in the fall, has been set back on the calendar until March of next year. Coalition members will look for options for the event, perhaps an outdoor BBQ on the playground.  The chili supper usually incorporates a fund-raising event with a silent and live auction for locally donated merchandise.

By Russ Baldwin