DOWAGIAC — The Pokagon Fund has approved a $5,000 matching grant for The Stepping Stone’s Community Unity Initiative. The initiative, launched officially on May l, has three primary phases: Entrepreneurial Opportunities for job creation, community beautification, and an Entertainment center for creative expression.

The grant offers an incentive for the community to contribute equal support to the initiative.  The Pokagon Fund has designated that the Grant and matching funds be channeled into the community beatification aspect of the endeavor.  The approved funds will be released promptly pending documentation that the community, too, is contributing.  The beautification aspect includes landscaping, lighting, park benches, bicycle racks, walkways and various other improvements that were included in the budget proposal.

Previously, The Pokagon Fund, Dowagiac Rotary Club and other contributors helped raise the funding necessary to open The Stepping Stone’s Throw Family Kitchen. Funds donated at the Family Kitchen keep the “Soup Kitchen” operational and help with other expenditures.

Community support makes it possible for 501c3’s to remain in service, said Stepping Stone officials.

“The organizations do need grants, donations and gifts; however, just as important, the various ventures require the presence of people with ideas and participation.  Providing services to the community is a process.  It takes time, work and community support,” said Stepping Stone Administer Ester Stanley. “The Stepping Stone’s afterschool Pebbles program is finishing its second year; Stone’s Throw Family Kitchen serves meals six days per week; Stepping Stone Center sponsored the Baby Boomer social Memorial Day weekend with DJ Craft’s services, The Beat Goes On;  The Center has two halls that can be rented for  various types of gatherings ( with a 30 day notice); the 4-Shed/One Unit entrepreneurial/student project (the ‘Small House’ that was build last summer) is portable, structurally sound, cosmetically attractive,  listed with Matthews Real Estate and needs a buyer.  The Organization is now in its seventh year.

The community unity initiative is intended to facilitate interaction, inclusion, acceptance and build relationships.  With [the community’s] involvement, the initiative will succeed.  The Pokagon Fund has committed. Matching funds are a requirement. Community presence is essential.”

For more information, contact Stanley at admin@thesteppingstoneback2basics.com or call (269) 782-0323.