Bloomington groups receive neighborhood grants through national contest

The Rollingbrook playground is the first inclusive playground in the Bloomington-Normal area. 
(Photo Facebook/Harmony Park Project)

By Sean Copeland

BLOOMINGTON – Two Bloomington organizations received $25,000 through Neighborhood assist grants in a national contest at the Miller Park Pavilion.

The Harmony Park Project and Milestones Early Learning Center & Preschool were two of the top 40 organizations selected to establish their new projects in the Bloomington area.

Neighborhood Assist is a State Farm-sponsored, crowd-sourced philanthropic program that empowers communities to identify issues in their neighborhoods.

Dana David, Executive Director of Milestones Early Learning Center says these grants present a great opportunity to build up the community.

“I love the fact that we’re bringing $50,000 into our community, to expand services for children. I think that’s phenomenal for the Bloomington-Normal community,” said David.

The grants will be used to build an inclusive playground at the Rollingbrook location for the Harmony Park Project, and expanding the capabilities of their playrooms at the Milestones Early Learning Center. Both projects are expected to be completed within the next few years.

Sean can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…