Uptown York Rotary Club awarded a total of $3,500 in grants to four nonprofit organizations to help support the York community. This is the second time in the club’s nine-year history that grant applications were solicited from the public, and the Community Giving Committee is excited to announce the results.

Bell Socialization Services was the recipient of a $1,000 grant to stock over-the-counter medications and diabetes monitoring kits to help alleviate general physical ailments for adults, children and infants in residence at Bell Family Shelter. Having cough or cold medicine available for an adult going to a job or housing interview can make a huge difference for these families.

A $1,000 grant was awarded to the Byrnes Health Education Center for Clearing the Air: Vaping Education & Prevention for York City 8th Grade Students. The program will teach about the dangers of vaping.

The Rotary Club of York will receive $1,000 towards its Kiwanis Lake Clean Water Project.  Kiwanis Lake is one of the most noteworthy and beautiful water features within York City. The Rotary Club of York will help to repair and restore Kiwanis Lake back to its glory.  The York City Parks team and Rotary's Preserve Planet Earth Committee have looked extensively at the issues affecting Kiwanis Lake.  There are five critical pieces that must and will be addressed:  humane wildlife management, aeration system installation, flood gate repair, smart lake technology utilization and bringing back floating fountains with lights.

Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) was awarded $500 towards the education of trainers and handlers in York County. SSD provides service dogs for mobility, autism, post-traumatic stress, seizure response, hearing impairment, facilities, in-home service and companionship.

All grants approved by the Uptown York Rotary Club support programs that service York and the York County community. Many of the funded initiatives support Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus: Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic and Community Development, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation.
Uptown York Rotary Club attracts a diverse group of professionals who share a passion for giving back to our community and making a difference in the world. Our service focus areas are downtown revitalization, environmental sustainability, and community and youth development.
 
Although we are serious about our service, we are a fun-loving and welcoming group!  As a happy hour club, we gather weekly to celebrate our service, share professional and personal successes, and learn about businesses, organizations and programs that impact the quality of life in York City, York County and the global community. Uptown York Rotary Club usually meets at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays on the second floor of Rockfish Public House, 110 N. George Street, York, Pennsylvania 17401. During this time however, the club is meeting virtually. Visit www.uptownyorkrotary.org to learn more.
 
Bell Socialization Services
From L to R: Joyce Santiago, Uptown York Rotary Club President,  Rebecca Young of Bell Socialization Services and Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee
 
Byrnes Health Education Center
From L to R: Joyce Santiago, Uptown York Rotary Club President, Anne Bahn, Executive Director; Lyndsey Macklemore, Director of Development and Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee
 
Rotary Club of York
From L to R: Aaron Jacobs,  PPE Committee Chair of Rotary Club of York and Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee
 
Susquehanna Service Dogs
From L to R: Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee, Sarah Mewhirter, SSD Director of Donor Relations; Holly Wise and SSD Buster.