Recipients are Eastern Gateway Community College/Policy Matters Ohio

Staff report

WARREN

At its March meeting, the Raymond John Wean Foundation approved funding for $65,000 in grants to two community initiatives, Eastern Gateway Community College and Policy Matters Ohio, in support of educational and economic opportunities in the Mahoning Valley.

EGCC was awarded $50,000 to lead work in creating educational options in Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

“In the past year, with support from the Wean Foundation, we’ve been able to establish a very active community presence in the Valley,” said Dante Zambrini, EGCC’s interim vice president.

“With its continued support, we plan to create new opportunities and attract more resources to the institution, expanding programs and facilities for residents,” Zambrini said.

Policy Matters Ohio received $15,000 to maintain and build the Ohio Creating Assets, Savings and Hope Coalition. CASH is a statewide network that promotes financial and economic stability for working families, which, in turn, strengthens urban communities that have been battered by economic downturn, foreclosures and job loss.

The foundation’s support will help empower families and individuals to turn their money into assets, which helps foster community assets, Policy Matters Ohio officials said.

The vision of The Raymond John Wean Foundation is empowered residents creating a healthy, vibrant and economically stable Mahoning Valley community with equal opportunity for all.

This is accomplished by providing a combination of financial, technical and training support across a set number of high-priority issues with a focus on achieving resident engagement, organizational excellence and networks for collective impact, Wean Foundation officials said.

Information about the Wean Foundation can be found at www.rjweanfdn.org.