The
Little Diana Grant Program is one of the outcomes of the
Little Diana Task Force created 2 years ago in response
to the tragic death of Diana Molina. Along with the Little
Diana grants, the task force was a driving force in implementing
the 2-1-1 information and referral number in Hall, Howard,
Hamilton and Merrick counties. 2-1-1 is a 24 hour a day,
7 day a week call number that provides information and
referral services to callers regarding the hundreds of
health and human services agencies available to the communities.
The
purpose of the Little Diana Fund Mini Grant program is
to encourage prevention, intervention, and awareness of
child abuse in the community. The mini grants are available
to health and human service agencies and organizations
seeking funds for creative responses to the needs and
concerns related to child abuse. Funded projects represent
"risks" purposely taken to more effectively
and creatively meet people's needs. Through one-year demonstration
or pilot projects, organizations are encouraged to test
and develop new or improved ways of delivering needed
services, services which address emerging or newly identified
needs, or services which respond to previously unmet or
underserved needs within the community. The desired results
of these one-year, demonstration/pilot projects will be
improved delivery or services for persons in need, and
a stronger more integrated human service network in our
community.
The
considerations for these grants include:
•
Projects promoting prevention, intervention and education
/ awareness.
•
Projects which respond to new and/or emerging needs and
provide services
in response to those identified needs as well as demonstrate
potential for further development.
•
Proposals which demonstrate a collaborative effort among
community agencies, organizations, and/or groups. Projects
not duplicated by other services/programs currently available.
Past
project funded by the Little Diana Mini-Grants are:
Association
of Child Abuse Prevention (ACAP) - ACAP was awarded
$1,180 for the Supporting Parents Project to provide age
appropriate developmental educational material to parents
of infants and young children in the Grand Island area.
This ongoing project targets families with children birth
to 3 years. The Supporting Parents Project focuses on
increasing the knowledge and awareness of parents/caregivers
regarding realistic expectation for their young children.
ACAP strongly believes that there can be a powerful impact
on prevention of child abuse
Heartland
CASA was awarded funds to help answer the question
“Where do parents go for parenting education, information
and support?” A comprehensive brochure will be created
and distributed to parents and agencies to help answer
similar questions. Additional information on support groups,
crisis assistance, intervention, prevention of child abuse
and emergency hotlines will be included.
Hope
Harbor (formally CHRC) was awarded funds to assist
in their “Parents Start Your Engines” program
which is a collaborative effort between Hope Harbor, Crisis
Center and Adult Basic Education. This educational program
will give parents the tools to ensure high-risk children
thrive in the society in which they live.
The
funds awarded to ACAP will be used for
the “Happy Bear” Early Childhood Abuse Prevention
Program. The “Happy Bear”/P.S. It’s
my body! program is interactive and will teach young children
effective ways to understand and maintain personal boundaries
(good touch/bad touch) and to identify safe adults they
can report uncomfortable situations.
