By Stephanie Bunker
Moapa Valley Progress
Several non-profit organizations in Moapa Valley are relieved and grateful to be receiving a total of $97,570 in grants from Clark County for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The Clark County Outside Agency Grants (OAG) were approved by the board of Commissioners on Tuesday, May 21.
The local non-profit organizations that received the grants are Cappalappa Family Recourse Center (CFRC), Old Logandale School Historical Preservation and Cultural Society (OLSHACS), Society for the Preservation of the Old Overton Gym, and the United Seniors Inc.
The grant money awarded stayed largely the same as the 2011 OAG received. CFRC received $55,000. OLSCHACS received $18,000.
The United Seniors, Inc. had seen a sharp decrease in OAG funds in recent years. In 2010 they had received $14,250. But that was cut to $2,500 in 2011. The Senior Center officials were grateful to see the grant increase a little for the 2012/2013 year to $4,570.
The Old Overton Gym received $20,000 this year. But according to Old Gym Board Member Chris Green, there was a catch. This year the Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council (MVPAC) didn’t get their OAG application submitted. Commissioner Tom Collins noticed the lack of application and asked Old Overton Gym, if they were given $2,000 extra, would they hand it over to MVPAC,m Green explained.
Green said that Collins knew MVPAC needed the money and it would be harder to get it back after losing the $2,000 that goes to Moapa Valley. So the Old Gym board consented to give MVPAC the $2,000. That leaves Old Overton Gym with the same $18,000 amount as last year.
“I feel like the commissioners are pulling for us,” Green said. “You don’t have to have an expert grantwriter to fill out the application. I can do it myself!”
Green explained that the gym uses its grant money to keep the building running, including general liability insurance, hiring an employee to manage the site, insure the directors and operators as well as those on the board, and any maintenance.
CFRC uses its grant money to operate the center. Cappalappa manager Penny Vallone said that without the OAG they would have to cut the hours it was open.
“We are thankful for Tom Collins going to bat for us in getting the money we need,” Vallone said.
She explained, that it’s a low income community. Without Cappalappa people would have too far to go to get the services they need, she said.
OLSHACS is excited to receive the grant as well. Director Beezy Tobiasson has big plans for the OAG money.
OLSHACS plans to rip out the carpet in the conference room of the old school and put in wood floors. Tobiason also has plans to create a Native American Display in the local history museum.
“We feel lucky to get the money,” Tobiasson said. I have so much stuff to put on the display, I’m going to have to rotate it through every 4 months.”
Tobiason also has a 1934 printing press that is being restored to put on display. OLSHACS will be upgrading the sprinkler system on the grounds and putting in new roses out in front of the building.
United Seniors, Inc. will be using the OAG money to maintain their building, hire a janitor and pay for liability insurance.
“We do lot’s of fundraising,” said Senior Center Director Christine Trombley. “The grants we get usually account for about half of the cost.”
