Patriot Prep camps canceled

Youth Service Bureau has canceled its Patriot Prep (preschool) summer camps for this year.

The decision about the camp for 3- through 5-year-olds came because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers said social distancing for those ages would be nearly impossible.

“The health and safety of our (camp) attendees and employees remain YSB’s top priority, and we believe this difficult decision is necessary in order to protect our community,” said PJ Corwin, executive director of YSB.  

Instead of holding an in-person camp, learning binders will be provided free of charge in late July. The binders, being sponsored by United Way of Jay County, are designed to help parents teach preschoolers skills that they will need before entering kindergarten.

For more information, or to request a learning binder, call (260) 726-8520.



Grants available

The Portland Foundation Women’s Giving Circle grant applications are now being accepted. 

The Women’s Giving Circle will award grants from $200 to $1,000 which focus on enhancing the capacity of Jay County’s not-for-profit organizations to support programming that addresses needs for children affected by substance abuse. The Circle wishes to fund innovative endeavors to educate and assist Jay County residents.

Applications are available on the foundation’s website — portlandfoundation.org. Applications are due July 17 by 5 pm.  For further information contact Jessica Cook at (260) 726-4260 or [email protected].



Graduates

Josie Rafert of Bryant recently graduated from Indiana Connections Career Academy.

In its third year, the academy allows students to achieve high school graduation requirements while also completed a career-focused program.