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NANAY
GETS BUILDING GRANT
September 2007 - Miami, Florida
In August 2007, NANAY was recommended and approved
for $486,640 total funding from the Miami-Dade County Building Better
Communities General Obligations Bond (GOB) Program to renovate and expand its
two story Community Center building in North Miami.
The first floor will be renovated to incorporate a
Computer Clubhouse that will serve as a common resource and learning center for
elders and an after-school Empowerment
Center, for youth.
Part
of the first floor will also be used as a one-stop NANAY
Housing
Resource
Center, where financial
literacy programs, job and homeownership counseling as well as other
housing-related projects will be provided to low-income families. The building
walls will be repainted, carpets will be replaced, and an elevator will be
installed adjacent to the social hall so frail elders and disabled individuals
can more conveniently and safely access services and activities on the second
floor.
?The
proposed renovation will enable NANAY to create a wholesome, easy-access
facility, and
allow us to respond more effectively to the increasing needs of elders, youth
and community?, says Dr. Joy Bruce, NANAY?s Founding President and CEO.
The
Miami-Dade Building Better Communities funding will be used for architectural
design, engineering, and construction expenses, administration costs directly
related to the project, construction of elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms,
HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical wiring upgrades -- replacing the old
systems to comply with ADA
general safety or fire safety requirements. The restrooms will be renovated and
upgraded to become ADA
compliant.
Improvements
on the front fa?de of the building, facing NE 125 Street are currently being
undertaken through funding from the City of North Miami, in line with its community
revitalization program.
Development of the architectural plan
(conceptual, schematic, design, and construction) is expected to start by
November 2007, and building renovation will begin in February 2008.
NANAY also plans to submit a grant for Kresge?s Green Building
Initiative Planning Program to incorporate green building practices in its
projected property design and construction. NANAY intends to eventually submit
an application to Kresge Foundation?s core Capital Challenge Grant Program to
supplement the Miami-Dade County Building Better Communities GOB funding for
construction and renovation of the facility, for possible addition of a third
floor.
?We need community support to make it happen,? adds Dr. Joy
Bruce.
The Capital Challenge Grant Program is designed to
fund an organization?s immediate capital needs, while also providing an
incentive and a tool for building capacity, raising private support, and
creating long-term relationships with donors and volunteer leaders beyond the
building project.
A Capital and Endowment Campaign will soon be launched, with
donor incentives for those interested in leaving a legacy for themselves and
their families.
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