Thanks to the support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, HandsOn Network adopted a family strengthening initiative known as Neighboring to address serious challenges faced by communities across the country. We are providing two grants for 2009:

Model Demonstration Sites (three grants at $25,000 each) are new Neighboring sites that will serve as models for the Network. Model Demonstrations sites have identified a leader from the selected community and will be working with them and, in some cases, an AmeriCorps member, to bring Neighboring and family strengthening practices to the community with a focus on economic stability. Recipients are:

- Greater DC Cares (Washington, D.C.)
- Volunteer Mobile (Mobile, AL)
- HandsOn Central California (Fresno, CA)

Summative Evaluation Sites (five grants at $5,000 each) are previously-funded Neighboring sites that have been engaged in exceptional Neighboring work. These sites will be tasked with evaluating their Neighboring programs, identifying best practices and informing both the organization and the Network on what authentic volunteer practices can be implemented to see real and long lasting community change.

- HandsOn Macon (Macon, GA)
- HandsOn Manatee (Bradenton, FL)
- Metro United Way (Louisville, KY)
- Volunteer Center of LeHigh Valley (Bethlehem, PA)
- United Way of Greater Toledo (Toledo, OH)

For more information on how to bring Neighboring to your community or to request an Action Kit, contact Civic Engagement Manager, Khyati Desai, at kdesai@pointsoflight.org.