Dane County awarded more than $50,715 in racial and social justice grants to several local organizations this week.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County, Black Men Coalition, Journey Mental Health, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection each received money from the county.
The grants are intended to address systemic racial inequities in health, education, employment and criminal justice.
“These grants are a testament to the Dane County way, an unwavering commitment to advancing equity and justice in our community,” Melissa Agard, Dane County Executive said in a statement. “Each of these organizations is doing vital work to dismantle systemic barriers, foster inclusion, and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. By investing in these programs, we are taking meaningful steps toward building a more just and equitable future for everyone in Dane County.”
Black Men Coalition, which received $15,000, has been providing financial literacy training to people housed in Dane County Jail. Financial literacy is one of the largest barriers to formerly incarcerated people reintegrating into the community.
The Coalition’s program teaches people budgeting, saving, credit management, and investment basics using one-on-one coaching sessions.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County received $14,500 to expand their School Friends High School Leadership program at East High School and Emerson Elementary School.
The grant will allow Big Brothers and Big Sisters to support an additional 70 students by the end of the year.
Journey Mental Health received $15,000 for a program aimed at eliminating barriers to mental health access for people in the criminal justice system.
The Waunakee Neighborhood Connection program received $5,500 for a community financial stability program.
The program will focus on people living within the Waunakee Community School District and seeks to empower community members as they work toward financial stability. The Cafecito program provides a means to support members who speak Spanish as their primary language by offering learning experiences on growing finances and gaining access to technology for job applications.
“The recipients of the 2024-25 Partners in Equity grant are meeting the challenges of tomorrow by investing in our people today,” said Greg Jones, Chair of the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board. “Their programs demonstrate our effort to address systemic inequalities, and promote authentic partnerships between the county and our communities.”
