Funded for the 2026 grant cycle were: ArtsAltoona, Bookworms Against Bullies, Family Services Inc., The Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation, Juniata United Methodist Church/Angel Feet Ministry and the Roaring Spring Community Library.

n ArtsAltoona was represented by Kathy Muller, vice president of the ArtsAltoona board of directors. It requested a grant for its program for women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder to experience different types of art to provide them with an outlet to express emotions, thoughts and experiences. It received $1,180.

n Bookworms Against Bullies was represented byits founder, Typhani Russo. The funds will be used for purchasing books and fund other activities. It received $1,000.

n Family Services Inc. was represented by Ashley Gay-Vocco, Victim Services program director. It requested funding for its Safety and Empowerment Fund of Victim Services Program and the Safe, Secure and Self-Sufficient Fund. This funding will allow the program to assist women and their children with needs not met under the program’s regular funding sources. The funds will be used to cover fees relating to housing safety, security, transportation needs, medical and mental health care, family counseling, education, job training and personal growth to empower victims of crime after victimization. It received $5,000.

Taking part in the check presentation to the Roaring Spring Community Library are (from left): WISE Women Grant Committee member Dr. Barbara Thaler, WISE Grant Committee member Courtney Hornung, Michelle McIntyre, library director, WISE Committee member Donna Gority and Chair Debbie Garritano.

n The Gloria Gate Memorial Foundation was represented by Jess Brunner, executive director. It requested funds for its “Amazing Girls and Great Guys Summit,” a one-day event for girls and boys ages 9-14 from low-income families. The purpose is to increase self-confidence and self-worth and to make girls aware of their own power to protect themselves from bad relationships with negative consequences. The program has invited boys in the same age group to help with self-esteem and teach them about trafficking and how to be safe. It received $1,500.

n Juniata United Methodist Church/Angel Feet Ministry was represented by Dee Martin-Spallone, founder. Angel Feet Ministry provides new sneakers, new socks and books to infants, children and youth who visit the ministry. This grant will assist with the purchase of books for the participants who get to choose a book. Books also will be placed in the Little Library outside of the JUMC church building as well as the Roaring Spring Library. It received $1,000.

n Roaring Spring Community Library was represented by Michelle McIntyre, director, who explained the library’s “In a Pinch” program that provides feminine hygiene products and other hygiene products to those in need. The library is offering nontraditional services and resources at the local level. Many of these items are for the needs of the homeless population in a rural area. The library also accepts in-date canned food items for the homeless. It received $4,448.36.

WISE Women of Blair County annually makes available grant funding for organizations who meet the funding criteria. The next grant applications are due in October 2026 for implantation in January 2027.

For more information on the grants and the organization, visit wisewomen

Taking part in the check presentation to the Gloria Gates Foundation are (from left): WISE Women Grant Committee member Dr. Barbara Thaler, WISE Grant Committee member Courtney Hornung, Jess Brunner, executive director of the Gloria Gates Foundation, WISE Committee member Donna Gority and Chair Debbie Garritano.

WISE Women is under the umbrella of the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation.

Taking part in the check presentation to Family Services Inc. are (from left): WISE Women Grant Committee member Dr. Barbara Thaler, WISE Grant Committee member Courtney Hornung, Ashley Gay-Vocco, Family Services Inc. Victim Services Program Director, WISE Committee member Donna Gority and Chair Debbie Garritano.

Courtesy photos Taking part in the check presentation to Bookworms Against Bullies are (from left): WISE Women Grant Committee member Dr. Barbara Thaler, WISE Grant Committee member Courtney Hornung, Bookworms Against Bullies Founder Typhani Russo, WISE Committee member Donna Gority and Chair Debbie Garritano.

Taking part in the check presentation to ArtsAltoona are (from left): WISE Women Grant Committee member Dr. Barbara Thaler, WISE Grant Committee member Courtney Hornung, WISE Committee member Donna Gority, ArtsAltoona Vice President Kathy Muller and Chair Debbie Garritano.