Courtesy photo Taking part in grant presentations from the Blair County Health & Welfare Council are (from left): Stephen Hershberger (Family Services Inc.), Aimee Burns (NAMI Blair County), Jen Drass (Altoona Housing Authority), Michelle McIntyre (Roaring Spring Community Library), Diane Himes (Altoona Housing Authority) and Shawna Hoover (Blair County Health & Welfare Council president).

The Blair County Health & Welfare Council awarded four grants of $500 each to the following organizations and programs at the council meeting on Jan. 23:

Altoona Housing Authority — Funding will support the Family Self-Sufficiency Program workshop events aimed at helping low-income families build financial literacy, access community resources, grow in health and well-being and set long-term self-sufficiency goals.

Family Services Inc. — Funding will support a monthly community meal initiative at the family shelter that uses fresh, healthy ingredients to prepare nutritious meals for shelter residents and will include hands-on cooking demonstrations, basic nutrition education and budgeting tips for healthy eating on a limited income.

NAMI Blair County PA — Funding will support supplies for the Power of Creativity Program that utilizes art, journaling, and guided creative projects as tools for emotional expression and healing; and enhancing their Children’s Library by offering age-appropriate books that foster emotional literacy, empathy, and an understanding of mental health.

Roaring Spring Community Library Association — Funding will support supplies for the Square to Debonaire program, which will provide essential hygiene items to help young men feel clean, confident and capable, empowering them to put their best foot forward in school, work and life.

The mission of the Blair County Health & Welfare Council is to promote the general health and welfare of Blair County residents. Membership benefits include annual competitive mini-grant(s) awarded to member agencies that apply. For more information, visit http://blaircountyhealthand

welfare.weebly.com.