For the 2005 summer season, SGF provided grants to three organizations to enable children who are refugees, homeless, or exposed to domestic violence to enjoy top-quality summer day and overnight camp experiences – the kind of summer that kids from more fortunate families can benefit from every summer. The SGF camp scholarship program is going strong, each year helping dozens of kids enjoy an enriched summer experience that would not have been possible without SGF and the generosity of our many supporters. The three 2005 camp grantees were: The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, Winona Camps for Boys in Bridgton, Maine, and The Children’s Room of Arlington and Framingham.

At the Boys & Girls Club, a grant from SGF covered summer camp tuition expenses for all children (age 6-12) who receive services from The Second Step and from Genesis House. The Second Step provides transitional housing and support for domestic violence survivors (women and children) who are emerging from shelter and transitioning to independent, violence-free lives. Genesis House provides housing and other essential services for homeless families from Eastern Massachusetts.

At Camp Winona, we sponsor one child per year, selected by Camp Director Al Ordway, for full-summer camp tuition. Each spring, we ask “Uncle Al,” whom Steve adored, to select the SGF awardee. Uncle Al selects a child who is a refugee from a war-torn country, such as Sudan, who can benefit most from a summer at Winona and who also is very “Steve-like” in personality (outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic, wide-eyed and eager to try just about anything).

Our newest 2005 grantee was The Children’s Room of Arlington and Framingham. This wonderful organization provides a range of services to children and teenagers who have endured the trauma of losing a parent, sibling or other loved one. We were approached by The Children’s Room to see if we could provide partial support for a particular child currently receiving services. This child had a great summer in camp, thanks to SGF and you.

We are in the process of choosing our 2006 camp scholarship grantees. If you know of children or camps that fit our mission or if you would like to be involved in this process, please contat us by email at sgf@stevegliddenfoundation.org or by phone at 61 527-0172.