Community Impact Grant Enhances Salvation Army's Beacon of Hope After-School Program

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Community Impact Grant Enhances Salvation Army's Beacon of Hope After-School Program

Daytona Beach initiative receives $20,000 boost to expand services for local youth

The Salvation Army's Beacon of Hope after-school program in Daytona Beach has received a significant enhancement, thanks to a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.

This funding aims to enrich the program's offerings, providing local children with expanded resources and opportunities.

Designed for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the Beacon of Hope program focuses on academic support, character development, and enrichment activities.

Lt. Kalynn Green, Corps Officer for the Daytona Beach Corps of The Salvation Army, emphasized the program's mission: "The Beacon of Hope After School Program is about creating a place where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential."

One standout initiative is "Reading with Therapy Dogs," where children build literacy skills and confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a calm, encouraging environment.

The recent grant bolsters the program's capacity to offer diverse activities, including STEM learning, 3D printing, creative arts, music, and sports.

Additionally, the program emphasizes community partnerships and family engagement, ensuring support extends beyond the classroom.

The impact of this funding was showcased during a recent tour, highlighting the program's operations and its positive effect on the community.

Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, remarked, "Seeing this program in action during our Showcase Tour reinforced the importance of investing in trusted, community-rooted organizations."

She added, "The Salvation Army’s Beacon of Hope after-school program reflects exactly what Community Impact funding is designed to do—bring donors, nonprofits, and community partners together to create safe, enriching spaces that help children and families thrive."

For more information about The Salvation Army and the Beacon of Hope after-school program, or to support their initiatives, community members are encouraged to reach out directly to the Daytona Beach Corps.

To learn more about the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties' Community Impact initiatives, interested individuals can contact their offices for further details.