The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the June 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Fun with Chess Community Services (Chicago) works with children and teens residing in violence-affected neighborhoods and schools. The organization enables these young people to enhance their decision-making abilities and engage in competitive activities through the power of chess. Roberti Community House (RCH) (Waukegan) is a haven where people can gather to share a meal and provide support and understanding in the heart of its kitchen. Through impactful programs and education, RCH uplifts and benefits the community by leveraging each individual’s strengths. Youth Build Lake County (North Chicago) empowers disadvantaged young adults in Lake County by providing cost-free education and training in essential life skills, enabling them to improve their prospects for successful careers and further education. These programs equip individuals with a high school diploma, industry credentials, career readiness skills, and practical experience. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Lucy Huo a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Lucy Huo, a sophomore, studies Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Duke University. Recently, Huo interned at Optum Health to develop a web dashboard using SQL, C#, Angular, Typescript, and HTML. She has also worked with a team to design, build, and test an ant-weight combat robot in accordance with the SPARC Robotics guidelines. "We're so proud to support students like Lucy in their academic endeavors," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

Rustic Falls Nature Camp received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Rustic Falls Nature Camp operates as a nonprofit organization aiming to establish a wholesome and rejuvenating setting for individuals navigating through life's toughest moments. Its primary objective is to provide a secure and nurturing environment where children and their families can find respite from the daily pressures and challenges they face. “Our goal is to work with as many different groups as possible to allow them to get out in nature and have a 'time-out' from some of life's most challenging times. It gives people a place to reset and recharge,” said President and Camp Director Deanna Hallagan. The camp is eighty-nine acres, including two houses, a barn, and a central waterfall with plenty of open trails to explore. Groups are provided with a customized camp experience tailored to their unique needs. “It's nice to see people just take a breath and not feel the pressure of outside stressors. It's a safe space for everyone,” said Hallagan. The camp continues to grow and thrive through its strong partnerships with hospitals, schools, and nonprofit agencies throughout the Midwest. They welcome all who wish to experience a nurturing and peaceful space in a beautiful landscape. “Rustic Falls offers a great way for people who are going through a difficult time to recharge and get their bearings,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. Rustic Falls Nature Camp is dedicated to covering all costs for visiting families and children. The organization will use the SBB Research Group Foundation grant to host more groups for day trips and overnights at the camp this summer and through the fall season. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the March 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Rustic Falls Nature Camp (Skokie) creates a therapeutic environment for people during life's most challenging times. They provide a safe, nurturing space for children and their families to break from the pressures of their everyday lives, providing a comforting and calming place for people going through tough times. Winnetka Youth Organization (Winnetka) seeks to foster individual development in adolescents by providing adult-to-youth mentoring with opportunities for leadership, citizenship, and education in a positive, encouraging environment. They support the personal growth of young people by offering mentoring from adults to adolescents. You Are Enough (Deerfield) aims to eliminate the stigma around mental health and remind those struggling that they are not alone by leveraging the power of local communities. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Leah Davis a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Leah Davis, a senior, studies marine biology at the University of Washington. Her contributions to research studying the myostatin gene pathway in salmonids provided implications for how to best facilitate aquaculture. She also played a significant role in a research project studying Pacific herring in the Puget Sound, the results of which will inform conservation efforts for depleted populations. Additionally, she serves as a mentor for Makah tribal fifth graders in the Riverways Program. Recently, Davis started working on a project in cooperation with tribal, state, and federal entities studying Chinook salmon distribution in nearshore habitats in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. "Leah is not only dedicated to implementing the knowledge she gains in class but spreading that knowledge to others. We're thrilled to support her in her efforts," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo! and PR Web

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the April 2023 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): DrinkWater Family Services (Lindenhurst) seeks to provide a safe and inclusive environment that offers a distinct holistic opportunity for children in foster care and their biological parents to visit. Serving People with a Mission (Chicago) aims to equip individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain the right skills and knowledge to become outstanding leaders who serve their communities well. This is Life (Chicago) strives to inspire the youth to remain focused and dedicated to mastering their crafts and contributing positively to their communities and the world. They are committed to promoting a positive outlook by empowering young individuals to hone their talents and share them with the world. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Collin Coil a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Collin Coil, a junior, studies pure mathematics and data science at American University (AU). He contributed to international finance research cited by the Federal Reserve, which played a part in the greater understanding, better regulation, and increased stability in the world's system of sovereign debt financing. Additionally, Congress cited his work tracking and modeling diverse representation in Congressional Witness panels as a primary motivator to change their rules for the 117th Congress. He recently interned with Noblis and worked in their experimental technology division to develop efficient DNA digital data storage. Currently, Coil works in the AU Center for Data Science with a research focus on artificial intelligence and computational methods. "Collin is an incredibly impressive student, and we're proud to support someone so dedicated to using his education to improve our world," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

You Are Enough received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. You Are Enough is a nonprofit organization that works to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and let those who are struggling know that they have support from their local communities. They do this by involving the strength of community connections to show individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. “We want to eliminate mental health stigma and remind people that they do not have to struggle alone. The more we normalize kids’ feelings and teach them to confront these big issues, the better off the individuals and community will be,” said Adison Schwartz, Founder and President. Currently, the organization is focused on building and implementing a “Wellness Center” within Deerfield High School. The center will provide an environment where students and staff can assess and understand their emotions. This facility will have a multi-tiered support system, self-regulation tools, and a trauma interventionist available for those needing emotional support. “It will be a space for students and teachers to relax, reenergize, and recharge,” said Schwartz. The organization's long-term goal is to eventually progress this idea and provide wellness centers in schools nationwide. “You Are Enough addresses a need that affects so many schools. We are honored to support them in their courageous mission, and we are excited about their future,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The organization will use the SBB Research Group Foundation grant to pioneer a new mental health program that focuses and dedicates itself to young adults’ mental health in local high school communities. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Jing Chen a recipient of its STEM scholarship. The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Jing Chen, a senior, studies Computer Science at Union College. She is the Co-President of the Union College Chapter of ACM-W (Association of Computing Machinery-Women). Recently, she interned with Flutter Care, a women-led start-up that designs wearable devices and telehealth software for expectant parents. During her internship, Chen helped build The Flutter Care Pregnancy Companion App, conduct user interviews, and implement inclusive application features. "Jing's commitment to developing inclusive and accessible technology is what makes her a great recipient of this scholarship," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org. This story can be found on Yahoo!

DrinkWater Family Services received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. DrinkWater Family Services provides a safe and inclusive environment for supervised visitation, primarily focused on families that experienced domestic violence and children in foster care to reconnect with their biological parents in a holistic and comfortable setting. “There is a pressing need for a private and intimate space for children to interact with their biological parents and siblings,” said Michelle Hollins Casey, Founder of DrinkWater Family Services. "Often, families must resort to holding visitations in public spaces such as restaurant parking lots and parks, where meaningful connections between families are hard to attain." “Family connections are so important to us. We are proud to support DrinkWater Family Services as they provide a service that is often overlooked,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. Recently, the organization has adopted a new monthly respite playdate program that benefits foster or adoptive parents and children. The program allows parents to drop off their children and have respite time to themselves or stay to connect with other parents while children are offered therapeutic movement breaks, food, and organized communal play. “This program provides a much-needed break for parents and a fun and safe space for children to play and interact,” said Amanda Colletti, Board Member. DrinkWater Family Services will utilize the SBB Research Group Foundation grant to continue its vision of providing safe opportunities for families to have weekly supervised visitations and offer parenting classes that focus on youth mental wellness and dietary support. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire