The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the March 2024 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): OMNI Youth Services (Wheeling, IL) functions as a holistic behavioral health entity, catering to various communities in Illinois by providing readily available counseling services and community initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of young people, families, and individuals. Open Communities (Evanston, IL) is committed to eliminating housing discrimination and unjust behaviors that sustain inequality. It cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities by defending fair housing policies, offering housing counseling, providing education and outreach, and engaging in advocacy efforts. Willow House (Bannockburn, IL) offers grief support and educational resources to young individuals, families, schools, and other affected communities coping with the loss of a parent, sibling, or child. Its no-cost services serve as a starting point for healing, offering a supportive environment for individuals to mourn alongside others who have experienced similar losses. It aspires to ensure that no child, teenager, or parent undergoes the grieving process alone. 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 GlobeNewsire

The Automotive Mentoring Group collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBBRG Foundation and the Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG) recently co-hosted an event aimed at community improvement and philanthropic awareness. Organized by Alan Handler, the gathering brought together seven family offices for an exclusive tour and presentation at the AMG garages. AMG, established in 2007, has provided opportunities for over 300 young individuals to develop workforce skills. The organization's commitment to mentorship and skill-building has had a positive impact on both participants and their communities. The event commenced with a guided tour of the AMG garages by Founder Alex Levesque, alongside students and mentors. Attendees observed firsthand AMG's transformative work, from its advanced training facilities to success stories of program graduates. The objective was to showcase AMG's tangible impact. The collaboration between SBBRG Foundation and AMG underscores the value of collective effort and shared responsibility in fostering community engagement beyond financial support. The event aimed to forge lasting partnerships to propel AMG's mission forward. For more details, please visit www.amgmentoring.org. This story can be found on Business Wire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Emerald Bell 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). Emerald Bell, a fourth-year graduate student, studies nursing at the University of Arizona. She is part of an ongoing investigation into how vaginal and gut microbiomes contribute to chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis in the Herbst-Kralovetz Lab at the University of Arizona. She has also assisted in a recent bioanalysis project with Dr. Nicole Jimenez. "Emerald's research is fascinating, and I'm so happy that we can support her in her graduate work," 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 PRWeb and Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Nadxieli Valencia 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). Nadxieli Valencia, a freshman, studies Biology at the University of Michigan. Recently, she shadowed a surgeon and imaging specialist at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago and completed a Stop the Bleed course through the American College of Surgeons. "Nadxieli has accomplished so much for a first-year college student. We are thrilled to support her as she continues to grow," 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 PRWeb

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Meher Khan 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). Meher Khan, a sophomore, studies Genetics and Genomics at the University of California, Davis. Khan studied progressive retinal atrophy as a research assistant at the UC Davis Comparative Ophthalmology and Vision Science Laboratory and served as a Clinical Informatics Intern at the Oregon Health & Science University Casey Eye Institute. "Meher has a promising future in health research. We are proud to support that future," 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!

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s missions (organizations listed alphabetically): Compass to Care Childhood Cancer Foundation (Chicago) provides free transportation for children battling cancer, ensuring access to life-saving treatment and clinical trials despite financial hardship. The initial grant was allocated to support 22 children with cancer diagnoses. The children supported by the SBB Research Group Foundation grant collectively took 194 trips to the hospital for treatment. Illinois Joining Forces (Chicago) serves as a unified network of military and veteran-serving organizations across Illinois. They streamline access to support services for service members, veterans, and their families, eliminating the need for individuals to navigate multiple resources to find assistance. The initial grant enabled Illinois Joining Forces to continue its mission to support service members, veterans, and their families through their outreach and Care Coordination Center efforts. YouthBuild Lake County (Chicago) empowers young adults with education, training, and life skills for gainful employment and a better future. They offer free programs in Lake County that include obtaining diplomas, industry certifications, career readiness, hands-on experience, and facilitating transitions into careers, college, or vocational schools. The initial grant was used to cover expenses related to their wellness services, such as emergency food, eyeglasses, clothing, bus, and gas gift cards. "We're proud to support these impactful charities, each making a meaningful difference in their communities," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. 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 and Yahoo!

Massachusetts Oyster Project Inc. received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. The Massachusetts Oyster Project Inc. is dedicated to restoring water-cleansing oysters and native shellfish in the state's marine estuaries. The organization's multifaceted mission, encompassing restoration, shell recycling, education, and advocacy, involves active collaboration with local entities to establish oyster upwellers, acting as nurseries for native oysters and supporting local restoration initiatives. As a champion of shell recycling, the organization also partners with local restaurants to collect and recycle oyster shells, with a future for their utilization in restoration sites. Education takes center stage in the organization's endeavors, reaching out to school groups, Scout troops, and environmental organizations through a fact-based curriculum. Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, chair of the organization's board, underscores the importance of community partnerships in achieving their restoration goals, emphasizing, "Our restoration aims to restore oysters into the ecosystem. All our programs always partner with local communities. We rely on volunteers from these coastal towns to allow us to place shells back into the water, promoting that oyster recycling and restoration are important." Recognizing the urgency in Massachusetts coastlines, the organization highlights the pivotal role of oysters in mitigating pollution issues, contributing significantly to improved water quality and climate change mitigation. The Upweller Program, featuring four upwellers across the state, serves as both a demonstration of water quality improvement and a tool to generate public interest in shellfish conservation. "The Massachusetts Oyster Project serves as a significant force in environmental improvement. We are proud to support their mission," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. The organization's commitment to oyster shell recycling is exemplified in the Wellfleet program, which collects, ages, and spreads recycled oyster shells in Wellfleet's oyster harvesting site, creating a habitat for baby oysters. As the Massachusetts Oyster Project Inc. continues to forge ahead, it remains a source of inspiration in the vital mission to restore and preserve the marine ecosystem. This story can be found on PRWeb

South Shore Children’s Chorus received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. The South Shore Children's Chorus (SSCC) is a harmonious symbol of musical education and vocal training, serving as a sanctuary for children in Quincy, MA, and beyond. Established in January 2016 by Kirsten Oberoi and Carey Shunskis, this choir is a testament to the belief that each child should have the chance to explore and utilize their distinct voice. Devoted to cultivating a community centered on the joy of singing, the SSCC aims to provide exceptional musical education and vocal training to students in the South Shore communities. The chorus places a premium on the development and well-being of its students, striving to create a nurturing environment where choristers can learn, evolve, and discover their voices. The SSCC ensures that every child in grades K-12, regardless of financial circumstances, can partake in learning to use their voice. "We envisioned an inclusive space where children could join without prior experience. Singing, a skill we firmly believe is teachable, becomes a source of confidence and self-belief without needing auditions. Our doors are always open, inviting all to discover the transformative power of music," said Kirsten Oberoi, Founding Artistic Director. Through its programs, the SSCC transformed into more than just a choir; it evolved into a community center that nurtures the growth of young minds. Consistent with its mission, the SSCC strongly emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to foster a supportive community where children can freely express themselves. The chorus serves as a counterbalance to economic obstacles, guaranteeing that no child is deprived of the opportunity to explore music and self-expression. “The South Shore Children's Chorus brings much joy to children’s lives, and we are honored to support them,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. Committed to delivering quality musical education and vocal training, the chorus is a vital and commendable service for the children it serves, establishing an environment where they can learn, thrive, and discover their voices. This story can be found on Globe Newswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Boston-area charities as the January 2024 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order): Massachusetts Oyster Project (Quincy, MA) dedicates its time and effort to improving water quality, marine habitat, coastal resilience, and biodiversity through reef restoration. The organization reintroduces oysters and other native shellfish into Massachusetts waters. South Shore Children’s Chorus (Quincy, MA) is committed to delivering quality musical education and vocal training to students in the South Shore and beyond. Emphasizing the development and well-being of its students, South Shore Children’s Chorus aims to create a secure and nurturing community for them to learn, grow, and discover their voices. The organization provides vocal learning opportunities for every child, irrespective of financial circumstances or previous experience. The Snapchef Foundation (Dorchester, MA) offers stable career paths in the food service industry through training and mentorship, concurrently providing meals to those in need. Collaborating with local organizations, they distribute high-quality meals prepared by training program participants. Snapchef believes in removing barriers to help individuals succeed in securing a stable, fulfilling career to overcome poverty. 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 invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s missions (organizations listed alphabetically): DrinkWater Family Services (Lindenhurst) aims to ensure the safety of children who are placed in foster care due to domestic violence and neglect by offering supervised visitation for noncustodial parents. This service aims to support parent-child relationships while providing a safe environment for the child. The initial grant provided parenting time for five noncustodial parents, conducted on-site group sessions through certified PAIP (partner abuse intervention program) facilitators, and launched a new hair care program for interracial foster and adoptive families by acquiring salon chairs and a television. Soul Survivors of Chicago (Matteson) provides training and workshops aimed at raising awareness and educating communities on mental health, suicide prevention, and trauma prevention. The initial grant extended the organization's reach, hosting a bi-weekly virtual support group. It also facilitated the sanitization, storage, and donation of shoes and supported the purchase of outreach materials to amplify their message on suicide prevention. You Are Enough (Deerfield) strives to destigmatize mental health, emphasizing self-worth for those facing challenges. They aim to foster open conversations and establish mental health wellness centers in schools, prioritizing this essential aspect of well-being. The initial grant helped establish the inaugural You Are Enough High School Wellness Center at Deerfield High School. The funds supported the implementation of a green wall, games, art materials, aromatherapy resources, fidget toys, and other essential supplies, enhancing the students' overall well-being. “These three charities have done so much for their community. It is an honor to continue to support them,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. 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 EIN Presswire and Yahoo!