Advancing Community Enrichment
Michael (“Mike”) Ward was a key board member of Integrity Housing until he lost his valiant battle with ALS in December of 2013. Mike had an incessant drive to serve the community. His guidance proved to be invaluable structuring Integrity Housing. Simply mourning the loss of this important member of the Integrity Housing family seemed inadequate and contrary to the optimistic outlook Mike brought to all endeavors. Integrity Housing established a community grant program bearing his name as a fitting and appropriate tribute to his lifelong dedication to the many communities he served.
“ACE” is an acronym for Advancing Community Enrichment, which epitomizes the lifetime efforts of the Grant’s namesake. Organizations serving the affordable housing community are qualified to apply for a grant for funding of enrichment programs. These funds are intended to support resident services set-up costs, creation or support of services infrastructure, and staff development for resident services programs. Organizations with a need and feel they qualify under these parameters are encouraged to contact Deanne Cecil of Integrity Housing at (949) 727-3656 or deanne@integrityhousing.org.
Each request will be reviewed by the Grant Committee, consisting of Teri Ward, Mike’s wife of 43 years; his daughter Alison Ward and select Integrity Housing Board and staff members.
Recipients of the Michael Ward “ACE” Grant
To renovate the community gardens and community space associated with this outdoor area, as well as the community space in the center of the property, with the goal to make this more functional to the kitchen staff for outdoor cooking and meal sharing, for entertainment and educational programming, and general personal enjoyment of the outdoors space. Renovations includes a new edible garden, a properly functioning gas barbeque, functional wood tables and benches, and the purchase of round tables with umbrellas and chairs.
To purchase wireless microphones and the necessary equipment to relay them through the current sound system being used. This funding will further help their mission by allowing students to have access to the necessary equipment needed to perform in a multitude of different productions in music and the arts. The mission of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Bloom is to ensure their scholars develop the academic and character strengths to thrive in Chicago’s best schools, graduate from the nation’s best colleges, and lead happy, peaceful lives. If you would like to learn more about the KIPP College Prep of Chicago and the services they provide please visit their website at http://www.kipp.org/school/kipp-bloom-college-prep/.
Deanne Cecil (left) and Julie Stone (right) present the Michael Ward “ACE” Grant to Mike Radice of Harbor Interfaith Services.
