Eighty Four, PA - The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) recently presented presidential awards to two local charities. Washington Christian Outreach (WCO) received the President’s Crystal Award and Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP) received the President’s Silver Award.
Initiated in 2008 in conjunction with the 10th anniversary
of the Foundation’s president & CEO Betsie Trew, the Crystal Award
includes a $10,000 grant and supports a small but improving charity.
This is the first presentation of the President’s Silver Award, which
commemorates Trew’s 25th anniversary this year. The Silver
Award recognizes more established charities who have met industry best
practices regarding governance, management, and fundraising and includes
a $25,000 grant. Both awards are administered through an open and
competitive process. Complete eligibility requirements and evaluation
criteria are detailed on the Foundation’s website at www.wccf.net.
WCO directly assists individuals and families in need. Located in the low-income Highland Ridge section of Washington, the WCO's soup kitchen served hot meals to 7,400 people in 2022. The organization also operates a store where families can select clothing, personal items, and household essentials all free of charge. The WCO will use the $10,000 grant for facility improvements.
DVSSP offers free services and support to anyone affected by domestic violence, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or ability. In 2022, DVSSP made a significant impact, serving 2,170 individuals and responding to 3,240 hotline calls. In Washington County alone, 1,278 individuals received services, and 1,916 hotline calls were answered. The $25,000 grant included with the award will be used to develop a new and improved website, providing accessible information for clients and the community.