NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott has donated $8 million to four nonprofit organizations in Connecticut.
The Amazon co-founder has donated more than $16 billion to date, and this latest donation is aimed at breaking the cycle of violence, homelessness, and supporting youth initiatives.
“This is a really big deal for us,” said Rachel Klein Brown, director of development and communications for the Leadership, Education and Athletics Partnership (LEAP).
The $2 million grant comes at a critical time for the nonprofit organization, which serves hundreds of children in New Haven.
“We knew we would need additional funding because of other (COVID-19) funding reductions, which meant we could continue to work. We needed to scale back. No. It's going to make a difference for us,” Klein-Brown said.
LEAP is a free, year-round after-school and summer program that supports children in low-income communities.
“It's life changing. We try to give them more experiences, and in the summer we do camping and trips and get them out into the community,” said Nikilia Reed, LEAP Program Director. says Mr.
LEAP has eight locations throughout New Haven, including one at Ross Woodward School. There, children do everything from dancing to chess to get help with their homework.
Paige Henry, 8, said her favorite thing to do was arts and crafts.
“I like doing new things and doing homework,” Paige said.
LEAP is also the city's largest youth employer, employing hundreds of high school and college students as legislators.
“I basically get paid to be with kids, and that’s what I love to do, because some of the kids that come here look at me as a mentor; Some people call me my little sister, so I build bonds with kids throughout the community,” junior Saumora Short said. Councilor.
“They're nice. They help me. It's fun,” Henry said.
The Yield Giving grant had more than 6,000 applicants, all of whom required an annual budget of less than $5 million. LEAP said the $2 million will allow it to expand its work by supporting more children and employing more young people.
“We have a waiting list throughout the summer and we would like to expand our capacity for teenagers to accommodate more students,” Klein-Brown said. That's because they're trained.”
“I'm happy for it, I'm grateful for it, and I think the kids will appreciate it, even if they don't realize it. Give them more opportunities and a chance to get outside the neighborhood.” Please,” said Jay Caro, LEAP Quinnipiac Meadows Site Coordinator.
Applications for LEAP's summer camps will open on April 1st. Click here for more information.
