In October 2019, $5,000 was distributed in the first round of Goose Creek Wind Community Grant funding to local Piatt County organizations. Grantees included the Piatt County Mental Health Center (PCMHC), the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL), A Small Hand, and Willow Tree Missions. Read more here.

This spring, we caught up with past grant winners to see how their projects are making an impact in the community.

Piatt County Mental Health Center

The Piatt County Mental Health Center was able to adapt its funding to serve its staff remotely. “Many of the staff are working from home during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and have been able to purchase training DVDs to help them with their licensure. This has helped not only better equip them to better serve their consumers, but has also allowed them to have billable time as they work from home,” said Director Tony Kirkman. The Goose Creek Wind team is happy to help support an organization that serves the general public, especially during these trying times.

Willow Tree Missions

Another recipient of the Community Grant, Willow Tree Missions, was able to use its funding to help renovate and move into its new Family Service Center. Director of Operations Rachel LeJeune stated, “This space provides an amazing place where people in crisis can come in and the Family Care Team can provide them with excellent service in a safe and loving environment.” Willow Tree is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence in Piatt County. You can help support Willow Tree Missions by shopping at the Willow Tree Missions Resale Shop, the primary source of funding for the organization, located on 351 W. Monroe St., Monticello, IL 61856, or by volunteering.  

CAPCIL

CAPCIL’s funding was use to supporting the Hand Up Project, a series of classes revolving around job training and the integrity of work, financial literacy, and money management. Funds were used to cover class materials and resources for participants and to provide support services such as child care, public transportation vouchers, automotive repair, and required uniforms or equipment for new employment. All attendees are given a professional development coach to help with guidance and goal attainment. Upon class completion, participants are then eligible to apply for scholarships to help achieve their GED, Technical/Certification, or associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Pictured above is a student with his mentor, one of nine families this project has served so far.

Apex Clean Energy is pleased to support educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in the Piatt County community. One small way we can do this is by giving back through the Goose Creek Wind Community Grant program. If you represent a group/organization similar to the ones above, or that meets one of our four key funding categories (Building Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Promoting Education), consider applying at https://www.goosecreekwind.com/grant.