LifeBUILDERS named as finalist for $25k State Farm program grant

LifeBUILDERS, in collaboration with Soar Detroit, is looking to make a huge impact in the lives of students in the Regent Park neighborhood located on Detroit’s east side. With the help of the community at large, LifeBUILDERS is seeking public votes to secure a $25,000 grant from State Farm Neighborhood Assist to bring a unique, proven model of literacy tutoring to more than 100 second-grade students at Fisher Magnet Lower Academy in Regent Park.

Out of an original pool of 2,000 submissions, the nonprofit organization working to reclaim, empower and revitalize the Regent Park neighborhood, is the only Michigan nonprofit out of 200 organizations nationwide that remains in the running for funds. Ultimately, a total of 40 different causes across the U.S. will be awarded a $25,000 grant to fund neighborhood education, safety and community development projects.

Individuals can cast their vote for LifeBUILDERS, up to 10 times a day, now through Aug. 23 at https://www.neighborhoodassist.com/entry/2024881.

Among the items the grant funds would go toward include program materials, tutors and transportation for a full school year covering children from Fisher Magnet Lower Academy, with the goal of expanding the program to other schools in the neighborhood.

Only 14 percent of Detroit's third-graders can read at grade level, and both LifeBUILDERS and Soar Detroit want to change that.

“This is an opportunity to give an entire grade of students the chance to increase their reading grade levels and thrive in school and life,” said Executive Director Larry Johnson, who co-founded LifeBUILDERS with his wife Marilyn. “The successful implementation of this grant will help to increase graduation rates, move our youth beyond entry level employment opportunities, increase college and skilled training applications. We believe that this will lead to a long-term reduction in crime rates, lower unemployment rates and a general increase in the quality of life here in Regent Park.”

Last year, 167,000 people cast 4.5 million votes in support of their favorite causes, selecting winners from small towns and big cities. Since the program began, State Farm has awarded $7 million to more than 250 organizations.

About LifeBUILDERS

LifeBUILDERS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 2005 that has been passionate about the revitalization of a community on Detroit’s far east side known as Regent Park. Its commitment to #InfluenceDetroit has been actualized through a multi-faceted mission: reclaim the neighborhood, empower the youth and build communitas. To learn more about the transformative work it does in Detroit’s Regent Park neighborhood, visit LifeBuildersDetroit.com.

About Soar Detroit

Since 2005, Soar Detroit has been successfully helping every willing child read at or above grade level. Students increase on average 2.3 grade levels after just one year in its literacy program. Children enrolled in Soar receive one-on-one mentoring and an individualized learning plan prepared by a professional education specialist. Located all across the city, Soar operates after school, where children come for one hour, two days a week. For more information, visit SoarDetroit.com.

About State Farm Neighborhood Assist

State Farm Neighborhood Assist is a program that awards $25,000 grants to 40 different causes across the U.S. The program has three phases. First, users submit causes they believe deserve a $25,000 grant. Next, the State Farm Review Committee narrows the submissions to the top 200 and pairs them with a nonprofit organization that can help make them happen. Finally, the public votes to select the Top 40. Each winning cause that meets all of the entry criteria will receive a $25,000 grant. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 25. For more information, visit NeighborhoodAssist.com.

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