Social Venture Investors (formerly Social Venture Philanthropy/SVP): Examples of Past SVI Grants
St. John’s Home - $35,400 was awarded to develop a “safe and normal” high school program for students recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
With a Social Venture Investors grant St. John’s Home established a “safe and normal” high school for students in search of the road to recovery. This school within a school, named Endeavor by its inaugural students, is located on the campus of Forest Hills Northern High School. Program staff members believe the location gives students active support for recovery while participating in a normal high school experience. The peer-to-peer interaction with other recovering students provides additional support.
Wedgwood Christian Services - $20,000 was awarded for startup expenses associated with Lighthouse Academy for students who have been expelled through mandatory expulsion or non-mandatory expulsion, but whose home schools are unable to address their needs.
Lighthouse Academy served 15 students in grades 9 through 12 during its first year and has now expanded to include 40 middle and high school-aged students. Program outcomes include increased standardized test scores, mentoring, participation in service learning projects, exploration of job and career options, and preparation of student transition plans for post-secondary educational experience.
United Methodist Community House - $30,000 for the SWAPP Institute, expansion of a program designed to serve women and their children escaping prostitution and substance abuse.
The Social Work and Police Partnership (SWAPP) is a collaborative program between United Methodist Community House, Grand Rapids Police Department and network 180 that has helped over 80 women escape prostitution and substance abuse during the past four years. Through community partnerships and collaborations, the SWAPP Institute will provide training, mentoring, tutoring & support to continue to increase the level of support for the women and their children, and help them complete their journey to success.
Cherry Street Health Services - $23,500 for the expanded dental services, to increase the incidence of restorative cared for children referred through the Center’s school dental screenings.
Cherry Street Health Services (CSHS) hired an additional dentist at the West Side Health Center site, to increase the incidence of restorative care for children among the nearly 10,000 that CSHS screens at the West Side schools of Sibley, Westwood Middle, Stocking, Harrison Middle and Harrison Park. Nearly 60 percent require follow-up restorative care, but most don’t follow through. Through this effort, at least 400 students will receive restorative care, 300 will continue their care, and the center will provide at least 1,950 additional dental visits.
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