[LUFKIN, TX – April 27, 2018] The T. L. L. Temple Foundation established a new grants program created specifically to benefit Wards 1 and 2 of North Lufkin. The North Lufkin Community Small Grants Program was approved by the T. L. L. Temple Foundation Board of Trustees based upon the “Listening to the Voice of the Community” report. The report culminated an Appreciative Inquiry Study of North Lufkin by the Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Social Work Center for Rural Work Research and Development. The study was funded and made possible by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation. As the program’s administrator, Legacy Institute for Financial Education (L.I.F.E.) will oversee the operation of the program. The organization is a 501(c)(3) and will manage the grants program, coordinate the review committee and be responsible for small grant distributions and reporting.
Angelina Beautiful/Clean (AB/C) has been recognized as the first recipient of the North Lufkin Community Small Grants Program. Based on the Appreciative Inquiry Study, beautification is one of the top priorities identified for the revitalization efforts of North Lufkin. AB/C has been awarded a grant to address this topic and has partnered with Impact Lufkin-Community Driven and North Lufkin community members to beautify the well-traveled corner lot of Kurth and Sayers.
Beautification is an important step in the revitalization process that is echoed from community members published in the Appreciative Inquiry. This highly visible intersection will serve as a foundation and catalyst for future improvements in the North Lufkin community. The organizations will begin with general landscaping to beautify the area. Following, this project will consist of adding low maintenance plants native to the area; in addition to native Mayhaw trees for local neighbors and volunteers to enjoy.
For years Verdia Shankle had insisted that this corner should be beautified and inquired on the steps to make it happen. As the chair person for the Beautification Committee from the community, the time has come to see that this project grow from idea to reality.
According to Jennifer La Corte, AB/C Executive Director, “By transforming a vacant lot in such a visible intersection we assist in setting the foundation for growth, physically through the landscaping but also metaphorically for others to see change and progress happening. Something as simple as creating a more vibrant, healthy and beautiful area available to the public through investment of this beautification project can have a profound and lasting impact that stretches far beyond the plants on the lot.”
Joseph Ceasar, L.I.F.E. Executive Director, adds, “This small grants program was designed to stimulate engagement from the community. We’re happy to see the collaboration between the community driven Impact Lufkin and Angelina Beautiful Clean. There’s been a lot of research, time and work that’s been invested in determining how to get the community to engage in the revitalization process. I believe this project is a great first step for the North Lufkin community to see the type of impact they can make when they come together.”
About Angelina Beautiful/Clean
Working in Angelina County since 1984, Angelina Beautiful/Clean (AB/C) has a mission to educate and empower East Texans to take responsibility for enhancing their community environment and serves Angelina County to help make it a cleaner, greener place to live, work and play. AB/C cultivates programs, services and education around litter reduction, recycling and beautification. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.
For more information about Angelina Beautiful/Clean, please contact Jennifer La Corte at 936-63CLEAN (936-632-5326), visit www.angelinabeautifulclean.org or follow on Facebook.
