Gen Forward Network Announces Grant Award

Expansion of a Carriage Town Ministries employment program-Blueline Donuts-is the recipient of a $15,880 grant from members of the Gen Forward Network, a Community Foundation of Greater Flint giving circle. Grant dollars came from the 64 members who pooled their contributions, decided on a grantmaking interest area, and voted on their favorite grant proposal.

Blueline Donuts offers donuts and coffee at the Carriage Town Ministries campus on Wednesday mornings, and at Heyday Coffee every weekday morning. The grant provided funding for a deck oven.

"The installation of a deck over will allow Blueline Donuts to produce more donuts and pastries each day," said Nic Gatlin, Program Manager. "The ultimate goal is to connect residents at Carriage Town Ministries with long-term employment through the bakers training program."

The project will serve four residents at a time by offering them employment. The job roles include two bakers, a cashier and a supervisor. The oven will also provide for hundreds of community members who partake in over 142,000 meals that CTM serves annually.

Providing immediate impact is what the Gen Forward Network is all about, according to Sonya LaGore, Chair of the Gen Forward Network and a member of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint Board of Trustees.

"Our members come from diverse backgrounds, but we all share the same deep desire to give back to the community," LaGore said. "We are pleased that the oven will also be used to produce dinners to fulfill the basic need of food tor those who are struggling."

Gen Forward Network is celebrating its fifth year of grantmaking. Members have granted $81,310 back to community since its formation. Membership is now open for 2018. To learn more, contact Alex Dawson, Development and Program Associate at the Community Foundation, at adawson@cfgf.org or call 810-767-8270.