By Rebecca Ressl
Vera Court Neighborhood Center

Vera Court Neighborhood Center has received a $25,000 grant from Madison Community Foundation (MCF) toward their Vera Vision 2020 campaign. The grant will help Vera Court introduce new adult enrichment programming in 2018.

Vera Court will launch adult engagement programs including ongoing classes, educational workshops and community-building events. MCF’s donation will help strengthen intergenerational and cross-cultural connections between community members. Upcoming activities include special events for seniors, computer literacy workshops, nutrition and health classes and gentle fitness instruction. Vera Vision 2020 will make these new services possible by doubling the size of the center and hiring additional support staff.

“We are very grateful for Madison Community Foundation’s generous support. Their donation toward the Vera Vision 2020 campaign will improve our ability to serve adults in the Vera Court neighborhood. We look forward to offering adult enrichment programs and engaging community members of all ages and backgrounds,” said Thomas Solyst, executive director of Vera Court Neighborhood Center.

This grant was funded by two MCF endowment funds, the Charles Hathaway Trust Fund and the Ecumenical Housing Cooperation Fund for the Elderly, which are part of a program that invests nearly $2 million a year in the arts, education, community development, environment, nonprofit capacity, children and seniors.

Vera Court Neighborhood Center serves over 5,000 residents a year through services including early childhood programming, afterschool and summer camp for elementary and middle school students, high school programming, nutritious meals and access to translation and social services. Learn more at www.veracourt.org.