Quantum Foundation is Funding 120 Grassroots Organizations in PBC

10 Nov Quantum Foundation is Funding 120 Grassroots Organizations in PBC

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Through its 12th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) initiative, Quantum Foundation is funding 120 grassroots organizations in Palm Beach County. To date, QIC has awarded a total of $9.5 million to local organizations. This month, the $1 million in unrestricted funding from Palm Beach County’s largest health funder is targeted to go toward essentials such as meals, housing, financial assistance, hygiene products, clothing, transportation and more.

This year’s QIC initiative is led by Quantum Foundation board chair, Dr. Gerald O’Connor, along with committee members Ethel Isaacs Williams and Dr. Ronald Romear.

“This year, the ‘why’ behind our Quantum in the Community giving is even greater,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “Palm Beach County residents have experienced extreme hardship, which for some has led to job loss, homelessness, and neglecting their health. We are proud to support the grassroots organizations that are helping to fill in these gaps as our neighbors get back on their feet.”

Two of this year’s QIC recipients, South Florida Sanctuary (SFS) and Oasis Project South Florida, share how they are improving health in Palm Beach County through Quantum Foundation’s QIC grant and how readers can help.

It’s no secret that inflation and COVID-19 have stunted working class citizens nationwide. For those living paycheck-to-paycheck, the one-two punch was the breaking point that pushed many Palm Beach County residents into homelessness. To that end, severe economic circumstances have prompted the SFS to serve the rising homeless population.

“We are seeing unprecedented numbers at all our events, forcing us to increase feedings and other services,” said James Capodanno, executive director of SFS. “Each event we see at least half a dozen new faces.”

On a regular basis, SFS provides basic needs to those facing homelessness, including food, toiletries, sneakers, work boots, backpacks, hats, bicycles, bus passes, warm clothes and more. In addition, the nonprofit operates a mobile shower and laundry division that comes twice a week to SFS’ daily feedings. Since they started in 2014, the team’s laundry trailer has grown from four washers and dryers to eight of each, which will be supported through Quantum Foundation’s grant.

Then located in Palm Beach Gardens, the heartbeat of The Oasis Project of South Florida is to create a strong family unit by providing foster, adoptive and kinship families long-term community support – whether it’s administering practical resources or relational support. Through its free Oasis Care Closet, families can find relief and obtain resources for their children ages zero to 17 years-old including, cribs, car seats, formula, strollers, beds, clothes, shoes, toys, books, and more.

“Our long-term goal is to have programs to address issues that are plaguing our community such as poverty, abuse, neglect, education, hunger and so much more,” said Chelsea Shoff, president and CEO of The Oasis Project. “That is the story behind our name. We would love to have a physical hub in the city, an ‘oasis,’ which is a place of refuge, restoration, redemption, nourishment, new life, and replenishment in the desert.”

Thanks to funding by Quantum Foundation, Oasis will be able to purchase more tables, hangers and shelving to support its Care Closet at its soon-to-be permanent location.

Groups funded by Quantum Foundation must meet strict grant criteria and must be classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All grants must benefit the people of Palm Beach County.

Discover more on what Quantum Foundation is doing in the community! For more information, or to learn about applying for grants, please visit quantumfnd.org or call 561-832-7497.