Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds globally. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a jump in the badger state’s suicide rate of more than 25 percent over the past two decades.

Barb Bigalke (l),Center for Suicide Awareness, and Sandi Moore, Waupaca Area Suicide Prevention- , at Tuesday’s WACF presentation

The Waupaca Area Community Foundation recently awarded its first-ever Community Enhancement Grant to the Center for Suicide Awareness. The grant will help to address the high rates of suicide and self-harm in Waupaca through hiring a part-time staff member to lead proactive community education. WACF carefully considered all applicants meeting the criteria of innovative thinking, clear, detailed planning to assure high community impact and sustainability, leadership and collaborative partnerships.

This year’s WACF Community Enhancement Grant offered $25,000 to one organization demonstrating visionary projects or programs that affect many residents in the area of education as it relates to arts, culture, health, wellness, general education and education for all ages.

In 2018, WACF awarded a record total of 10 grants equaling $134,329 to local nonprofit organizations working in the arts, education, health care and services for youth to improve the quality of life in Waupaca County.

Even more grants were awarded to other nonprofits, and are described in the Waupaca Area Community Foundation’s newly published annual report for 2018. Find it at the WACF web page.

Want more stories like these?  Sign up to get in The Loop. And don’t forget to invite a friend to get in The Loop!