Group focused on keeping kids in school looking for votes for State Farm grant

Posted on August 22, 2018
Promise Council is asking local residents to vote to help receive a $25,000 grant from State Farm. (Facebook/Promise Council)

By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – A local group that tries to keep kids in school is in the running for a grant from State Farm, but needs your help to get it.

Promise Council was formed in 2009 to provide mentoring and basic care for the most needy students, as well as to encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s schooling. Promise Council Board vice president Linda Bowman says the group is based on five promises.

“They need caring adults, they need safe spaces, they need a healthy start and effective education, and the opportunity to serve and give back,” Bowman explained. “What Promise Council does is try to bring those five promises into schools to help the most needy kids.”

Bowman said Promise Council supplements the schools’ work.

“We’re just really actively trying to create this group of caring adults that will go into the schools and bring the resources they need,” Bowman added. “The teachers just can’t do everything.”

Promise Council is looking for votes to receive one of 40 grants of $25,000 from the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program. For more information and to vote, go to neighborhoodassist.com. There’s a link in our story at WJBC.com. Voting deadline is Friday at midnight.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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