South Elementary students cannot play on the current playground due to rust, mold and corrosion. The Lowe’s Hometowns grant will help the school install new play structures that will accommodate multiple classes during recess and give students the chance to be physically active during school time.

The YMCA at Virginia Tech is creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community Resource Center to expand support programs. With plans underway, adding new doors, windows, flooring, paint, lighting, bathrooms, storage space, HVAC, office and meeting space and a kitchenette would prepare this center for the real work to begin.

The Women in Distress Blooming Sales Thrift Store needs to be refurbished. By enhancing visibility, aesthetic appeal, and functionality of this space, the store will improve retail performance and generate additional funding to better serve victims at one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the nation.

The Wedington Volunteer Fire Department has serviced rural Washington County for 45 years. It is a place for volunteers to learn, relax and re-group after a call. It’s where the community gathers for elections, meetings and more. Installing new garage doors will allow for smoother responses, plus new paint and flooring to provide a much-needed face lift.

The Women’s Residential Center was built in 1970. Operating year-round, the 35-bed substance abuse treatment facility has experienced relentless wear and tear. By updating HVAC, fencing and infrastructure, the WRC can increase the number of clients it serves with a safer, cleaner, calming environment for recovery.

The Visible Men Academy (VMA) creates a personalized education, tailored to meet specific learning needs. With a growing student population who require additional instruction and specialized facilities, the VMA will renovate an existing classroom to be a calming, comfortable and productive learning environment.

For more than 20 years, VIET has served non-English speaking residents in New Orleans. From Hurricane Katrina through the pandemic, VIET supports the community with services from food distribution events to access to vaccines. This project will repair windows and doors damaged by intruders and clear trees damaged by Hurricane Ida.

Variety the Children’s Charity has a 77-acre campus to host children’s programs and services. This project will renovate the dining hall, which is used by after-school programs, summer camps and a high school vocation program where participants can prepare their grown produce and baked goods to be sold at pop-up shops and Variety’s weekly farm stand.

The USO Nevada at Nellis Air Force Base desperately needs a cosmetic update. This project includes new flooring and paint as well as minor repairs and the removal of light fixtures and unused cabinetry to help make the shared space look brand new for its guests.

The USO at Fort Liberty sees nearly 7,000 service members and their families each month. This project will improve the appearance of the space with a refreshed and welcoming reception area, new carpet and flooring, kitchen updates and a brand-new buffet area to allow families to enjoy the space together.