Local organizations in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties to receive financial help
HEMLOCK, Mich. — This summer, 250 campers who descend on Camp Fish Tales for weeks of play, learning and exploration will be thrilled to discover a new playground, courtesy of a 2022 Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) Community and Regional Empowerment (CARE) Fund grant.
The money will build an accessible playground for all children, regardless of ability, gender, age or background. Wheelchair accessible and with adaptable swings, this playground will include various sensory elements so all children will have a space to play and feel included.
“We’re so excited by the opportunity to share this playground with the community,” said Camp Fish Tales Executive Director Shannon Forshee. “HSC’s support is granting independence for campers and providing a fun experience compliant with accessibility standards. Witnessing the confidence, strength and perseverance of these campers do something new on their own – it’s absolutely life changing.”
Phoenix Community Farm, which donates 100% of produce grown to provide for people in need in Midland County, will also be receiving a 2022 CARE grant for their work addressing food and financial security. In Midland, one in three households is struggling to meet basic needs. Phoenix Community Farm provides not just produce, but also community education about growing, harvesting, and preparing healthy and well-balanced meals. With their grant dollars, they intend to invest in their infrastructure to expand their programming beyond the current 4,000+ pounds of food grown and shared annually to an even more sustainable model.
These community development projects represent just a portion of 2022 CARE Fund grants awarded by Hemlock-based HSC. The company began accepting applications for its most recent round of Community and Regional Empowerment (CARE) Fund for Saginaw, Midland and Bay counties in January. Grants can be awarded to any group that holds a 501(c)(3) designation, including schools, units of government or local nonprofits.
In choosing the CARE Fund winners, HSC staff looked for projects that align with the CARE Fund mission to improve the vitality and quality of life in Great Lakes Bay Region communities where HSC employees and their families work and play. A new round of grant applications will be accepted until May 31. Local programs can receive up to $10,000, while regional programs are eligible for up to $30,000.
“Each of these programs will positively impact community members for generations to come,” said Raquel Pérez, HSC’s Diversity & Community Liaison. “The CARE Fund is a true investment in the Great Lakes Bay Region, and in the projects our employees are most passionate about – we are proud to support these projects.”
Local art and historic restoration was the focus of an additional grant, given to the Friends of Theodore Roethke Foundation (FOTR), for the restoration of his family residences in Saginaw. Currently a museum to Roethke’s life’s work, generations of community members continue to learn about the literary legacy of this Pulitzer Prize winning poet. The space has served as a museum and once updated, will provide a new community center and space for mental health-related initiatives grounded in the arts.
Anyone interested in learning more about the CARE grant program and how to apply can review it on the foundations’ websites at:
About Hemlock Semiconductor
Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) is a leading provider of hyper-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells and modules. At HSC, we’re passionate about silicon-based technology and its unique potential to connect and energize the world we share. HSC’s polysilicon enables customers to produce high-tech electronics and solar energy, and our efficient manufacturing process delivers products with an ultra-low-carbon footprint. HSC began operations in 1961.
More information can be found at:
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For more information:
Kristen Opperman
Communications Liaison
(989) 301-6063
kristen.opperman@hscpoly.com