Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced the recipients of the 2023 Partners in Equity (PIE) Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) Grants, awarded by the Tamara D. Grigsby Office of Equity and Inclusion. Five local organizations were chosen to receive grants to address racial disparities in the areas of health, education, employment, and criminal justice.
Joe Parisi stated, “The PIE Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) Grant Program creates the opportunity for Dane County to partner with local organizations and help address racial inequities in our community. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose efforts will work to ensure opportunity for all.”
Greg Jones, advisory chair of OEI, remarked, “Proposals from the 2023 selected organizations demonstrate great promise. They build on our mutual dependence of community and government, while providing deep insight into what equity, diversity, and inclusion look like in Dane County.”
The 2023 PIE-RESJ Grant recipients and their respective projects include:
- Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin – Free Afterschool Programming at Title 1 Schools ($10,715)
Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin serves all of Dane County and currently offers programming to about 1,500 Dane County youth annually. The grant will help to ensure full implementation of the free programming model to all of Dane County’s highest-need school communities.
- Literacy Network – ABE Student Services Support ($10,000)
The Literacy Network serves adults in Dane County with English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs. The grant will support individualized tutoring and help participants build their reading, writing, and digital skills.
- Madtown Mommas & Disability Advocates, Putting Disability Back Into Diversity ($10,000)
The grant will provide funding to support activities, programs, and services for disabled students and their families, advocating for their rights and needs through a comprehensive approach.
- Tenant Resource Center (TRC) and JustDane / Bridging Boundaries Action Lab ($10,000)
The organizations will implement practical strategies to support housing stability for recently incarcerated individuals on probation or parole who are experiencing homelessness.
- UNIDOS – Renacer Support Group (for Men) ($10,000)
The support group will offer participants the opportunity to support each other and empower them to overcome feelings of isolation and frustration, promoting the health of all communities in Dane County.
