Local Coronavirus Task Force Awards More Than $60,000 in Outreach Grants 

The following is sent on behalf of the Tallahassee-Leon County Coronavirus Vaccination Community Education and Engagement Task Force

Local Coronavirus Taskforce Awards More Than $60,000 in Outreach Grants 

 

WHO:	Tallahassee-Leon County Coronavirus Vaccination Community Education and Engagement Taskforce and Leon County Government
WHAT:	Community and Faith-Based Outreach Grant Program
WHEN:	Awardees Announced Now

After committee review and discussion, 25 local organizations have been awarded up to $2,500 each to support programs designed to educate and engage minority communities about the COVID-19 vaccine. Administered by the Tallahassee-Leon County Coronavirus Vaccination Community Education and Engagement Task Force (the Task Force) with funding support from Leon County Government, proposed programs will decrease vaccine hesitancy and increase access to vaccinations and public health advocates. 

“The Task Force’s mini-grants will empower trusted local voices and organizations to engage and educate citizens all throughout the County on the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Elaine Bryant, CEO of EW Bryant Associates and local leader of the Task Force. “To really make a difference and ensure people are vaccinated, we must meet people where they are. These mini-grants are part of an even larger effort to engage community leaders and build trust in the vaccine.” 

Organizations include nonprofits and faith- and community-based organizations known throughout the communities they serve as trusted voices and trusted places.  Below is a list of all organizations awarded grants by the Task Force with financial support from Leon County Government. With limited funds, not all applicants could be funded. 

Task Force Mini-Grant Awardees 

• ALARM International Church.  
• Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance, Inc. 
• Bethelonia AME Church 
• Black Men’s Health 
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend 
• Callen Homeowners Association 
• China Hill Primitive Baptist Church 
• Fresh Oil Ministry 
• Higher Dimension Church Tallahassee  
• Javacya Arts Conservatory 
• Kingdom Life Tabernacle  
• Life Changers Church of God in Christ 
• Life Church International Center 
• Love & Faith Community Church 
• Mt. Horeb Primitive Baptist Church 
• New Birth Tabernacle of Praise 
• Oasis Christian Center 
• Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church 
• Positive Chuck LLC 
• Prayer Temple COGIC 
• Providence Neighborhood Association 
• Shady Grove # 1 Primitive Baptist Church 
• True Light Ministries of Jesus Christ, Inc 
• University Ministries International 
• Victory House Community Resource Center 

Proposed activities and events range from the production and release of targeted public health messages regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, to festivals and community events focused on addressing vaccine hesitancy, and virtual educational and awareness events led by members of the faith-based community. 

All supported projects must be completed by Tuesday, June 1, 2021.  

"Ayoka is excited to be the recipients of this outreach grant," said Brandy Tyler McIntosh. "We are looking forward to providing COVID education and support in our community that provides awareness of the COVID vaccine and informed options regarding vaccinations. Ayoka is grateful for the opportunity to create a venue to assist people in making informed decisions that support their health and wellness. Thank you again, for awarding our organization this grant as it is a dynamic opportunity for our community."

The Tallahassee-Leon County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Community Education and Engagement Task Force was formed to better mobilize black churches, community-based organizations, federally qualified health centers and other stakeholders across the county to work collaboratively towards the goals of reducing vaccine hesitancy in minority communities and ensuring access to vaccination information. 

While more events are being planned and announced, the educational outreach coordinated by the Task Force has directly reached more than 4,000 households and led to the vaccination of nearly 500 people at pop-up vaccination clinics. For more details on upcoming events, go to LeonCountyFL.gov/EI. 

For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.