burbankca.gov

SPAR Receives Funds to Provide Free Swim Lessons to Children this Summer

Shreveport, LA (May 10, 2012) – The Community Foundation announced today that The City of Shreveport through SPAR has received a grant of $15,400 to continue Project Swim, which provides free swim lessons to area children.

In 2011, more than 1,000 children received free swim lessons through the program. Of those children, more than 99 percent showed improvement in their swimming skills.

“It is remarkable to consider the impact simple swim lessons will have on these children the rest of their lives,” said Paula Hickman, Executive Director of The Community Foundation. “It is a privilege to work with and for such a generous community that has shown an exceptional commitment to bettering the lives of our children.”

Rock Solid, which the City of Shreveport through SPAR contracted to operate city pools, will be offering lessons beginning June 4. The lessons will be provided at three of the city’s pools: Querbes, Bill Cockrell and Airport. The staff of Rock Solid is thrilled to participate in Project Swim for a second year.

“This project gives us another opportunity to live out our mission of making an impact one life at a time,” said Shelley McMillian, CEO of Rock Solid. “We’re teaching children a life skill that could not only save their lives but the lives of others.”

Free swim lessons will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled. Interested individuals must visit the Rock Solid main office located at 9333 Linwood Avenue to secure a spot. The office is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Participants will select their swim lesson location and schedule when filling out the registration application. All participants in FREE swim lessons must be ages 18 and under. A discounted rate is available for those over the age of 18 who would like to take swim lessons.

About the Community Foundation of North Louisiana

Established in 1961, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana’s mission is to strengthen communities through philanthropy. By bringing together fund donors, their financial advisors and nonprofit agencies, the Foundation is a powerful catalyst for building charitable giving and effecting positive change in our area. Through the generosity and vision of our family of donors, both past and present, the Foundation has granted nearly $40,000,000 to vital nonprofit organizations since our inception. In our shared endeavor to build a more robust, vibrant community, we fund a variety of critical initiatives, including education, health, arts and culture, and poverty alleviation. Through integrity and sound financial practices, the Foundation has successfully stewarded the philanthropic interests of past donors and is poised to lead the next generation of givers to address the challenges facing our region.

More From News Radio 710 KEEL