Twelve local organizations whose missions involve helping children or low-income families received a combined $49,379 from Lake Travis Labor of Love between late May and late June, said Michelle Zogas, the group's president and founder. LTlov aims to provide support to community members who are facing limiting circumstances such as poverty or hunger. Zogas told Community Impact Newspaper the process for selecting the organizations—from receiving applications to awarding checks—takes about four months. She said a grant funding committee reviews applications that include annual funding requests of up to $5,000 for local projects meeting the organization’s criteria. LTlov’s members approve the awards, considering whether the organization and its mission is local and whether the funds will be used to help the community, she said. In addition to the 12 local organizations that received money, some of the nearly $50,000 will fund three of LTlov’s other programs: the College Scholarship program, which provides $1,500 scholarships to three Lake Travis High School graduates annually; the Kids Free Dental Day program, which provides dental supplies for a treatment program for economically disadvantaged local children; and the Project Supply Pack program, which provides pre-packaged school supplies to low-income students. Last year, LTlov granted $40,000 to 15 organizations. Zogas said the money raised to fund this year’s grants comes from various fundraising ventures, private donations and partnerships, gifts and membership dues. “It brings me so much joy to be part of this organization and to be working alongside women who are like-minded,” she said.

2016 Lake Travis Labor of Love annual grants funding recipients

Austin School for the Performing & Visual Arts $2,580 to provide need-based scholarships to local children to attend a two-week, half-day World Drumming camp. Bright Horizons $3,993 to fund a music therapy program for local residents with Alzheimer's Disease to stimulate areas of the brain directly affecting cognitive, emotional and physical functions. Center for Child Protection $2,435 to support the Emergency Funds Program with one-time assistance to help alleged victims of child abuse and their caregivers meet their basic needs and maintain their safety. Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship $2,159 to provide tuition for weekly therapy sessions for Ryan Taylor, son of Lake Travis ISD teacher and coach Brian Taylor. Helping Hand Crisis Ministry of Spicewood $6,330 to purchase food and basic necessities to help Spicewood area residents in crisis and to help with financial aid when funds permit. Lake Travis Crisis Ministries $6,389 to purchase food and basic necessities to help Lake Travis residents in crisis with financial aid when funds permit. LTHS Project Graduation $1,335 to provide need-based scholarships for students to attend a safe, alcohol-and drug-free event immediately following graduation from Lake Travis High School. Partners in Hope $5,396 to provide materials for home repair to local residents who are living in unsafe or unhealthy structures and lack the means to repair them. Peaceful Dreams $694 to purchase new children's pajamas for children removed from their homes and placed in local children's shelters. RED Arena $2,523 to give scholarships to local children with disabilities to attend an inclusive, summer therapy horse camp. Skiin' With The Galilean $2,055 to provide a day on the lake to foster children, orphans and individuals with special needs. Youth2Seniors $2,105 to support the “giving program” in which youth and seniors join together at assisted living facilities to make teddy bears that are donated to children in need through children’s shelters.

LTlov internal programs

College Scholarship Program $5,000 to provide $1,500 dollar scholarships to three LTHS graduates who exemplify a strong work ethic, school  and community participation and the motivation to succeed in college. Kids Free Dental Day $2,385 to provide dental supplies for our treatment program for economically-disadvantaged local children with a special emphasis on follow-up care for critical cases. Project Supply Pack $3,000 to provide pre-packaged school supplies to low-income students to equip them for educational success and reduce the stigma of poverty.