Koinonia Foundation Awards $22,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits, Honoring 2022 Russell Dew Community Service Award Winner
The Koinonia Foundation of Wake Forest held a special reception to award $22,000 in grants to local nonprofits and honor the 2022 Russell Dew Community Service Award winner. The event followed the Foundation’s June board meeting at The Loading Dock Wake Forest and highlighted the Foundation's ongoing commitment to helping neighbors in crisis throughout the Wake Forest, Rolesville, and Youngsville areas.
“As our community continues to grow, we’re seeing more of our neighbors in need,” said Holden McLemore, Koinonia Foundation Board member and grants coordinator. “Supporting our neighbors during times of crisis, no strings attached, and seeing how every contribution big or small can change a life, is a testament to the goodness of our organization and contributing donors.”
2022 Grant Recipients
This year’s grant funding was distributed among eight local charitable organizations that address vital community needs, including:
ChurchNet Foundation: Provides financial assistance with utility costs and prescription medications for those in need in Wake Forest, Rolesville, and Youngsville.
Kerr Family YMCA: Supports the Y Learning Program at Wake Forest Elementary, offering mentorship and academic support to K-5 students at risk of falling behind in school.
Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry: The largest food pantry in Northern Wake County, providing food and hygiene products to local families in need.
Wake Forest Optimist Club: Helps young people through service projects, including Comfort Kits for children in the care of Northern Wake Regional Child Protective Services.
Backpack Buddies-Wake Forest Presbyterian Church: Ensures students in need receive meals over the weekend by providing food-filled backpacks to over 42 local students.
Hope and Vine: Equips women aging out of foster care with employment, mentoring, and community programs focused on life skills and personal growth.
Wake Forest Community Table: A community collaboration providing meals twice a week to children, families, and elderly individuals in need.
North East Wake Backpack Buddies: Provides weekend meal packs to local schools for children identified as food insecure.
Honoring Ruth Ann Dyer: 2022 Russell Dew Community Service Award
In addition to distributing grant funds, the Koinonia Foundation recognized Ruth Ann Dyer as the 2022 Russell Dew Community Service Award recipient. A Wake Forest native, Dyer has been a dedicated leader in the community, serving as the president of the Wake Forest Garden Club and the Trentini Scholarship Foundation, among other roles. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on countless community initiatives.
“Ruth Ann is embedded in the roots of our community with her contributions extending throughout every corner,” said Easop. “She gives back to Wake Forest in so many ways and is so deserving of this award.”
How You Can Support Koinonia
The Koinonia Foundation relies on donations and its signature fundraising events, including the annual charity auction/dinner and the Pace for Grace 5K Race. Although these events were held virtually in recent years, they remain critical to the Foundation’s ability to provide grants and services.
For more information about the Koinonia Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.koinoniawf.org/donate.
About the Koinonia Foundation of Wake Forest
Founded in 1990 by a Sunday school class at Wake Forest Baptist Church, the Koinonia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides support to neighbors in crisis. The Foundation offers funding for food, shelter, clothing, and medical assistance, distributing resources to both community organizations and individuals. The word “Koinonia” comes from the Greek word for "communion with others by act of intimate participation," reflecting the Foundation's mission of caring for those in need. Follow Koinonia on Facebook and Instagram.
