The Board of Trustees of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently approved the following grants. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre received $200,000 for its capital campaign to improve the accessibility, safety and aesthetics of its buildings. Among the upcoming renovations are a barrier-free elevator, restroom access on all floors and barrier-free seating throughout the theatre. The Theatre also plans a major student education/outreach expansion. Junior League of Grand Rapids and the Very Special Arts organization of Michigan are the recipients of a $30,000 grant. The program will focus on teaching job and life skills to high school students, attracting local artists to classrooms for lessons in dance, drama literature and visual arts, offering extra-curricular art classes to children and young adults with disabilities and organizing a choir for adults with disabilities. Lighthouse Communities Incorporated was awarded $76,000 for the funding of its Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative to revitalize four central Grand Rapids neighborhoods. In the next year, the Healthy Neighborhoods programs will concentrate on revitalizing 200 housing units and it is expected that 175 residents will participate in yard and street improvements. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) received $75,000 to help create thriving neighborhood districts in five corridors; Burton Heights, Plainfield, Grandville Avenue, Madison Square and West Fulton. LISC provides technical support and matching national funds for local community development corporations. The goal for the program is the redevelopment of the five corridors; the new program will help with the retention of at least 15 businesses, the completion of 20 facades and will affect at least 150,000 square feet of commercial space. Michigan Land Use Institute received $30,000 to develop and create a report focused on improving public transit service throughout metropolitan Grand Rapids. The Citizens' Agenda, will be published from the proceedings of a summit of citizens and civic leaders. Timberland Resource Conservation & Development Area Council Rogue River Habitat Improvement Plan received $75,000 from the Community Foundation to improve the in-stream habitat in a three-mile stretch of the Rogue River. Identified as a prime habitat for fish and wildlife by the Michigan DNR, the Rogue River is "one of the two most consistently productive urban trout streams in the country" according to the book, Trout Streams of Michigan. Timberland will rebuild the river to enable it to sustain its temperature, speed and depth, and consequently its habitat. West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology received a $150,000 grant for its "Inspiring Students, Training Workers and Building Community" program. The program aims to use art, mentoring, and technology education as a means to engage 9th and 10th graders identified as at risk of dropping out of school. Participants will earn high school credits for participation. It will also offer a 30-week skills-based work preparation program for chronically underemployed adults who have a high school diploma or GED.