St. Mary’s Academy Secures $300,000 in Grants for Enhanced Security and Disaster Preparedness
From St. Mary’s Academy
By Wendy Palmer
The Dalles, OR. September 27, 2023 - St. Mary’s Academy recently received award notifications of two $150,000 grants through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODM). ODM administers the Non-profit Security Grant Program (NSGP) made available to Oregon non-profits from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These funds are part of a larger, nearly $20 Million, grant awarded throughout the State of Oregon for security and disaster preparedness.
Specifically, St. Mary’s Academy will use the grant funds to install perimeter fencing around the Elementary School property and the Auxiliary Building (formerly the Convent) property. Additionally, St. Mary’s will upgrade and install additional security cameras throughout the buildings and properties. The total project amount for both properties is just over $367,000. In addition to putting plans together to raise the remaining $67,000, St. Mary’s Academy is working with ODM, DHS, and FEMA to complete the Environmental and Historical Preservation Screening process before the work can begin.
St. Mary’s Academy serves students and families of any denomination from pre-school through 8th grade providing an education within the Catholic tradition, nurturing the potential of each person, while teaching respect and responsibility for all God’s creation. Parents seek out St. Mary’s Academy for a quality; values-based educational experience for their children. The school meets this need by providing a religious, safe, and exemplary learning environment.
St. Mary's Academy allows many organizations to use our spaces including Cub Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, Wasco County Pioneer Association, The Dalles Swim Team, and many youth sports teams to name a few. All organizations using our buildings/campus will be better protected from outside threats once these building and campus security measures are installed. www.smatd.org
