The Kansas Health Foundation has awarded $50,890 total to four organizations in Douglas County to help improve health and wellness in the community.

Those that received Fall 2009 Recognition Grants were:

• Lawrence Public Library Foundation, $23,800, to help boost the number of children and adults participating in the library’s 2010 summer reading program. The funding is intended to pay for events including a kick-off party at the city pool, a block party at the end of the summer, and incentives for completion of the reading program.

• Van Go Mobile Arts Inc., $18,500, to help boost the effectiveness of the community mentor program by increasing the number of volunteers working with teens who are at risk for drug use or violent behavior. The funding intends to pay for the staff time that is devoted this year to coordinating volunteers.

• Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, $7,090, to support “Passport Day Camp,” a summer project designed to model healthy habits as well as provide nutrition support and structured activity for families with children living in low-income housing. The grant is intended to help fund staff and supplies for the project.

• USD 491 Eudora, $1,500, for the “WOW (Wild Over Wellness) Festival,” to help increase awareness of and access to community resources and strategies that can improve the health of children and their families. The money will help pay for prizes, T-shirts and a healthy breakfast for event participants.

These projects were among 57 statewide to receive $954,000. The grants ranged from $1,500 to $25,000.

For information about the grants, visit the Kansas Health Foundation’s Web site.