Posted Saturday, March 30, 2019 9:30 pm

During a recent meeting, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 4572 of Cleveland presented several donations to nonprofit groups in Cleveland. 
The Knights of Columbus is a nonprofit Catholic men’s organization dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. They conduct several fundraisers during the year, including the Labor Day and Super Bowl Barbecue roast sales, the annual golf tournament in May and valet parking during the year. All the proceeds are donated to charitable organizations.

Among those receiving donations were:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region, which focuses on enabling young people in fulfilling “their potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region operates 15 units in the area — seven in Bradley County, one in Polk County, one in Meigs County and six in Monroe County.

• Life Bridges, which “bridges the gap between abilities and disabilities,” provides services for residents with developmental disabilities. Life Bridges’ vision is to “provide exceptional services to the individuals we serve, their families, and our community to promote independence, respect and trust while meeting our social and financial responsibilities.” 
• The Caring Place, an ecumenical Christian nonprofit, addresses “basic spiritual, physical and social needs of people in Bradley County.” They distribute groceries to families at poverty level or below, give ready-to-wear clothing upon availability, provide professional social work services, distribute spiritual food through prayer, provide environment where prayer is encouraged and facilitate getting head in a just getting by world. 
• Family Violence Program’s Harbor House provides a safe and caring place for individuals and their children who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

• Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland partners with residents who need decent and affordable housing. Homeowners complete “sweat equity hours, homeowner education courses and paying an affordable mortgage on their home.” 
• Lee University Developmental Inclusion Classroom is a state-approved private school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Cleveland City Schools saw an increase of 1,000 percent between 1999 to 2000, and 2005-06. Experts agree ASD individuals “have the most unique learning needs and require the greatest expertise to teach of all disability categories.” LUDIC provides services targeting the needs of its students. The services are often more intensive than can be offered in schools.

• Orange Grove Center offers “person-centered services and programs to nearly 1,000 children and adults with the goal of transforming our community into one that is truly inclusive and diverse.” 
•  Hospice of Chattanooga addresses the “medical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families faced with a life-limiting illness. The goal is to help terminally ill individuals live their final weeks and months with the highest quality of life possible.”