- January 28, 2026
Thanks to a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, an after school program by the Daytona Beach Corps of The Salvation Army is expanding resources to better serve local children and families.
The Beacon of Hope after school program provides academic support, character development, and enrichment for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, according to a press release.
“The Beacon of Hope After School Program is about creating a place where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential,” said Lt. Kalynn Green, Corps Officer for the Florida Division of the Daytona Beach Corps of The Salvation Army. “One of our most popular initiatives, Reading with Therapy Dogs, helps children build literacy skills and confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a calm, encouraging environment.”
Funding from CF/UWVFC strengthens the program’s ability to deliver character-building activities and engaging enrichment experiences, including STEM learning, 3D printing, creative arts, music, and sports. The program also emphasizes community partnerships and family engagement, ensuring support extends beyond the classroom.
The grant was recently highlighted during a Showcase Tour, which offered an inside look at the operations and community impact of The Beacon of Hope After School Program.
“Seeing this program in action during our Showcase Tour reinforced the importance of investing in trusted, community-rooted organizations,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of CF/UWVFC. “The Salvation Army’s The Beacon of Hope after school program reflects exactly what Community Impact funding is designed to do — bring donors, nonprofits, and community partners together to create safe, enriching spaces that help children and families thrive.”
For more information about The Salvation Army and The Beacon of Hope after school program, or to give, visit daytonabeach.salvationarmyflorida.org.
To learn more about CF/UWVFC’s Community Impact initiatives, visit connectvfc.org/our-impact/grant-seekers.
