GAINESBORO – As part of its ongoing commitment to rural communities across the country, the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) provides annual grants for communities served by NTCA members, such as Twin Lakes. The goal of this program is to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America.
In 2020, Twin Lakes submitted 17 applications that met the FRS Community Grant guidelines. These organizations range from schools, libraries, fire departments, economic development groups and more. The FRS awarded two local recipients: Jackson County Middle School received $4,900 to purchase iPads, Apple pens and a camera to improve the virtual learning experience and Baxter Fire Department received $5,000 to purchase a thermal imaging camera to aid in search and rescue efforts.
Amidst COVID-19, our communities continue to face a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
“The pandemic continues to create new needs and financial hardships within the communities we serve,” said Jonathan West, general manager/CEO of Twin Lakes.
To help our community through the pandemic, and in an effort to enable economic development in our communities, Twin Lake’s Board of Directors committed to fully funding the remaining 15 qualified grant applications, totaling more than $70,000.
“Our Seventh Cooperative Principle – Concern for Community – led to our decision and will remain a major focus as we navigate through these uncertain times together,” said West.
Twin Lakes would like to thank the Foundation for Rural Service for their time and efforts in assisting with the verification process of the remaining 15 applications. Twin Lakes looks forward to the significant impact these projects will have on our local communities now, and in the years to come.
List of Awardees:
Awarded $5,000 to purchase Chromebooks for remote and in-person learning
Awarded $5,000 to purchase Chromebooks and Chrome Educational License for remote and in-person learning
Awarded $5,000 to purchase an AWE Learning Station and an AWE Early Literacy Station computer to provide the community with educational resources
Awarded $5,000 to purchase books and equipment to promote children literacy and education
Awarded $5,000 to purchase computers to assist in a computer training program for the senior citizens
Awarded $5,000 to purchase GPS chart plotters, a tablet to track firefighters and internet access for 40 months
Awarded $5,000 to purchase COVID related safety equipment
Awarded $4,746 to purchase photography and audio/video equipment to document information and create content regarding economic and community development, workforce development, education and legislative advocacy
Awarded $4,766 to purchase Lenovo student computer devices and a charging cart for remote and in-person learning
Awarded $5,000 to purchase Pixellot automated cameras, a tripod, an Apple iPad and a GoPro Hero 8 camera to provide the community with live stream sports activities
Awarded $5,000 to assist with website changes and improvements
Awarded $5,000 to purchase a thermal imaging drone to aid in search and rescue operations
Awarded $4,697 to purchase an Epson Laser Projector to be placed in the high school gymnasium for virtual and live stream events
Awarded $2,650 to purchase N2Reading ICS test glasses and N2Reading treatment glasses to successfully test and treat children with reading and learning disabilities
Awarded $5,000 to purchase surveillance equipment for the newly upgraded city park project
Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative Corporation was incorporated under the laws of Tennessee on March 13, 1951. In the decades since, it has grown to offer broadband Internet, television, home phone and security/smart home services. Twin Lakes provides service to the following areas: Baxter, Byrdstown, Celina, Chestnut Mound, Clarkrange, Cookeville, Crawford, Gainesboro, Granville, Highland, Jamestown, Livingston, Moss, North Springs and Rickman.
