The Junior Service League of Grand Junction awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to 11 nonprofit organizations in Mesa County to support their work in family and children services, children’s arts and recreation opportunities.

Junior Service League members awarded the grants at a reception for the recipients.

“Awarding these grants is the culmination of the hard work of our members and the joy of seeing the impact of their efforts on the betterment of our community,” said Mary Roos, the community giving chair of Junior Service League. “Nothing is more special.”

The Junior Service League awarded grants to: Clifton Christian Church Food Bank, Colorado Canyons Association, Colorado Discover Ability, Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, Kids Aid, Mesa County School District 51 Career Center Health Occupations Students of America, Orchard Mesa Baptist Church Food Bank, Reverent Rhythms, Riverside Education Centers, Steppin’ It Up and the Wingate Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.

Cameron Cunningham, founder and director of Reverent Rhythms, said the organization will use the grant to provide additional scholarships to students involved in efforts to improve their well-being through performing arts.

“The benefits are like compound interest,” Cunningham said. “There are emotional, spiritual and physical benefits of performing arts, and we appreciate the Junior Service League for their support.”

Since its inception, the Junior Service League has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to local nonprofits. Tickets are on sale now for the group’s largest fund-raising effort, Viva El Vino. The event is scheduled for April 27 at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade.