The Donald Guthrie Foundation Community Benefits Committee has distributed $52,500 in grants to six nonprofit organizations operating in the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania. The grants are aimed at supporting local programs that address key health concerns such as obesity prevention and improved access to mental health services.
The foundation stated that these grants are part of its ongoing effort to work with organizations providing direct care in underserved communities. The funded projects were chosen based on needs identified through a Community Needs Assessment.
Several recipients focus on food security and wellness initiatives. The Broome County Council of Churches received $10,000 for its “Making Abundant Nutrition Neighborhood Accessible” (MANNA) program, which will supply protein ingredients for 4,500 prepared meals for food-insecure residents in Broome County, New York. Horseheads Family Resource Center was awarded $10,000 to start “Healthy Families, Healthy Futures,” a year-round initiative in Chemung County that addresses childhood obesity with fitness sessions, nutrition workshops, and resource navigation.
CHOP Out Hunger will use its $7,500 grant to support mobile “Pop Up Pantries,” delivering groceries and lean proteins directly to families and students facing food insecurity in Bradford, Tioga, and Sullivan counties in Pennsylvania. The Sisters of Hope received $10,000 to help establish a Faith Community Nurse-run health office in Elmira, New York. This facility will offer wellness screenings and essential toiletries for low-income residents.
Additional funding supports mental health services. The Children’s House Child Advocacy Center was granted $10,000 for facility improvements including a new therapy room and outdoor therapeutic space for child abuse victims in Bradford and Sullivan counties. Endless Mountain Mission Center received $5,000 to enhance case management services and provide safe housing for homeless individuals in Bradford County while helping them access mental health treatment.
“The funding supports vital local programs addressing critical community health needs, including efforts focused on obesity prevention and increased access to mental health services.”
“The grants reflect the foundation’s commitment to partnering with organizations providing frontline care in underserved areas, supporting projects identified in the Community Needs Assessment.”
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