Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Two Local Health Centers Expanding with Community Foundation Grants

Twelve additional grants awarded to Onondaga & Madison County nonprofits

October 1, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) - The Central New York Community Foundation recently awarded more than $400,000 in grants to charitable organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties, including two grants focused on expanding access to quality health care services.

Residents of the Near Westside neighborhood will have increased access to primary and mental health care with the construction of the new Westside Family Health Center. This capital project, spearheaded by St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Foundation, received a $150,000 boost from the Community Foundation. Its current 4,000 square foot facility will be relocated to a new 18,000 square foot location on Gifford Street. The larger footprint will provide enough room to house primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, mental health, radiology, and phlebotomy services in one facility. Located in a neighborhood that holds one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, the Center expects to serve members of the low-income, minority, immigrant and refugee populations of Syracuse.

In addition to providing standard health care services, the Center will be partnering with Nojaim’s Food Market, the Syracuse University Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Huntington Family Centers and the Onondaga County Health Department to develop a wellness outreach program that addresses health risks such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity by educating on healthy shopping and eating habits.

In Madison County, the Madison County Community Action Partnership (CAP) will utilize a $50,000 grant toward the relocation and expansion of the Mary Rose Center. This free clinic in Oneida sees patients who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise unable to access primary care.

High demand at its current 700 square foot space has contributed to long wait times to see physicians.  The Center’s new 3,000 square foot space,  located within the Gorman Community Center at the Northside Shopping Plaza, will add space for private client intake, a more comfortable waiting area, and three additional exam rooms to decrease wait times. Neighboring nonprofit tenants in the same building will allow clients the opportunity to access multiple services at one location. Case workers from CAP will also be on site to provide  wrap-around services and  referrals.

“These two grants will help expand access to health care for residents of Onondaga and Madison counties in new ways,” said Peter Dunn, Community Foundation President and CEO. “Both health centers are implementing unique partnerships with neighborhood community organizations and businesses that will contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of their patients. At a time of rapid change in health care delivery, this innovative thinking makes these organizations models for providing well-rounded care to underserved populations.”

The Community Foundation also awarded grants to programs in the fields of arts & culture, education, environment, human services and civic affairs:

Baltimore Woods Nature Center received $13,216 to purchase a tractor utility package that will be used to maintain the Marcellus-based 182-acre nature preserve and its six miles of hiking trails.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse received $40,000 to support its Enhanced Teen Programming, which is designed to contribute to student and life success while reducing crime and delinquency.

Center for Court Innovation received $25,000 to expand its Patient Navigator program, which connects court-involved women and their children with health care providers and community resources to lower the risk of poor maternal and childhood health.

Clear Path for Veterans received $6,595 to purchase a cloud-based database system and office equipment.

CNY Family Bicycle Giveaway received $1,500 to replace tools and equipment used by volunteers to repair bicycles.

CORA Foundation/ArtRage Gallery received $6,885 to host a series of engagement workshops in conjunction with its 2013-2014 exhibits.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse received $13,550 to assess the retention of aging Baby Boomers in Central New York for the benefit of community and economic development planning.

HealtheConnections received $7,000 to develop a business plan for its health planning services.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse received $25,059 to implement a social media public relations and fundraising campaign to increase community awareness of its role in local adult education, and contribute to its long-term sustainability

McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site received $40,700 to implement Darkness to Light, a community awareness program that works to help prevent child sexual abuse.

Oneida Healthcare Foundation received $11,300 to expand Fit Kids of Madison County, a health education, nutrition and fitness training program for overweight and obese children and their families.

Syracuse Children’s Chorus received $14,692 to start a Young Men’s Ensemble.

These grants were funded by the Community Foundation’s unrestricted and field-of-interest funds.

About the Central New York Community Foundation
Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $143 million. It awarded $8.3 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested more than $120 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of more than 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

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