Greater Rochester Health Foundation

Attention nonprofit organizations in or serving Orleans County! You're invited to join Greater Rochester Health Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, ESL Federal Credit Union, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for an afternoon of networking with funders and peers.

The Orleans County Regional Funders Tour takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 13 at Hoag Library, 134 S. Main St. in Albion.

Listen in as a panel of funders share priorities and grant information. Moderated by Chief Program Officer Ryan Lasal, MSL of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, the event will help you connect with others who share your mission and build relationships that lead to greater impact.

Register for the free event: https://forms.office.com/r/Bpgd2qwFR0

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We’re excited to participate in @unitedwayrocflx Day of Caring at @villaofhoperoch! Villa of Hope is a Rochester, NY-based non-profit that helps youth, adults, and families struggling with mental health, addiction, and trauma. Operating out of their main campus at 3300 Dewey Avenue in Greece, they offer a continuum of behavioral healthcare, including residential and outpatient treatment, an alternative day school, and workforce development.Established in 1942 as St. Joseph’s Villa by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the organization has a rich history of serving vulnerable children in the community.

Please join us in congratulating former Greater Rochester Health Foundation Board Chair and longtime board member Connie O. Walker for being recognized with the Adolf J. Rodenbeck Award from the Monroe County Bar Association for her outstanding professionalism and community service!

A respected legal leader and dedicated volunteer, Walker played a critical role in shaping the Health Foundations work, including serving two terms as Board Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic and leading the executive search for the Foundation’s current President & CEO Matt Kuhlenbeck. Walker's leadership and longstanding commitment continue to leave a lasting impact across the legal, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors in our region.

⭐GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT⭐

Elevating Youth Voice Through Lived Experience

WNY Independent Living Inc. (WNYIL)'s Youth Living Project (ILYP) is expanding access to family-centered services for youth with disabilities and their caregivers across Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. At the Independent Living Center of the Genesee Region, this work includes hiring youth leaders who bring both professional skills and lived experience to the role.

Emma Pratt, an Independent Youth Specialist supported by a Responsive Grant from the Health Foundation, is one of those leaders. Drawing from her own experiences navigating the mental health system, Emma works directly with young people and families while also advocating for broader change.

Emma’s voice has recently been featured in two news stories. In a BTPM PBS Buffalo Toronto Public Media interview, she reflects on the challenges rural youth face in accessing mental health care and calls for more community-based support. Access the article here: https://tinyurl.com/5d63f75f.

Emma is also highlighted in a Times Union article, which further explores her early experiences and continued advocacy; https://tinyurl.com/5d63f75f.

Together, these stories underscore the importance of investing in youth leadership and ensuring that those most impacted by system gaps are helping to shape solutions.

Sharing a new resource from Foodlink that helps make food resources easier and more convenient to find!

Exciting news from Foodlink! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Vivery-powered Find Food Map: https://foodlinkny.org/find-food. This user-friendly map is here to make finding food resources easier and more convenient than ever before for our neighbors. With just a few clicks, you can discover nearby food pantries and other essential services, all customized to suit your unique needs. Happy exploring!

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Residents and community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming town hall focused on SNAP ABAWD rule changes, including updated requirements and available exemptions. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more & ask questions. For more information on SNAP changes visit: savemysnap.org