Awards focused on mental health initiatives
Nearly $50,000 was granted to community organizations and area schools during a recent awards reception.
Annually, Mary Rutan Foundation sets aside dollars to assist organizations striving to meet the health and wellness needs of the community. Officials related that an emphasis on mental health is at the top of areas of risk and need, based not only on findings of the 2020 Community Needs Assessment, but is expressed as a growing concern by schools, workplaces, medical providers and nearly every social service agency in Logan County.
In the 2021 grant cycle, 16 organizations applied for funding totaling just over $120,000.
To determine who received the awards, a grant committee took on the task of evaluating each program, project or service to determine which ones best meet the criteria of the grant program, which is to address concerns for mental health in the community.
“This has been the most challenging year to determine which organizations should be awarded funding. The need for mental health support is staggering and continues to grow,” said Tammy Allison, Foundation COO.
This year, grants were awarded to the following initiatives:
• Bellefontaine Elementary School, $8,550 – Learning Self-regulation Using Sensory Tools.
• Benjamin Logan High School, $5,000 – Time4You.
• Discovery Rider, Inc., $5,000 – Equine Assisted Services for Logan County residents.
• GRACE – Greater Riverside Area Community Encouragement, $5,000 – Pirate Power Pack Program.
• LoCo Art, $5,000 – Stress Less!
• Logan County Faith Coalition, $4,250 – Heritage Court Play Space and Programming.
• Logan County Sheriff’s Office, $1,104 – Jail Rehabilitation Curriculum.
• Mac-A-Cheek Learning Center, $10,000 – Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Activities.
• West Liberty-Salem Local Schools, $600 – Ruling Our Experiences Group (ROX).
“The Foundation is proud to invest in these new or expanded programs and services targeted to address mental health concerns for children and adults in Logan County,” Mrs. Allison said. “We believe that we can be most impactful in our efforts when our community comes together to work towards a common goal.”
Mary Rutan Foundation began its community grant program in 2014. Since that time, nearly $330,000 has been awarded to local organizations committed to doing their part to make Logan County a healthier community.
For further information regarding Mary Rutan Foundation wellness initiatives in Logan County or to contribute to the Foundation, call (937) 599-7003 or e-mail tammy.allison.