Organizations addressing the social and emotional needs of veterans receive funding

MONTGOMERY, NY (December 13, 2023) – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) has announced the recipients of its 2023 Make a Difference grants. The Make a Difference Fund was established by the leadership of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan in 2003 to meet emerging needs in the areas in which it serves.

This year, grants totaling $10,000 are being distributed to two nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services addressing the emerging social and emotional needs of veterans in Orange and Sullivan counties.

“Veterans who sacrificed to serve our country should have the support they need to live healthy, happy lives,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOS President and CEO. “Our distribution committee chose to focus this year’s grants on nonprofits addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.”

The grant recipients are Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship and STEAM (Siegel Trust Enriching Arts & Music) Fund. Each will receive $5,000 for their programs supporting local veterans.

Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship’s grant is designated for veterans’ equine retreats. The focus of the program is on the veteran building a healthy relationship with their equine partner. In doing so, the veteran can learn essential skills for building healthy relationships and strategies for overcoming mental health challenges. Along their journey of education and recovery, their equine partner offers them non-judgmental feedback on how successful they are at accomplishing their goal of mastering necessary coping skills and improving their mental health. 

STEAM (Siegel Trust Enriching Arts & Music) Fund’s grant is designated for “ALIVE AGAIN” presented by Theresa Sareo. “ALIVE AGAIN” is a 60–75-minute presentation by singer-songwriter and trauma survivor, Theresa Sareo, for veterans in the Hudson Valley.  By sharing her personal story with veterans through her music, Theresa Sareo aims to teach, heal, and inspire awareness regarding the physical and psychological effects of trauma, and how to navigate through personal life challenges. Participants are provided with tools to develop the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for success.