Organizations will use grants to address emerging social and emotional needs of area residents

MONTGOMERY, NY (November 20, 2020) – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) has announced that the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and Sullivan 180 are the recipients of two $5,000 grants from its Make a Difference Fund.

Annually, the Foundation’s distribution committee, comprised of Board Members and community volunteers reviews a high volume of applications to determine which organizations will receive grants in Orange and Sullivan counties. This year, the fund pivoted its focus area to support organizations providing services to address emerging social and emotional needs of residents in Orange and Sullivan counties to include, but not exclusively in the areas of mental health and opioid/substance use disorders.

The Foundation’s grant will support the United Way’s School Engagement Initiative, which targets hard-to-reach families through partnerships with schools and colleges throughout Orange County. The initiative provides families with basic need items, crisis support, and referrals, as well as resources for schools.

“United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is thrilled to receive support from the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s Make A Difference Fund,” said Emily Sassano, Donor Development Manager, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. “This year, more than ever, we want to ensure that we are helping the most vulnerable children and families in our community.”

Sullivan 180 will use its grant to support creation of Sullivan Text for Teens, a mental health focused youth texting program. The program’s purpose is to help young people stay safe and healthy by providing them with a familiar and responsive form of communication and access to local specially trained staff. ?

“Sullivan 180 and its partners are grateful for receiving this grant from the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan to support Sullivan Text for Teens,” said Sullivan 180 Grant Writer Jenny Sanchez. “The texting helpline will use local resources to provide teens in our most vulnerable communities with confidential support and assistance via text messaging.”

“The pandemic has had a dramatic negative effect on mental health and drug abuse, so it is fitting that we as an organization commit resources to supporting the organizations addressing these critical issues,” said CFOS President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley. “We are proud to fund these innovative initiatives in Orange and Sullivan counties.”

Contributions to The Make A Difference Fund may be made to CFOS-Make A Difference Fund and sent to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. Secure online donations can be made at www.cfosny.org. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax deductible under current tax laws. For more information, call the Community Foundation at 845-769-9393.

About the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS):
Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region.Since its inception, CFOS, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded more than $15 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan currently administers 322 active charitable funds that represent more than $34 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation and youth. To learn more, visit cfosny.org.