East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced that grants totaling $47,299 have been awarded through the first round of the County’s 2024 Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program. These grants will support three local organizations that aim to build strong well-being and deter young people from developing substance use issues and other destructive behaviors.

County Executive Sue Serino stated, “Every child in Dutchess County deserves to have a bright future, and we’re fortunate to have many community partners who help guide them toward success. These grants will fund important programs that will foster productive behaviors in our children, steering them away from dangerous activities. We’re proud to collaborate with these organizations, as we all work together to build a strong future for Dutchess County.”

Projects funded through the 2024 Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program include:

- Brain and Body Coalition in Poughkeepsie received $19,000 to create and distribute 500 coping skill toolkits and host a minimum of four workshops throughout Dutchess County. These initiatives promote healthy coping mechanisms and essential resources to reduce mental health disparities and stigma.

- Northeast Community Center in Millerton was awarded $9,299 to create research-based educational materials providing guidance for clients on how to safely navigate the online world with their children.

- Positive About Possibilities in the City of Poughkeepsie received $19,000 for purchasing comprehensive training resources for the Recovery Coach Academy and Ethical Considerations program. They will also create educational materials and produce a video to increase awareness about fentanyl risks.

The Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and grassroots organizations offering specific programs benefiting youth with evidence-based wellness activities that help reduce the risk of substance use among children and young adults under age 25.

The program focuses on several key areas: prevention, public awareness activities, social media awareness, and safe use. Grant proposals should reflect one or more of these focus areas. Creative ideas with demonstrated success are encouraged.

Grant applications can be submitted online via Dutchess County’s grant portal on a rolling basis while funds are available. Awards can range from $5,000 to $19,000 per recipient. The program is funded with $200,000 from opioid settlement funds obtained through litigation against the pharmaceutical industry.

Youth Wellness Support Microgrant Program instructions are available online; applicants must comply with Dutchess County’s Procurement Policies and Procedures. For more information on the grant program and application process, contact Sandi Pierson at spierson@dutchessny.gov.