East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced the distribution of $47,761 in grants through the 2024 Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program. The funds are allocated to four local organizations focused on promoting well-being and preventing substance use and other harmful behaviors among young people.

Sue Serino stated, “Every child deserves a promising future. In Dutchess County, we’re lucky to have numerous community partners who help guide them toward success. These grants will support crucial programs that encourage positive behaviors in our kids, keeping them away from risky activities that might derail their success. We’re proud to partner with these organizations, as we all work together to create a bright future for Dutchess County.”

The projects funded include:

- Red Hook Public Library: Awarded $5,000 to train ten librarians across Dutchess County in Youth Mental Health First Aid and develop action plans for youth mental health crisis intervention.

- Millbrook Library: Received $5,000 to expand its children's collection with books on mental health and substance use prevention. It will also support a six-month Kids Yoga Series aimed at teaching mindfulness and stress-relief techniques.

- Mental Health America of Dutchess County: Granted $19,000 for designing Ellen's Place outdoor classroom with activity stations to foster creativity and reduce aggression among children.

- James’s Warriors: Provided $18,761 for coping kits distributed during school-based presentations on mental health and suicide prevention.

The Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program invites proposals from nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and grassroots groups offering programs with evidence-based wellness activities targeting substance use prevention for individuals under 25 years old. Proposals should address one or more focus areas: prevention, public awareness activities, social media awareness, and safe use.

Grant applications are accepted online via Dutchess County’s grant portal on a rolling basis while funds last. Awards range from $5,000 to $19,000 per recipient. The program is funded by $200,000 from opioid settlement funds obtained through litigation against the pharmaceutical industry; so far, $95,060 has been awarded.

For further details on the grant program and application process, contact Sandi Pierson at spierson@dutchessny.gov.