3 local organizations in Monroe received health grants. Here's how they plan to use them.

The Monroe News
·2 min read

Three Monroe County organizations recently received Monroe Health Plan Endowment Fund grants from the Community Foundation of Monroe County.

The grants aim to improve the health of the county, the Community Foundation said.

• Girls on the Run was awarded $25,000 to open four new “Star Power” program sites in Monroe County's highest-need school communities this school year. Each site will recruit new coaches and aims to serve at least 80 additional Monroe County girls.

“This initiative works to help girls build lasting improvements in competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, physical activity and life skills,” the Community Foundation said.

Kathleen Russeau, executive director of Community Foundation of Monroe County (left), is shown with Christi Rogers, director of Child Advocacy Network (CAN Council) of Monroe County. CAN Council was one of three organizations to receive Monroe Health Plan Endowment Fund grants recently.
Kathleen Russeau, executive director of Community Foundation of Monroe County (left), is shown with Christi Rogers, director of Child Advocacy Network (CAN Council) of Monroe County. CAN Council was one of three organizations to receive Monroe Health Plan Endowment Fund grants recently.

• The Child Advocacy Network (CAN) Council of Monroe County was awarded $20,000 for its "Securing the Future" project, a community-driven initiative addressing child passenger safety.

“The project provides various types of car seats and boosters, aiming to protect up to 150 Monroe County children across different developmental stages,” the Community Foundation said. “Additionally, caregiver education through workshops, webinar, and personalized consultations will equip parents with the skills needed to install and use car seats effectively, reducing the likelihood of misuse.”

• The Monroe Center for Healthy Aging was awarded $9,575 to expand its "A Matter of Balance" program to various locations throughout Monroe County.

“This evidence-based program addresses the fear of falling and supports individuals in reducing falls through education and exercise,” the Community Foundation said.

Grant funds also will support the center’s "Knowing Your Four Numbers" initiative, which gives participants critical health indicators, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and height and weight.

"The Health Endowment Fund was created to support local projects focusing on critical health issues and to support interventions that demonstrate innovation and a community-centric approach," the Community Foundation said. "The ultimate goal is to aid organizations with bold ideas that effectively tackle these challenges, contributing to a healthier community. The grants recipients are dedicated to supporting health-focused projects addressing critical issues in Monroe County. These initiatives, carefully chosen for their innovative and community-driven approach, resonate with the foundation's vision of fostering a stronger, healthier Monroe County for all residents.”

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"We firmly believe in the power of forward-thinking initiatives powered by community collaboration to significantly impact health outcomes in our county. These grants affirm our dedication to cultivating a healthier Monroe County for the benefit of all residents,” Kathleen Russeau, executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County, said.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Monroe County and its initiatives, visit cfmonroe.org.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 3 local organization receive health grants