Foundations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.
Featured Stories
Workers File Brief With Kentucky Supreme Court to Defend Right to Work Law From Union Boss Lawsuit
FRANKFORT, Kentucky, June 18 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued the following news release:
On behalf of three of Kentucky workers, National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys have submitted a brief in the ongoing union boss legal challenge to Kentucky's popular new Right to Work law.
Kentucky governor Matt Bevin signed the state's Right to Work provisions into law on January 7, 2017, making Kentucky the nation's 27th Right to Work state to protect workers from being forced to fund a labor union as a condition of employment. Under Right to Work,
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FRANKFORT, Kentucky, June 18 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation issued the following news release:
On behalf of three of Kentucky workers, National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys have submitted a brief in the ongoing union boss legal challenge to Kentucky's popular new Right to Work law.
Kentucky governor Matt Bevin signed the state's Right to Work provisions into law on January 7, 2017, making Kentucky the nation's 27th Right to Work state to protect workers from being forced to fund a labor union as a condition of employment. Under Right to Work,union membership and dues payment are strictly voluntary.
The Kentucky workers, with free legal aid from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorney William Messenger, won a motion to intervene in the case brought by union officials against the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Although the Commonwealth is also defending the law, the workers' rights are at stake in the case because without Right to Work they could be forced to pay union fees against their will.
A Circuit Court dismissed the union officials' challenge in January. The Kentucky Supreme Court decided to take the case earlier this year and is scheduled to hear arguments in the case on August 10.
The brief filed recently by pro-Right to Work Bluegrass State workers urges the court to uphold the lower court's dismissal of the case and end Big Labor's baseless challenge to the state's Right to Work protections for workers.
"Right to Work laws have long been upheld by appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Union bosses' arguments against Kentucky's Right to Work law were rejected in the past and should be rejected again by the Kentucky Supreme Court," said Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation.
"Not only has Kentucky's Right to Work law ensured that Bluegrass State workers have the right to choose whether or not to fund a labor union with their hard-earned money, but the state has benefited from record investment and job creation due to the law's passage," continued Mix. "It's shameful that Kentucky union bosses want to undo all that, just to restore their power to have a worker fired for refusing to pay them a portion of their paycheck."
NEFA Appoints New Theater Program Associate
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 18 -- The New England Foundation for the Arts issued the following news release:
The New England Foundation for the Arts announced that Derek Schwartz has been appointed to the role of program associate for the National Theater Project.
Prior to NEFA, Derek served in multiple roles in communications, production, and content creation. He will continue to volunteer with Brain Arts, directing their communications efforts. Earlier he served as a visitor member service associate at the St. Louis Art Museum, and held roles in production at a live music venue and producing
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 18 -- The New England Foundation for the Arts issued the following news release:
The New England Foundation for the Arts announced that Derek Schwartz has been appointed to the role of program associate for the National Theater Project.
Prior to NEFA, Derek served in multiple roles in communications, production, and content creation. He will continue to volunteer with Brain Arts, directing their communications efforts. Earlier he served as a visitor member service associate at the St. Louis Art Museum, and held roles in production at a live music venue and producinglive in-studio sessions at local radio stations in St. Louis, MO. He has worked with multiple news publications as a freelance music journalist and continues to work as a freelance designer and photographer.
"We are excited to have Derek on board; his communications and production experience, combined with his customer service commitment, are a crucial addition to the program," said program coordinator Meena Malik.
Born in Wayland, MA, Derek grew up in Concord, MA, and holds a B.A. in English from Washington University in St. Louis. He currently resides in Allston, MA.
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Receives Highest Rating From Charity Navigator for Exceptional Fiscal Management
NORWALK, Connecticut, June 18 -- The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation issued the following news release:
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charitable donations, for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. This is the fifteenth time the MMRF has earned this coveted recognition.
The coveted 4-star rating, the highest honor Charity Navigator bestows, indicates that "The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms
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NORWALK, Connecticut, June 18 -- The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation issued the following news release:
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charitable donations, for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. This is the fifteenth time the MMRF has earned this coveted recognition.
The coveted 4-star rating, the highest honor Charity Navigator bestows, indicates that "The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperformsmost charities." According to Charity Navigator, "this sets the MMRF apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness."
"Charity Navigator's 4-star rating underscores our tireless commitment to accountability, efficiency and measurable results" said Paul Giusti, CEO of the MMRF. "Our commitment to our patients and donors remains focused on maximizing every dollar we invest."
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Board Elections
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 18 -- The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation issued the following news release:
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) elected the following officers for its fiscal year 2019 at a board meeting in Baltimore on May 11, 2018: Hal Real (DE), Chair; Barbara Bershon (MD), Vice Chair; Margaret G. Vanderhye (VA), Secretary; and J. Mack Wathen (DE), Treasurer.
Hal Real is the Founder and President of Real Entertainment Group, creator and operator of the nationally-acclaimed World Cafe Live music, restaurant, and event venues located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since 2004 and Wilmington,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 18 -- The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation issued the following news release:
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) elected the following officers for its fiscal year 2019 at a board meeting in Baltimore on May 11, 2018: Hal Real (DE), Chair; Barbara Bershon (MD), Vice Chair; Margaret G. Vanderhye (VA), Secretary; and J. Mack Wathen (DE), Treasurer.
Hal Real is the Founder and President of Real Entertainment Group, creator and operator of the nationally-acclaimed World Cafe Live music, restaurant, and event venues located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since 2004 and Wilmington,Delaware (2011-2017). In 2008 he helped a team of artists and educators launch LiveConnections, a nonprofit organization that inspires learning and builds community through collaborative music-making. Currently he is President of LiveConnections and Chair of the Honorary Board of People's Light (Malvern, PA). Hal also serves on the board of the Freire (Charter Schools) Foundation, Philadelphia's Fringe Arts, and the Philadelphia Mayor's Cultural Advisory Board. In the past, he served as board Chair of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Chair of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, and on the boards of the Light Up the Queen Foundation, the Wilmington Leaders Alliance, the President's Advisory Council of the Delaware College of Art and Design and the Chairman's Council of the Philadelphia Zoo.
Barbara Bershon was appointed to the Maryland State Arts Council in 2008 and served as Chair from 2012 to 2014. Bershon is the Emeritus Executive Director of the Chesapeake Orchestra in Southern Maryland. She is also a past president of the St. Mary's County Arts Council. For many years Bershon was Director of Arts Outreach at St. Mary's College of Maryland where she was the Managing Director of the River Concert Series at the College. Bershon earned her Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of Maryland and has been an Adjunct Professor in Psychology at St. Mary's College of Maryland and American University in Washington, DC. Her publications include: Tales of teenage survival: Former teens recount their adolescence and lived to tell about it, Lincoln, Nebraska: iUniverse (2007) and "Cooperative problem solving: A link to inner speech," In N. Miller & R. Lazarowitz (Eds.) Interaction in cooperative groups: The theoretical anatomy of group learning, New York: Cambridge University Press (1992).
Margaret G. Vanderhye is the Executive Director of the Virginia Commission on the Arts. She is a former member of the House of Delegates of the Virginia General Assembly representing the 34th District. She was appointed by Governor Douglas Wilder to the Virginia Commission on Population Growth and Development and to a four-year term (1992-1996) on the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board. President Bill Clinton appointed her to the National Capital Planning Commission where she chaired the Commission's Joint Memorials Task Force. Governor Mark Warner appointed her to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority in 2002, and she was reappointed to the Authority by Governor Tim Kaine. She is former Vice Chair of the Board of McLean Project for the Arts (MPA), and twice served as Co-Chair of the MPA ArtFest. She is a Sustaining Director of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and a member of the Advisory Board for Our Military Kids.
J. Mack Wathen recently retired as Vice President, Support Services at Pepco Holdings, Inc. (Potomac Electric Power Company, Delmarva Power, and Atlantic City Electric Company), where he served in executive leadership roles for 18 years. He is currently the Chairman of the Delaware State Arts Council. Mr. Wathen has served in a volunteer capacity with other organizations in the arts community and beyond including the Arts Consortium of Delaware, the Delaware College of Art and Design, the Center for the Creative Arts (past Board Member), and the Food Bank of Delaware (current Board Member).
In addition to the election of officers, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation elected seven current members for additional terms: Barbara Bershon (MD), Susan Butler (DC), Susie Farr (MD), E. Scott Johnson (MD), Kay Kendall (DC), Hal Real (DE), and J. Mack Wathen.
Susan Butler is former Chair of the Board of The Studio Theatre and currently serves on the Board as Chair of the Development Committee. She is on the Board of the Phillips Collection where she serves on the Art Committee and Education Committee. For 15 years, she was Director of the Best Products Foundation, a corporate foundation. She is a former board member of the Sexual Minority Youth Action League. She was co-chair of the giving Circle at the Washington Area Women's Foundation and a past President of the Washington Project of the Arts. She formerly served on the Board of Overseers of the Corcoran Museum and the Board of Trustees of Washington and Lee University.
Susie Farr was the Executive Director of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, College Park from 1999 until 2013 where she was responsible for the stewardship of the Center as a place for learning, exploration, and growth through the performing arts. Farr was the Executive Director of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters from 1986 until 1999. Prior to her tenure at Arts Presenters, she served for six years as Director of Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley. She also held arts management positions at Stanford University. Farr has served on numerous review panels for private foundations, state arts agencies, and the National Endowment for the Arts as well as serving as a member of the Maryland State Arts Council.
E. Scott Johnson is co-chair of the Copyright, Media and Entertainment Group at Baker Donelson, a national law firm. His practice includes copyright, trademark, licensing, entertainment, and media law matters. Since 2003, Scott has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law; he was named Best Lawyers' Baltimore "2013 Music Lawyer of the Year"; and Baltimore "2015 Copyright Lawyer of the Year." He is a past Chair of the Maryland State Arts Council and recipient of the 2011 Arts Advocate of the Year Award from Maryland Citizens for the Arts. Johnson has served on the boards of CityLit Project (past Chair), Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (past President), and Creative Alliance. He currently serves on the board of Young Audiences of Maryland (past President), Maryland Film Industry Coalition (immediate past Chair), and Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (Secretary). He is a member of the Copyright Society of the U.S.A. and The Recording Academy.
Kay Kendall is the Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. She has more than four decades of experience in arts, education, and community outreach activities. She was a 25-year board member of the Washington Ballet, including eight years as its chair, and is currently on the boards of CityDance and THEARC. As the founder of Kendall+Associates in 2008, she is a consultant on fundraising and non-profit board governance, helping community groups build leadership and organizational structure. Since coming to Washington in 1977, Kendall has also been involved with the Maret School, the Kingsbury Center, Ashoka International, and Children's Hospital.
Executive Director Theresa Colvin commented that "We are fortunate to have such strong and insightful leadership as we enter a new strategic planning period and prepare to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. There is much more work to be done, and I am confident that our Board will create the necessary infrastructure and environment to ensure our growth moving forward."
JDRF and Gubra Join Forces to Develop a New Glucose Responsive Insulin for Diabetes
NEW YORK, June 18 -- JDRF, a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research, issued the following news release:
JDRF and Gubra today announced a partnership to develop a glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) as a treatment for people with insulin-requiring diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Gubra approach is based on a novel, and unique concept that differs fundamentally from other glucose sensing insulin approaches and the JDRF funding commitment will help accelerate the program to its next development stage.
A GRI is a form of insulin designed to work when
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NEW YORK, June 18 -- JDRF, a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research, issued the following news release:
JDRF and Gubra today announced a partnership to develop a glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) as a treatment for people with insulin-requiring diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Gubra approach is based on a novel, and unique concept that differs fundamentally from other glucose sensing insulin approaches and the JDRF funding commitment will help accelerate the program to its next development stage.
A GRI is a form of insulin designed to work whenblood glucose levels rise above healthy levels and to be inactive when blood glucose levels are in or below the standard value. Therefore, GRI can respond to meal-induced excursions in blood glucose more rapidly and naturally than conventional fast-acting insulins, ultimately leading to improved glucose control and longer-term outcomes. GRI will not lead to insulin-mediated hypoglycaemia, which is one of the most feared and severe side effects of insulin treatment experienced by people with T1D.
Gubra's unique approach to GRI combines properties of a mealtime bolus insulin with those of a long-acting basal insulin into a one-molecule solution providing not only improved overall blood glucose control, but also a safer and simpler drug for people with T1D. The Gubra GRI is a circulating locked insulin depot that can be activated rapidly by changes in glucose concentration, differing markedly from other GRI approaches currently being pursued. The initial one-year partnership project aims to further mature Gubra's proven concept towards clinical and pharmaceutical development.
JDRF Scientist Dr. Jonathan Rosen says, "JDRF is excited to partner with Gubra on developing a novel glucose responsive insulin, which has the potential to disrupt insulin based treatments and reduce late stage T1D complications."
Keld Fosgerau, Gubra CSO, says, "Based on an unprecedented and highly innovative chemical approach we are developing a safe and yet very efficacious single solution insulin product, that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of T1D. We are extremely pleased to collaborate with JDRF and to thereby get the recognition of a promising project from a highly respected patient organization, and with the substantial funding we will be able to accelerate our development efforts."
About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF
About Gubra
Founded in 2008, Gubra is a privately-held biotech company with two primary areas of business: Pre-clinical contract research services (CRO) and proprietary early target and drug discovery programs. Gubra's main focus is the metabolic space (diabetes, obesity, NASH and gastrointestinal diseases), where Gubra specializes in in vivo pharmacology, peptide chemistry, molecular pharmacology, histology, imaging, stereology, NGS (next generation sequencing), bioinformatics and ex vivo assays. Gubra is an abbreviation of GUt and BRAin, the original key focus areas of research and expertise. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.gubra.dk.
Foundation Fighting Blindness VISIONS 2018 is the Leading Global Conference Showcasing Advances in Retinal Research
COLUMBIA, Maryland, June 18 -- The Foundation Fighting Blindness issued the following news release:
The Foundation Fighting Blindness VISIONS 2018 conference, June 21 - 23, 2018 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, will bring together the world's leading vision scientists, assistive technologies experts, and the visually impaired community. The full conference program can be found at: http://www.blindness.org/visions/.
More than 450 people from around the world will attend VISIONS 2018, making it one of the largest global meetings dedicated solely to individuals and families who are affected
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, June 18 -- The Foundation Fighting Blindness issued the following news release:
The Foundation Fighting Blindness VISIONS 2018 conference, June 21 - 23, 2018 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, will bring together the world's leading vision scientists, assistive technologies experts, and the visually impaired community. The full conference program can be found at: http://www.blindness.org/visions/.
More than 450 people from around the world will attend VISIONS 2018, making it one of the largest global meetings dedicated solely to individuals and families who are affectedby retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and Stargardt disease.
The conference will host more than 30 distinguished panelists and speakers. Several keynote speakers include: Daniel Chung, DO, Spark Therapeutics; Halden Conner, CEO and president of Nacuity Pharmaceuticals; Jim Platzer, motivational speaker and former Fortune 500 company executive; Emmett Cunningham Jr., MD, PhD, MPH, managing director of Clarus; Ben Yerxa, PhD, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness; and Stephen Rose, PhD, chief scientific officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
"Our VISIONS conference is the perfect opportunity to discuss the tremendous progress being made by FFB-funded scientists and clinical researchers as we search for treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases," said Stephen Rose, PhD, the Foundation's chief scientific officer. "The momentum from the recent FDA-approval of LUXTURNA(TM), the first ever FDA-approved gene therapy for the eye or any inherited disease, is boosting commercial development of additional treatments for other inherited retinal diseases."
Science-focused programming will cover issues of importance to all patients with retinal diseases, including genetic testing and patient registries, and how to know if a clinical trial is right for you. Other programming will include disease specific clinical updates and sessions on adapting and thriving, presentations on adapted running, cooking with low or no vision, ensuring academic success for students with low or no vision, self-care, and how to support a loved one with an inherited retinal disease.
"In addition to being the world leader in retinal research funding, the Foundation provides information, assistance and a sense of community to the 10 million Americans and millions more worldwide dealing with blinding retinal diseases," said Ben Yerxa, PhD, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "Nowhere else is there access to the latest retinal research and clinical trials, doctors performing the work, and other families from around the world living with the same diseases."
VISIONS 2018 corporate partners include Platinum partner Aira, Gold partners Shire and Spark Therapeutics, Silver partner MeiraGTx, and Bronze partners AGTC, Second Sight and Vitrisa Therapeutics.
Several of the VISIONS program sessions will be live streamed on the Foundation's Facebook Page, and Eye on the Cure Blog. The full schedule of live sessions will include:
Friday, June 22, 2018
* 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Opening Session: Mission Possible! The Year's Top Advances and What's Next in Retinal Disease Science
* 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Keynote Luncheon: Think Outside our Perceived Limitations, Featuring Keynote Speaker Jim Platzer
* 3:10 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. - Science Plenary Session 1: What You Need to Know About Genetics, Genetic Testing, and Patient Registries
* 4:20 p.m. - 5:25 p.m. - Science Plenary Session 2: Clinical Trials Update and Is a Clinical Trial Right for You?
Saturday, June 23, 2018
* 9:00 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. - Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Research and Clinical Updates
* 10:30 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. - Stress Management and Self-Care for People with Degenerative Diseases
* 1:00 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. - Adapting and Thriving: Find Your Product - Tips and Tools for Peak Personal Performance
* 3:05 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Closing Session: Featuring Biotech Executive and Managing Director of Clarus, Emmett Cunningham, and Chapter Awards
Adirondack Foundation Grants Help Kids, Seniors, Communities
LAKE PLACID, New York, June 18 -- The Adirondack Foundation issued the following news release:
Adirondack Foundation recently awarded $137,866 in grants to more than three-dozen nonprofit organizations. The funding comes primarily from the Foundation's Generous Acts Fund, which accepts applications once per year for grants from a pool of donations from generous people who care about local communities.
"Nonprofits are the heart and soul of Adirondack communities, providing vital programs and services that enhance our quality of life. This round of grants reaches far and wide--from Malone to Old
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LAKE PLACID, New York, June 18 -- The Adirondack Foundation issued the following news release:
Adirondack Foundation recently awarded $137,866 in grants to more than three-dozen nonprofit organizations. The funding comes primarily from the Foundation's Generous Acts Fund, which accepts applications once per year for grants from a pool of donations from generous people who care about local communities.
"Nonprofits are the heart and soul of Adirondack communities, providing vital programs and services that enhance our quality of life. This round of grants reaches far and wide--from Malone to OldForge to Essex to Plattsburgh, and lots of places in between. We applaud the heroic work being done by these nonprofit grant recipients," said Cali Brooks, President and CEO, Adirondack Foundation.
Grant awards ranged from $1,000 - $10,000, and the projects are helping kids, families, seniors, and other community members, as highlighted below.
Promoting healthy food and nutrition
* Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc., serving Elizabethtown, Lewis, and Keeseville; Adirondack Community Outreach Center, serving Johnsburg and Minerva; Citizen Advocates, serving Franklin County and Akwesasne St. Regis Mohawk schools; Clifton Fine Central School and Ticonderoga Central School all received funding to help alleviate child hunger by providing food backpacks for kids.
* Silver Bay YMCA is helping provide a meal one night per week for teens, as well as teaching them how to cook.
* ADKAction's "Farmacy" project, in Keeseville, is making sure everyone has access to affordable, locally-produced food, along with recipes and cooking tips.
* Lakeside School at Black Kettle Farm, in Essex, is providing year-round nutritious meals to babies and toddlers enrolled in its Sprouts Daycare Program.
"By providing healthy and filling meals for our youngest students we provide the energy they need to gain the most from outdoor exploration in our program as they grow and learn," said Maeve Taylor, Administrator of Lakeside School.
Helping kids learn, develop and stay safe
* The Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club of the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation and the Family YMCA of the Glens Falls Region are both offering programs to help kids stay academically engaged over the summer.
* Mountain Lake PBS is expanding its early literacy program by working with local libraries to offer PBS Play Date to reach more parents and children across rural areas.
* BluSeed Studio and Play ADK, based in Saranac Lake, are both offering unique programs to foster imagination, curiosity, and creativity in children through arts and play.
* Whallonsburg Grange Hall is offering an indoor pop-up playground for kids in the winter.
* St. Agnes School, in Lake Placid, is adding multilingual curriculum for preschoolers.
* Timber Tots Early Childhood Development Center, in Tupper Lake, is working with Adirondack Health to establish a new daycare center that will provide quality care and also bring kids and seniors together.
* Champlain Children's Learning Center, in Rouses Point, is creating a new classroom for preschoolers.
* Essex County Department of Health Women, Infants and Children is transforming its waiting room facility, which sees up to 25 families per day, into an engaging space for babies and toddlers.
* Alice Hyde Medical Center, in Malone, is upgrading its maternity care facilities.
* The Tupper Lake Bike Rodeo this month helped kids learn about biking and bike safety, offering each kid a free helmet and free bike repair for those who needed it.
"The grant from Adirondack Foundation brought this event to a whole new level. It doubled the amount of participants and the activities we offered, which focused on skills, safety and fun. Roughly 600 people showed up and we handed out 250 helmets to local kids," said Officer Mike Vaillancourt, Tupper Lake Police Department.
Addressing impacts of addiction
* St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers is showing the documentary Reversing the Stigma of Addiction to help remove shame and misunderstanding as barriers to treatment for opioid and other types of addiction.
* The United Way of the Adirondack Region is helping to address an urgent need for additional foster care in Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties, stemming from the rippling effects heroin and opioid addiction have on families.
"Without available foster care in our area, kids are placed in homes further away, causing them to be separated from the communities and schools they are most familiar with and making it harder to maintain contact with parents who are in recovery. This is a true crisis for our region and we are working with lots of partners to address it," said John C. Bernardi, CEO, United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.
Helping seniors and neighbors
* Catholic Charities' Hamilton County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Adirondack Adult Center, in Tupper Lake, Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, which serves the Tri-Lakes region; the Community Health Center of the North Country, in Franklin County; and Town of Webb are all providing services for seniors. Combined, these programs are helping to alleviate loneliness, assist with transportation, provide social and recreational activities, and other services.
* Behavioral Health Services North is providing needed respite for caregivers to ensure they are taking care of themselves while also caring for loved ones.
* Indian Lake Theatre is offering Sunday matinees to show first-run movies to bring people together and overcome isolation during winter.
* The Westport Federated Church is helping to cover transportation costs for people who need medical assistance.
"Our RSVP program in Hamilton County recruits volunteers who are 55 years and older to help homebound seniors with meals, rides, errands, chores and camaraderie. These connections are especially important in this area where people are spread out and it is easy to become isolated," said Vivian Smith, Program Director.
