Dutchess County releases latest round of funding in youth wellness grant program

POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced the newest grants from the County’s 2024 Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program, totaling over $45,000.

These grants support important programs that reinforce positive behaviors in children and keep them from harmful activities. The money will be going to four local organizations that already build up young members of the community will avert them from developing substance abuse or other destructive habits.

The four projects being funded through the 2024 Youth Wellness program include $5,000 for the Red Hook Public Library, $5,000 for the Millbrook Library, $19,000 for Mental Health America of Dutchess County, and $18,761 for James’s Warriors in East Fishkill.

Red Hook intends to use the funding to train local librarians in Youth Mental Health First aid and develop an action plan for youth mental health crisis intervention. Millbrook plans to create an additional children’s book section focusing on mental health and substance use prevention. In addition, they are implementing a six-month kids’ yoga course, consisting of 24 classes, to enhance mindfulness and help children develop healthy coping skills.

Mental Health America of Dutchess County is designing a custom landscape for the Ellen’s Place outdoor classroom, which will allow children to have a creative space for their imaginations. James’s Warriors will purchase items to create coping kits to give out to schools after the organization’s presentations on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

The wellness program focuses on many factors, including prevention, public awareness, social media awareness and safe use. The proposals for the grants should include one or more of the focus areas.

County executive Sue Serino said, “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.”

Individual recipients can receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $19,000. The Youth Wellness Support Microgrant program has been funded with $200,000 in opioid settlement funds gained from litigation against the pharmaceutical industry. So far, $95,060 has been awarded.

Latest News

Libraries face federal funding reductions

KENT, Conn. — The effects of federal cutbacks are beginning to trickle down to the local level. Last week, area librarians were alarmed to learn that programs important to rural populations, such as the interlibrary loan service provided through Connecticut State Library, were abruptly defunded effective April 1.

The Connecticut State Library was notified by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, which oversees grants to states, that its 2024-25 federal grant award was terminated. The grant was scheduled to cover the current federal fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Legal Notice

Amenia Drugs NY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/12/2025. Office: Dutchess County. Hema Patel, designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Hema Patel at 5094 Route 22 #48, Amenia, NY, US, 12501. Purpose: Retail Pharmacy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less