POUGHKEEPSIE — The third and final round of funding in support of the emotional wellbeing of young people in Dutchess has been awarded via the Youth Wellness Support Microgrants program, as per county executive Sue Serino. The aim of these grants, which will aid funding for six organizations in the county, is to encourage positive choices for young people such as refraining from substance use or engaging in other detrimental behaviors.
Of the six grant recipients, two are Dover-based. The Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue will offer young people in need of emotional support the opportunity to work with equines with a focus on groundwork while building their mental wellness. The program will provide 16 sessions totaling 32 hours to groups of select students from Dover High School. The Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue will receive $19,000 in grant monies in support of this program.
The Dover Plains Library Association will also receive $19,000 in grants in support of their collaboration with Dover Elementary School, in which four school assemblies and additional evening programs for parents at the library will be offered as a means of connecting families in an educational and reflective environment.
Four additional organizations throughout the county were also on the receiving end of funding. Two Poughkeepsie-based organizations, the Dutchess County Pride Center, which will offer coping strategies and depression management for youth, and The Art Effect, which will create an animated youth-produced PSA on mental health as it relates to social media usage also received Youth Wellness Support Microgrants. The other two grant recipients were the Red Hook-based Hidden Hollow Farm Riding, which will provide programming in equine-based therapy and journaling for at-risk youth, and the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association in Hyde Park, which will offer courses on garden design and African drumming for 100 young adults in need of direction. A combined total of $105,924 in grants has been allotted to these programs.
County executive Serino voiced her support for these wellness initiatives for Dutchess youths, saying, “I’m proud to collaborate with programs that give our young people the tools they need to succeed and reach their full potential, while supporting their mental health and wellbeing. These grants are an important investment in their future, funding initiatives that encourage positive growth and help them navigate challenges with confidence.”
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
