Healthy Petaluma Foundation Awards $500,000 in Youth and Young Adult Well-Being Grants to 11 Organizations Addressing Critical Needs in Southern Sonoma County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PETALUMA, Calif., December 17, 2024 — The Healthy Petaluma Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by southern Sonoma County’s healthcare district, collectively known as Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation, announces $500,000 in Youth and Young Adult Well-Being Grants awarded to 11 organizations. These grants specifically support innovative projects, initiatives and programs addressing the mental, emotional and physical challenges facing local youth and young adults aged 5-24.
"Investing in the well-being of our youth is an investment in the future of our entire community," said Ramona Faith, CEO of Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation. "The Youth and Young Adult Well-Being Grant Program underscores our commitment to addressing critical needs through diverse, impactful approaches that provide young people with the tools and opportunities in this challenging post-COVID period we are in. While studies, reports and data are showing us that youth mental health is one of the biggest health crises in both our national and local communities, these organizations embody our shared vision of creating a healthier, more resilient future for them by focusing on prevention, early intervention and resilience.”
Healthy Petaluma’s Youth and Young Adult Well-Being Grants Program reflects widespread concerns regarding youth mental health. Mental health was the top area of need identified during a series of community listening sessions held by Healthy Petaluma in 2024. The five listening sessions topics of discussion included mental health services; housing; youth services; senior services and women’s health services. Although each topic of discussion had a different focus, the common thread throughout all five sessions was the need for youth mental health support, including prevention and early intervention. The community input gathered as part of Healthy Petaluma’s strategic planning process also confirmed the need.
The Healthy Petaluma Foundation Board of Directors increased its original allocation amount due to the influx of nonprofits in need coupled with promising programs to fund.
"Our committee was inspired by the creativity, passion and dedication shown by these organizations in addressing the challenges youth face," said Brian Dufour, a Healthy Petaluma Foundation board member and grant evaluation committee participant.
This grant cycle follows the award of $285,000 in general operating support (GOS) grants from Healthy Petaluma, announced in February 2024. Healthy Petaluma invested $1.8 million in community health programs and initiatives in fiscal year 2023/2024.
Added Dufour, “Like our previous grant cycle this year, as well as other strategic investments, our board and staff are fully dedicated to being change agents in southern Sonoma County. Funding and collaborating with community partners and local nonprofits is one of the best ways we can impact and improve our community’s health."
Grants will support programs ranging from mental health services and career development to arts initiatives and community-building activities. The following outlines the organizations and their programs receiving a Healthy Petaluma Foundation Youth and Young Adult Well-Being Grant:
Friends of the Petaluma River – Offering Nature Immersion programs to connect youth with the outdoors, promoting developmental skills and a relationship with nature.
Petaluma People Services Center – Providing evidence-based mental health therapy for youth ages 5-24 through the Counseling Clinic.
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District - Thomas Page Academy – Hiring a bilingual mental health counselor to offer therapy and support for students and families, using trauma-informed and evidence-based techniques.
On the Margins, Inc. – Supporting the Sanando y Empoderando Relaciones (Healing and Empowering Relationships) program, helping Latine youth and families heal from trauma, build emotional resilience and access mental health resources.
Cinnabar Arts Corporation (Cinnabar Theater) – Expanding the Young Rep program, offering performing arts education through after-school classes and summer camps for youth ages 6-18.
LIME Foundation – Supporting youth mental health through the NextGen Trades Academy, which integrates trades education, life skills development and paid employment opportunities.
Café Puente – Creating a safe, culturally centered community space for youth to thrive, offering critical programs for young people in Petaluma.
Pediatric Dental Initiative of the North Coast, Inc. – Funding specialized oral surgeries for 130 low-income youth in the Healthy Petaluma District service area.
Petaluma River Park Foundation – Advancing equitable community engagement to make Petaluma River Park accessible and welcoming, with a focus on historically underrepresented youth and young adults.
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District - Technology High School – Establishing a Tier 1 Wellness Center to provide early mental health intervention and preventive student support.
Kid Scoop News – Providing a monthly newspaper to elementary schools, fostering literacy, emotional resilience and mental health, with bilingual parent guides and content promoting emotional skills.
About Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation
Formerly the Petaluma Health Care District, Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation is a community-owned and -operated agency comprising a special district and a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of southern Sonoma County through leadership, advocacy, support, partnerships and education. Its vision is to foster a healthier community and equitable access to comprehensive health and wellness services. The district has ensured access to local acute care and emergency services and has served southern Sonoma County’s health and wellness needs since 1946. For more information, visit healthypetaluma.org.
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