YMCA Awarded $25,000 to expand Mental Health Resources

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties was awarded a $25,000 grant by the local nonprofit Foundations Community Partnership (FCP) on April 10 at the Doylestown branch. The operational grant recognizes the Y’s strategic initiatives that focus on community mental health in its summer camps and Healthy Horizons Pathway program.

“The Y has such a large reach in the county and serves so many people,” stated FCP CEO Dr. Tobi Bruhn. “I think this grant is perfect to help the well-being and mental health of the people the Y serves. For us, it was a no-brainer to support the Y, as it fits so well within our mission. Everybody wins - the Y, us and the community.”

The grant award will support the Y’s goals to further mental health components that are integrated into Bucks County pathway, child care and summer camp programs. Since the end of 2022, the Y has been engaged in a comprehensive mental health program development process, "Positive Mental Health," under the guidance of a unique task force of 20 professionals from mental health organizations, community volunteers and Y staff.

“We are so very grateful to Foundations Community Partnership,” said Trish Feinthel, chief operations officer for YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “Not only for the financial support of the Y’s programs but for recognizing us as a strong organization committed to the overall health of our community.”

Healthy Horizons is a free, donor-funded 12-week health and wellness program for qualifying individuals in, or following, mental health treatment. The program provides participants with instruction and coaching for sustained mind, body and spirit health, and includes a free, six-month membership to the YMCA for program graduates. Since its inception in 2021, Healthy Horizons has served over 140 participants. The class is currently offered at the Y’s Doylestown, Fairless Hills and Quakertown branches.

“What resonates with me are the programs the Y puts together to help maintain the mental health of the community,” added Judith Stern Goldstein, a member of FCP’s board of directors. “It’s easy to fund grants and programs that make sense. The Y hits all the buttons.”

Foundations Community Partnership (FCP) is a private, not-for-profit foundation established to support the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults and families in Bucks County. They provide grants, scholarships, professional development and service-learning opportunities through collaborative partnerships.

Photo caption: 

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties was presented a $25,000 grant award to support community mental health by Foundations Community Partnership at the Doylestown branch on April 10. (L-R): Shannon Connolly, VP of development of the Y; Nick Yellicanin, vice chief volunteer officer of the Y; Trish Feinthel, COO of the Y; Judith Stern Goldstein, member of Foundations Community Partnership Board of Directors; Abii Carter, director of staff engagement and Development of the Y; Dr. Tobi Bruhn, CEO of Foundations Community Partnership (photo courtesy of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties)