CFGNB Accepting Applications Addressing Mental Health for Young People

New Britain, Conn., July 18, 2022 – The Catalyst Giving Circle of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is accepting applications for one grant of up to $15,000 to be awarded in November, that will address the 2022 topic of Mental Health Needs from Adolescence through Young Adult.
Two presenters at the first Catalyst meeting on June 28 gave a broad overview to the membership on the current mental health trends and needs affecting this population.

According to Dr. Michael, Director of Counseling and Student Development at Central CT State University, “The mental health needs of older youth and young adults have never been greater.” He highlighted the fact that young people are facing high levels of anxiety, depression, social isolation and a lack of resiliency. “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated an already challenging period of time in young people’s lives,” he added.

David Grant, founder and Executive Director of the Lavender Policy Center, which conducts qualitative and quantitative research on the state of the LGBTQIA+ community in Connecticut, spoke about gender equity and social inclusion needs among older youth and young adults who are LGBTQIA+. David encouraged Catalyst members to consider proposals from organizations that take a tailored approach to their work with specific populations and that incorporate the firsthand experiences of those who have endured the issues to be addressed.

Catalyst will entertain proposals for new or expansion of existing programs targeted for adolescence through young adulthood that provide:
• Early identification of those individuals with mental health challenges and provision of services that provide timely access to quality care or programming
• Programs that provide opportunities to engage in meaningful activities that increase engagement and connect participants with peers and/or the broader community
• Peer-to-peer education, training or support
• Training for adults who interact with the target population to identify and support those who are struggling
• Mentoring programs that provide stability and help participants develop life skills, resilience and coping skills
• Programs that build acceptance of differences among diverse populations
• Academic support programs

Organizations that can offer these services in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington are invited to respond to the Foundation’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2022 Catalyst Giving Circle grant. The RFP is available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.cfgnb.org/requests-for-proposal. Proposals are due August 24 and must be sent via email to jwruck@cfgnb.org. For information on becoming a member of Catalyst, contact Joeline Wruck at 860-229-6018 ext. 307 or jwruck@cfgnb.org.

The Catalyst Fund is a giving circle of community donors interested in helping to improve the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. Anyone can become a member, and members meet three times a year to enjoy a light meal and learn about a member-chosen issue facing their community. Members consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing that issue and choose a grant recipient to receive up to $15,000. First time “Discovery” members are able to join with a gift of $50 for their first year of membership; this membership increases to $250 following the first year. A “Business” membership, one that is sponsored by an employer, is $250 and offers local businesses the opportunity to engage their employees in local philanthropy.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Located at The Foundation Center at 74A Vine Street, New Britain, the Foundation works to inspire philanthropy, responsibly manage permanent charitable assets, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.