Barton Foundation Awards $35,550 in Community Health Grants
South Lake Tahoe, CA – Prevention, partnerships, and gratitude highlighted the Barton Foundation’s annual Philanthropy Day celebration on Friday, November 6.
At the annual event, the Barton Foundation awarded $35,550 to local organizations for their projects and programs that addressed the community’s most pressing health needs, including mental health, substance abuse, and access to care.
Many projects and programs focused on prevention and education. Projects include counseling services, dental assistance, drug prevention programs, healthy activities and mentor programs for at-risk youth, a teen support group, safe lock boxes for prescription drugs, and support for family members and caregivers affected by loved ones with mental illness.
“A dollar for prevention goes farther and is much more cost effective for our community,” says Lisa Huard, the Drug Store Project Coordinator. “This funding will allow Tahoe Youth and Family Services staff and volunteers to educate hundreds of schoolchildren about the real life risks and consequences of using drugs. If our program saves at least one life, that cost is invaluable.”
Lisa Huard is one of the representatives from ten community organizations who accepted a Community Health grant. Other organizations included A Balanced Life, Live Violence Free, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), SOS Outreach, South Lake Tahoe Police Activities League, South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, Tahoe Magic, Tahoe Turning Point, and Tahoe Youth and Family Services.
The Barton Foundation increased the funding available this year and announced an additional grant cycle with $14,500 for projects and special events that address mental health. The new grant criteria and application are available at
bartonhealth.org/grants. All grants must be received by Monday, November 30.
Barton Health is dedicated to the delivery of safe, high quality health care to community members and visitors. Over 50 years ago, philanthropy was the seed that inspired Barton Memorial Hospital, which grew to become Barton Health. The Barton Foundation and the Barton Community sincerely appreciates the continuation of the Spirit of Philanthropy displayed by our local community members.
Chief Brian Uhler (far left) brought a few participants from the PAL (Police Activities League) to celebrate receiving their grant. From the left after Chief Uhler: Aaron Budnik, PAL volunteer Hector Reyes, and Andy Budnik.
Jeanne Nelson (far right) accepts her grant for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) which will provide programs for caregivers and family members who support loved ones with mental illness. Also picture from the Community Health Advisory Committee and the Barton Foundation: Kindle Craig and Michelle Feeney, FNP.
Christopher Croft, Executive Director of Tahoe Youth and Family Services, accepts a grant from Community Health Advisory Committee Chair Michelle Feeney, FNP for youth and family counseling programs.