News

Jan. 31, 2025 – Like many in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, Greater Rochester Health Foundation is closely monitoring the various policies and actions being implemented at the federal level. We want our partners to know that we are actively gathering information to better understand the potential impacts on our communities, while also remaining responsive to new and emerging needs across our region. We’ll be sharing information directly with partners upon request, using discretion and sensitivity given the complexity of the challenges many communities are facing.

BreatheDeep Inc., together with Greater Rochester Health Foundation and community leaders, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 23, 2025 to launch Project Restore: The Respite Place, located at 1515 South Ave. This unique space is created to support frontline professionals navigating high-stress environments and the effects of vicarious trauma. Individuals in fields such as mental health services, crisis counseling and response, victim support, and similar roles frequently encounter the occupational challenge of secondary trauma from repeated exposure to the pain and violence endured by others.

Happy New Year! Our January newsletter features:

Opportunities to celebrate MLK Day with local organizations; Grantee Spotlight on Oak Orchard Health — recognized for their outstanding leadership in supporting homeless individuals and addressing critical needs in the region.

In Health Foundation news – we’re getting ready to launch our 2025 Call for Ideas grant opportunity – find out more! Plus, join us in celebrating staff, board members, and Parent Leaders on recent achievements and accolades, and explore new resources on our website.

Our December 2024 newsletter is out! In the spirit of giving back, we’re uplifting volunteer opportunities with a few of our grantee partners: HOPE585, ROCovery Fitness, and Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes.

In Health Foundation news – browse a recent evaluation report of our Healthy and Equitable Futures work over the past three years and find out how local grantees are transforming systems to prioritize whole-child development.

Plus – explore upcoming Learning & Engagement opportunities with: Action for Better Community, BreatheDeep, and ROC The Future.

National Rural Health Day, celebrated on November 21, honors the dedication of rural healthcare providers and organizations addressing the unique health needs of rural America. Committed to health equity, we are deepening ties with rural communities through investments, partnerships, and the creation of a Rural Health Resource page to better support these areas and address critical needs.

Our November newsletter is here! 🎉 Celebrate #NationalRuralHealthDay on Nov. 21 with events from SOAR, Clyde Savannah Galen, and the Independent Living Center – Batavia.

We’re highlighting Men’s Health Awareness Month with the YMCA of Greater Rochester’s Boys and Young Men of Color Initiative.

Discover updates from Healthy & Equitable Futures partners like the National Parent Leadership Institute and Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness.

In our October 2024 newsletter we’re celebrating the work of Project SOAR (Strengthening Our Area Residents), a grantee partner in our Neighborhood Health Status Improvement initiative. The Wayne County towns of Galen and Savannah, including the Village of Clyde and hamlet of Savannah, were the sites for this initiative. Over the past 11+ years, Project SOAR has empowered residents in these rural communities to work together and collaborate with organizations, businesses, and institutions to improve the health of the community.

Read more about SOAR and other grantee partners!

As part of our commitment to inclusive community solutions and programming, we’re excited to share our next installment of our Beyond the Grant Learning Series, providing participants with additional tools, techniques, and resources outside of our grantmaking opportunities.

Join us from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 as we present: From Insight to Impact: Blending Human-Centered Design with Community Engagement Strategies.

As part of celebrating Board Members tenure, we’re beginning to capture their perspectives and guidance to ensure their voices are part of the Health Foundation, now and into the future. In this video, long-time Health Foundation Board Member and Past President Connie O. Walker reflects on times of transition as well as the Health Foundation’s growth through difficult periods, including the pandemic.