WILLIAMSBURG — The Board of Trustees of the Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) approved 20 grants worth over $4 million to local organizations on Monday, June 5.
“We are happy to continue our relationship and investments with legacy partners which support our strategic plan,” said Deanna Van Hersh, WHF President and CEO. “This funding cycle, we are also pleased to invest in and highlight two new programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of children in our community.”
With a goal to “target behavioral and social risk factors that influence the health of individuals throughout the life span,” the foundation said it has awarded $816,000 toward “Healthy Eating Active Living” programs.
WHF is partnering with Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools to provide healthy and “Happier meals” for children in the City of Williamsburg and James City County during summer break, it said. Free lunches will be available from noon to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for children under 18 from June 26 through Aug. 17 at James River Elementary School.
To address a goal to “strengthen the healthcare safety-net for uninsured and underinsured individuals,” the Board of Trustees noted it has approved over $2 million toward Integrated Care and Behavioral Health Services.
WHF highlighted the launch of a new school-based play therapy program, Play to Thrive, developed by William & Mary’s Flanagan Counselor Education Clinic, which aims to improve the well-being of young children experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties in Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency’s Head Start program.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Williamsburg Health Foundation to deliver services through the Play to Thrive program,” Dr. Erin Woods, Director of the Flanagan Counselor Education Clinic said. “This initiative will not only impact the lives of those we serve but will also provide valuable clinical experience to counselors in training.”
Williamsburg Health Foundation added it “continues to prioritize funding and investing in collaborative programs and innovative ways to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals in the Greater Williamsburg area across their lifespan.”
“An important part of investing across the lifespan includes making investments to improve the health of youth. This is a long-term investment in the future health of our community,” said Bill Pribble, Vice President of Programs.
To learn more about grant opportunities, visit williamsburghealthfoundation.org.
