Mental health, wellness grant program awards $250K

More than 40 nonprofits were awarded as part of Reid Health’s Community Grant Program. The first cycle saw $250,000 disbursed to support programs focused on mental health, recovery and wellness. 

These needs were identified through the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment that Reid Health Community Engagement conducts every three years, highlighting the most important health concerns in its service area. 

Jess Przybysz, director of community health and engagement, said this grant cycle reflects community feedback and focuses on reducing barriers to long-term health.

“Through grants awarded, these two grant cycles are supporting organizations addressing some of the most urgent health challenges identified by our residents,” Przybysz said.

Award recipients under wellness and lifestyle include:

• $4,000 to Abilities Indiana for food supplies to support the nutrition and life skills program
• $5,200 to Ainsley’s Angels for the purchase of one adaptive racing chair
• $4,000 to Amigos the Richmond Latino Center Inc. for personnel and program supplies for the youth tennis program
• $5,000 to Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for food and supplies supporting a meals and food distribution program
• $6,400 to Bridges for Life for funds to cover food and supplies
• $2,500 to Cardinal Greenway Inc. for funds to cover costs associated with the free bike rental program
• $5,000 to Circle U Help Center Inc. for food supplies for Communities In Schools collaboration and formula for infants
• $2,177 to the City of Eaton for funds to cover the cost of one chin-up and pull-up station for the Waterworks Park
• $2,446 to Communities In Schools of Wayne County for Ready, Set, Grow sports fees and uniforms
• $2,400 to Cope Environmental Center for funds to cover scholarships and food supplies for its youth outdoor camp
• $5,000 to Dublin Community Club for funding to cover a portion of one HVAC unit
• $2,500 to Food Bank Inc. (Gateway Hunger Relief Center) for funds to cover food supplies
• $4,000 to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for funds to cover food supplies
• $4,000 to Growing Laurel Food Pantry for training, travel and supplies for enhancing pantry initiatives
• $2,000 to Mount Zion Baptist Church for funds for one computer
• $6,500 to Nettle Creek Community Coalition for funds for a walk-in cooler and associated expenses
• $5,000 to Nettle Creek School Corporation for food supplies for its Weekend Backpack Program and Community Food Hut
• $4,000 to New Mercies Community Services Inc. to cover personnel for a cooking class and pantry initiatives
• $4,000 to Pathway to Damascus Inc. for program supplies and transportation support for wellness initiatives
• $6,000 to Petra Projects Inc. (Rock Solid Ministries) for food and supplies for a meal program
• $5,000 to Redemption Life (RedLife) Food Pantry for the food pantry, transportation assistance, training, and food supplies
• $4,000 to Refuge of Hope for transportation assistance, personnel, and food supplies
• $3,000 to The Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana for personnel and funds to cover ramp costs
• $5,877 to Western Wayne School Corporation for program supplies for the Golden Eagle Kitchen
• $5,000 to Whole Family Community Initiative Inc. (House of Ruth) for contracted personnel for a nutrition and exercise program

Award recipients under mental health and substance use include:

• $4,200 to A Better Life Brianna’s Hope, Richmond chapter, for program supplies for meetings
• $7,000 to Birth to Five Inc. for personnel, transportation support and program supplies for Healthy Families
• $7,000 to Bridges for Life for Recover Together program supplies
• $2,500 to Brighter Path Inc. to provide scholarships for its equine-assisted therapy program
• $5,000 to Children’s & Justice Advocacy Center Inc. for personnel for its child and teen safety and The Stewards of Children programs
• $1,800 to Dwyer Community Center for program supplies for Mind, Body and Soul
• $7,500 to Hope Center for personnel, equipment and program support for the Prenatal Mental Health program
• $7,000 to the Housing Authority for the City of Richmond for supplies for their Mental Health Aid program
• $2,500 to Isaiah Michaels Foundation for program supplies for Hope Box outreach
• $6,000 to Randolph County YMCA for personnel and program supplies for its Creating Positive Relationships program
• $7,500 to Richmond Art Museum for personnel and program supplies for Amos Lemon Burkhart exhibit
• $7,500 to Salt in the Earth Inc. for personnel and program supplies
• $2,000 to Servants at Work to purchase materials for ramps
• $7,500 to Soldiers in the Army of the Lord Ministries Corp. for personnel and transportation support for access to health services
• $2,500 to Start with Art for program supplies for Monthly Mom Monday
• $5,000 to Stayin Alive Inc. for Drug Free Clubs of American membership fees
• $3,500 to Sunrise Inc. for personnel, program supplies, and equipment for equine-assisted activities
• $9,000 to The Shepherd’s Way Christian Ministries (Cross Road Recovery Center) for personnel, transportation support for health access, meeting, and program supplies
• $5,000 to Townsend Community Center Inc. for personnel, transportation and program supplies for The Anchor program

Additional funding supported three organizations aligned with CHNA implementation priorities: Richmond Parks & Recreation, Connersville Parks & Recreation, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County.

For more information, visit ReidCommunities.org.