Evergreen Foundation Provides $185,643 in Funding for WNC Disability Agencies

At their June meeting, the Evergreen Foundation board of directors voted to provide $185,643 in funding to nine agencies providing programs and services for individuals with Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Disabilities. The grants were awarded through a competitive grant process to the agencies which are located throughout Western North Carolina. The following grants were awarded.

• Kare, Inc., Waynesville: $15,000 to provide medical examinations, in their office, for child abuse victims.
• Region A Partnership for Children, Sylva: $18,750 in funding for a coordinator to provide services and supports for families of children with behavioral, mental health and/or developmental disabilities.
• Macon Citizen Habilities, Inc. Franklin: $9,600 to provide a greenhouse which will enhance the agency’s developmental vocational program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Heights, Inc., Cullowhee: $4,059 in matching funds for a Haywood Juvenile Crime Prevention Grant enabling the agency to purchase a van for use in their program.
• The Arc of Haywood County, Inc., Waynesville: $15,000 to develop and implement a personal safety program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Also, $19,500 in continuation funding to support independent living and employment for individuals with I/DD.
• H.A.V.E.N., Murphy: $1,918 to support agency staff in attending the National Conference on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.
• Barium Springs, Bryson City: $40,000 to renovate property for a new teen runaway/homeless shelter and program.
• Meridian Behavioral Health Services, Inc., Sylva: $27,000 for continuation of their jail treatment programs in Haywood and Jackson Counties. They were also awarded $47,450 in continuation funding to administer their patient assistance program which provides over 2 million dollars in prescription medication assistance for individuals with mental health and substance issues.
• Appalachian Community Services, Murphy: $39,366 in funding to continue their Community Support Team which provides mental health and substance abuse (MH/SA) services and supports. In addition they were awarded $15,000 in transportation funding to assist MH/SA consumers, who are voluntarily committed for psychiatric treatment, to have transportation home upon discharge from the hospital.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with the next award cycle in September. The mission of the Evergreen Foundation is to improve access to and public awareness of quality prevention, treatment, and support services by the provider community to individuals and families with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and/or substance abuse needs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. Activities of the Evergreen Foundation include: infrastructure to the service network; start up and service provision grants; scholarships to enhance the quality of the provider network; public awareness/education; fundraising to support Foundation activities; and advocacy on behalf of consumers and the provider network. To learn more about the Evergreen Foundation call 828-456-8005.