Barnes Trust Grants To Boost Southington Programs

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson BarnesMemorial Trust has awarded more than $326,000 in grants that will benefit six programs that serve Southington residents.

The organizations provide programs that "enhance community wellness, promote healthy living and improve access to behavioral health services."

The grants bring the total amount awarded for 2019 to $810,720.

The grants awarded in December 2019 are:

• $115,000 to LiveWell Alliance to continue the Dementia Friendly Southington Initiative, whose goal is to decrease the stigma and isolation associated with dementia, increase meaningful community engagement and quality of life for people with the disease, and to teach communities to become more accommodating and knowledgeable about dementia.
• $52,920 to LISA, Inc. (Living in Safe Alternatives) to continue the 1-2-3 Prevention, Intervention and Recovery Program for teens, educators and parents to improve Southington’s capacity to prevent alcohol and drug use, raise awareness of risk factors, intervene effectively with current users, and offer stable recovery options.
• $51,295 to the United Way of Southington to continue the Senior Transportation Program in collaboration with Senior Transportation Services of New Britain. This program enhances transportation services for Southington seniors through the provision of additional rides at no charge.
• $42,500 to the Prudence Crandall Center to continue the Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Services in Southington. The Prudence Crandall Center provides a 24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter, counseling services and support groups, and education in schools and the Southington Community.
• $40,000 to Wheeler Clinic Inc. to continue to support the Southington Health Outreach Project. The project enhances access to mental health and substance use treatment programs by educating residents about the signs of these issues and the services available.  $25,000 to the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington to continue to provide educational seminars that support Southington’s young children and their caregivers. Topics will include mental health education, healthy habits to prevent obesity and childhood safety.

"Main Street Community Foundation takes great care to carry out the legacy of Bradley Barnes to improve the health outcomes of Southington residents,” said Susan Sadecki, President and CEO of the Community Foundation.

All grant proposals are reviewed by the nine person volunteer Advisory Committee for the Barnes
Memorial Trust. The Advisory Committee is comprised of Southington residents and other professionals who conduct site visits and make final funding recommendations to the Community Foundation’s board of directors.