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At its recent David Stick Legacy Society Lunch event, the Outer Banks Community Foundation announced the recipients of its fourth quarter grant awards, shining a spotlight on the innovative Sound Minds program by Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO). In collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation (OBRF), Sound Minds aims to increase resources for better mental health support in the community.

Jenniffer Albanese, executive director of ICO, and Patty McKenna, executive director of OBRF, presented the Sound Minds program at the Legacy Lunch, an annual event honoring those who contribute planned gifts to the Community Foundation. Their presentation showcased the program’s collaborative approach and how it addresses mental health challenges in the Outer Banks community. “We need to break the stigma of mental health and let our community know that for many, mental health is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Albanese.

The Sound Minds program is the recipient of the Community Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Grant – a significant $40,000 award in celebration of the foundation’s 40 years of service. Chris Sawin, CEO of the Community Foundation, shared, “Our grants committee spoke to civic leaders across the Outer Banks, and mental health access was a common concern.”

Additional grant awards have been made to the following organizations:

Community Care Clinic of Dare received funding to support the construction of a brand new, safety net dental clinic. Community Care Clinic of Dare’s dental clinic will contribute to better overall health and reduce healthcare costs by providing regular dental care for uninsured and under-insured Dare County residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Dare Education Foundation was awarded a grant to enter the engineering phase of its affordable housing expansion project at Run Hill Ridge. Once complete, the addition will provide much-needed housing for Dare County teachers.

First Assembly of God Ministries received funding to improve their daycare services, enabling them to better serve families through preschool and early childhood education. First Assembly of God Ministries is a 3-star facility that can serve up to 50 children per year, with many receiving needed financial assistance through Dare County Social Services.

Dare County Youth Orchestra was awarded a grant to accommodate its growing strings program. This is a continuation of a previous award from 2022, which allowed more students than ever to get involved in the arts and learn an instrument. Since then, Dare County elementary and middle school student participation has tripled.

Hukilau Surf Camp was awarded a grant to provide new and exciting learning opportunities for Dare County youth. Funding was provided to purchase a new trailer, surfboard and additional supplies to continue the program for 2024.

Outer Banks Hotline received funding to further integrate pets into their safe house by building pet retreat sheds for families staying at their safe house. According to the Urban Resource Institute, 50% of all domestic violence victims would not consider going to a shelter without their pets. This initiative will allow Outer Banks Hotline to reach more people needing services.
The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization that manages 220 charitable funds for individuals and agencies, including 70 scholarship funds; awards grants to nonprofits and scholarships for higher education, and provides tailored services to help donors pursue their charitable interests. Since its inception in 1982, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $13 million in grants and scholarships.

To donate or establish a charitable fund to make a difference in the community, contact Outer Banks Community Foundation, 704 S Hwy 64/264, P.O. Box 2299, Manteo NC 27954; www.obcf.org; info@obcf.org and 252-423-3003.

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