Grants Announced for Year End 2024

$25,000 in funding granted to NAMI-NYC Metro and YMCA of Greater Monmouth County by The Connor Sheehan Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Connor Sheehan Fund Announces Grant Recipients for 2024

Redding, CT - January 20, 2025 - The Connor Sheehan Fund is delighted to announce the recipients of its latest round of grants. NAMI-NYC Metro was awarded a $15,000 grant, and the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County received a $10,000 grant to support their programs that align with the mission of the Connor Fund.

NAMI-NYC Metro, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, works tirelessly to provide vital resources, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions in the New York City area. With this grant, NAMI NYC will be expanding their “Ending the Silence” program, which helps middle and high school students understand their mental health can make a big difference in their lives. Ending the Silence is provided to schools free if charge, and offers three presentations to choose from: one for middle and high school students, one for their parents/guardians, and one for school faculty/staff. Participants learn the warning signs of mental health conditions, discover strategies to improve mental health, and discuss the importance of open communication about mental health concerns.

The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, NJ is a mission driven, value based, non-profit organization that has served the communities of Monmouth County and parts of Middlesex and Ocean Counties for 150 years. Our doors are open to all community members who wish to take advantage of the varied selection of programs and services available to them. The YMCA is governed by a Board of Directors; volunteers who reflect a wide variety of our community members. Together, these individuals develop policies and procedures for the staff to implement. Through generous support, we are able to offer programs and services at reduced rates to all the members of our community regardless of their financial status.

With the grant from The Connor Fund, the Monmouth YMCA will grow their YOUNG PEOPLE’S OUTPATIENT PROGRAM to meet the needs of more families and kids. The Young People’s Outpatient Program serves children ages 3 to 18 and their families. The program is tailored to meet the individual needs of the child and offers an opportunity for change through play. Specialized groups are also offered throughout the year. The program addresses school difficulties, parent/child conflicts, trauma issues, anger management and, bereavement issues and adjustment to life changes.

"As a part of our ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that make a difference in the mental health wellbeing of our young people, we are thrilled to award these grants to NAMI NYC and the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County," said Dan Sheehan, co-founder and president of The Connor Sheehan Fund. "Both organizations have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their cause, and we are confident that these funds will further empower them to create meaningful change in the lives of teens, their friends and their families.”

The Connor Sheehan Fund is a public charitable organization that aims to provide support for programs that help families, educators and peers identify mental health issues and substance use disorders among young people through strategic grantmaking. By providing financial resources and raising awareness, they seek to empower these organizations and strengthen the communities they serve.

For more information about The Connor Sheehan Fund and their grant programs, please visit their website at www.connorfund.org.