In 2008-2009 the student philanthropy council reached consensus and awarded grants totaling $10,000 to the following organizations:
- The Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., $4645, to continue its “What About Me? Grief Within the Classroom Program” that provides individual and group grief counseling to children within eleven Utica City Schools. Counselors incorporate art therapy to help youth cope with things like death in the family, divorce, and other tragic events.
- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Madison County, $1200, for the “Bone Builders Program,” a community-based weekly exercise program led by trained volunteers. The program participants exercise regularly to maintain bone density, strengthen balance, and improve general fitness.
- The Hamilton Emerald Foundation, $1000, will partner with the Hamilton Theatre to support the theater’s free programming for the community. The theater serves the community through its educational programming, a free children’s series, and a free “Movies Under the Stars,” among many other offerings. The theater is a vital component of the educational life of the children and families of this area.
- The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, $1155, will use the funding to expand their “Summer Kid’s Camp” and to implement a “One Week Winter Kid’s Camp.” The Kid’s Camp series enhances creative skills, self-esteem, individuality, self-expression, and imagination in children through involvement with the arts.
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