Grants That Make a Difference

Foundation:
The Starr Foundation
70 Pine Street
New York, NY 10270
(212) 770-5457
http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/starr

Grant Amount:
$25,000

Description:
The Starr Foundation awarded the Mental Health Association of New York City $25,000 to further expand its Community Outreach and Public Education (COPE) program.

Launched in 2002, COPE is New York City's first comprehensive outreach and education initiative targeting childen and senior citizens, geared to promote early identification and treatment of depression, anxiety-related disorders and other mental illnesses. COPE professionals offer sessions in venues such as schools and senior centers, teaching program participants about the symptoms of depression and other emotional disorders, and conducting individual screenings and assessments to identify those who may be at risk.

"COPE's education and screening sessions, supported by its public awareness campaigns, have helped raise awareness about the importance of early detection of mental illness when intervention and treatment offer the greatest chances for success," said Giselle Stolper, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of New York City. "Thanks to the generosity of The Starr Foundation, our COPE initiative has reached out to over 10,000 children, adolescents and senior citizens to promote mental health among individuals, and within their communities."

The Mental Health Association of New York City is a private, not-for-profit, voluntary organization that promotes mental health through advocacy, public education and direct service programs to improve attitudes about mental illness, identifying unmet service needs and developing innovative solutions toward recovery, independence and productive life within the community.