Fairbanks Foundation Extends Prevention Matters Program
(photo courtesy of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is awarding $1.2 million in implementation grants to existing Prevention Matters grantees. The foundation says it is extending the initiative for another year, due to the impacts of COVID-19 on schools.
The Indianapolis-based foundation launched Prevention Matters in 2018, a grant initiative to help Marion County schools identify, implement, and sustain substance use prevention programs.
The foundation says technical assistance and evaluation support for grantees will also be extended.
“Our students have experienced much transition and uncertainty during this past year,” said Anuja Petruniw, director of operations and neighborhood engagement at Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School. “Many of our students and their families have experienced traumatic situations related to food insecurity, housing, and employment. This has had a direct impact on our students and their ability to fully participate and engage in school. Prevention programming that will be implemented in this coming year will go a long way in supporting our students’ social and emotional well-being by helping them gain skills to help regulate and cope.”
The foundation says the additional funding will help 16 grantees representing about 100 schools to continue their prevention programs.