Requests for funding also being accepted starting August 1, 2018

May 30, 2018 - Over $200,000 was awarded from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust to three organizations working to improve the health and wellbeing of Southington residents. The organizations provide programs that enhance community wellness, support local seniors and improve access to behavioral health services.

The grants awarded are:

• $150,000 to Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, Inc., to renovate the garden room/lounge and the patio area of Southington Care Center to create a home-like, soothing and therapeutic environment for residents with dementia.
• $29,500 to the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, to establish a new Diabetes Prevention program. A NU Step recumbent cross trainer and a 3D Body Scanner will also be purchased and dedicated for use in this program.
• $21,300 to Bread for Life, to add a Wednesday night dinner and Saturday lunch for residents in need, as well as funding for a new commercial refrigerator and freezer to accommodate overflow food donations and an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

“We are honored to carry out Bradley Barnes’ legacy through these important health initiatives,” said Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of the Community Foundation.

All grant proposals are reviewed by the nine person volunteer Advisory Committee for the Barnes Memorial Trust. The Advisory Committee is comprised of Southington residents and other professionals who conduct site visits of each organization and make final funding recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. “The Advisory Committee’s thoughtful review of all proposals to ensure feasibility, sustainability and impact as well as their commitment to honoring donor intent is essential,” stated Sadecki.

Barnes Memorial Trust Accepting Letters of Intent
Beginning August 1, the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust will be accepting letters of intent from nonprofit organizations serving the Southington community for capital projects, programs or initiatives that will enhance the health and wellbeing of Southington residents.

The deadline for submission is September 14, 2018 at 4 p.m. Interested 501(c)(3) organizations are required to contact Jarre Betts, Vice President of Programs, or Kate Kerchaert, Program Officer, at 860.583.6363 before submitting a letter of intent. Full guidelines, eligibility criteria and links to the online application will be available here.

The Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust was originally established in 1973 by the late Bradley Henry Barnes of Southington to support the health and health care needs of Southington residents. The Trust was transferred to the Main Street Community Foundation in 2004.