Delphi Rise Receives $35,000 Grant from Rochester Area Community Foundation to Advance Culturally Aligned Youth Mental Health Training in Rural Communities
Rochester, NY — 5/19/25 — Delphi Rise is proud to announce it has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Rochester Area Community Foundation to support the expansion of its culturally aligned Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) initiative in Wayne County. This program addresses urgent mental health and substance use challenges facing Black and Brown youth in rural communities by equipping trusted adults with the tools to recognize and respond to early warning signs.
Originally launched in 2024 through a pilot grant from the New York State Health Foundation, Delphi Rise’s YMHFA initiative is co-created with community members and led by Credible Messengers and a Cultural Broker—Black and Brown leaders who bring lived experience, trust, and cultural relevance outreach efforts and every training. The initiative meets a pressing need: the 2023 Evalumetrics Youth Survey found that youth of color in Wayne County were nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide than their white peers, yet 41% said they would not seek help.
“Traditional mental health models often fail to meet the unique needs of rural communities of color,” said Jennifer Cathy, President and CEO of Delphi Rise. “This initiative responds to that gap by creating safe, affirming spaces for conversation, healing, and connection, led by people who reflect the youth they serve.”
The $35,000 award from Rochester Area Community Foundation will play a vital role in helping Delphi Rise expand outreach to community members who are often marginalized, while also supporting full day trainings in trusted spaces such as churches and grassroots organizations. This support positions us to reach up to 120 adults, including parents, educators, and faith leaders, with culturally responsive instruction, follow up support, and meaningful resources that build confidence, reduce stigma, and strengthen networks of care within the community.
Beyond expanding access, this funding ensures the program’s continued presence in Wayne County and lays a strong foundation for future growth into neighboring underserved rural counties. “Thanks to the Foundation’s support, we’re able to turn a promising pilot into a lasting, community-owned model for equity and mental health,” Cathy added.
Delphi Rise is honored to continue this work in partnership with local churches, community organizations like the Youth Advocate Program (YAP), and collaboratives such as the Wayne Partnership, a 14-year-old coalition committed to the well-being of youth and families.
About Delphi Rise
Delphi Rise is a 90-year-old nonprofit organization serving Monroe and Wayne Counties with a broad range of services, including substance use prevention and treatment, 24/7 substance use evaluations and support, prison reentry services, housing assistance, and help meeting basic needs. Rooted in a legacy of care, Delphi Rise is committed to creating equitable, person-centered solutions that support whole person well-being and long-term stability. Learn more at www.delphirise.org.
About Rochester Area Community Foundation
In partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking. Since it was founded in 1972, the Foundation has distributed more than $730 million dollars in grants and scholarships. https://www.racf.org/
In partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking. Since it was founded in 1972, the Foundation has distributed more than $730 million dollars in grants and scholarships. https://www.racf.org/