FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Lauren Tepfer
ltepfer@statenislandpps.org
(917) 830-1149
Staten Island PPS Issues $50,000 in Awards to Staten Island Organizations Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Staten Island PPS has awarded $10,000 to each of 5 nonprofit organizations to support capacity building and enhanced service provision in addressing critical social determinants of health for Staten Islanders.
Staten Island, NY, October 2023 – Staten Island PPS has partnered with Nonprofit Staten Island (NPSI) to identify five local nonprofit organizations addressing key community needs and award $50,000 in support of their work. This partnership has engaged organizations who have historically been disconnected from healthcare systems and networks.
The connectivity initiated through this opportunity better positions providers who possess valuable expertise and approaches to more effectively address social determinants of health, which have been well-documented as pivotal in shaping community health outcomes. By addressing these determinants comprehensively, in partnership and across sectors, SI PPS and their partners at NPSI aim to tackle the root causes of health disparities and promote holistic approaches to healthcare.
Awards have been issued to A Chance in Life, Celebrate Hope, The Council of Jewish Organizations (COJOSI)/Igud Harrabonim, H.E.A.L.T.H. 4 Youths, and K Woods Foundation. The proposed projects increase resources available to the community and assist these organizations in strengthening the sustainability of their services.
“Building capacity among community-based not-for-profit organizations is critical to addressing health equity issues. The SI PPS and SINFP collaboration generated widespread enthusiasm among our Staten Island-based CBOs,” said Joseph Conte, PhD, the Executive Director of the PPS. “We are proud to be able to award 5 grants and at the same time, disappointed we cannot support all the amazing applications that were received. The winners will add great support for the PPS and Northwell Health ongoing effort to address disparities in the community. Those not selected will be invited to create relationship with the PPS to support the SDOH needs of the community.”
“Through this collaboration with Nonprofit Staten Island, SI PPS has not only fostered connectivity but also harnessed the expertise and innovative approaches of these organizations,” added Tatiana Arguello, Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island. “Together, we are challenging the norms of the nonprofit sector and taking actionable steps in furthering equity, strengthening access, and promoting wellness across our Staten Island community.”
Tal Jasmin, Chief Operating Officer of K Woods Foundation added, “This partnership is a game-changer, challenging the limitations of the non-profit industrial complex and paving the way for transformative change. We are all in when it comes to championing equity, justice, and wellness across Staten Island. Together we are creating a brighter, more equitable future for our community.”
Gabriele Delmonaco, President and CEO of A Chance In Life, said, “This invaluable support not only ensures that we can continue to offer culturally sensitive food options and nutrition services to our fellow Staten Islanders, but it also underscores the significant role that education, employment, housing, nutrition and access to quality healthcare services together have on an individual’s health and well-being.”
Mark Santo, President of Celebrate Hope Recovery Center, noted, “As a small, grassroots organization doing everything we can to help our fellow Staten Islanders recover from the trauma and pain of substance abuse, we are deeply appreciative of Staten Island Performing Provider System and Nonprofit Staten Island for recognizing the value in our work, and providing us with this invaluable platform to let others in our borough know who we are and what we do.”
Rabbi Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO SI) shared, ” Our collaboration aims to tackle the intricate, integrated, and interconnected social structures, policies, and economic systems that significantly impact health and quality of life outcomes.” Rabbi Mirocznkik continued, “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact and meaningful changes that will result from our joint efforts.”
Co-founder of H.E.A.L.T.H. 4 Youths, Heather Butts, said, “We hope that our project, which seeks to support youth, college students, veterans, and NYCHA residents, has a positive impact on those communities, as well as the greater Staten Island population. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with SI PPS collaborating on the incredible work that they do to address the health and wellness of communities throughout Staten Island.”
Projects funded by this opportunity will be implemented between October 2023 and March 2024, and both SI PPS and NPSI look forward to strengthened and sustained relationships with all awardees to continue the important work of addressing social determinants of health across Staten Island.
About Staten Island Performing Provider System
In 2014, Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) formed an integrated network of medical, behavioral, and social services agencies under the New York State Department of Health Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Our founding goals included improving the quality of care, reducing costs, and improving health outcomes for Staten Island’s Medicaid and uninsured populations. By the end of the DSRIP Program, we exceeded our goals and maintained our network to continue enhancing and refining the transformative work built in the Staten Island Community.
Today, we continue to work with our partners to improve population health outcomes, address social determinants of health, grow our network, and reduce health disparities. We are dedicated to improving health equity by holding conversations with our community, creating educational and workforce opportunities for youth, and bridging connections with non-traditional service providers to meet people where they are in the community. Learn more at www.statenislandpps.org.
About Nonprofit Staten Island
Since 2005, the Nonprofit Staten Island (formerly known as SINFPA) has provided resources, support, and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit community. Through year-round educational workshops, coalition building, affinity groups, networking opportunities and resource sharing, Nonprofit Staten Island (NPSI) strives to ensure nonprofits have what they need to continue being service providers, employers, and active members of the Staten Island community. NPSI membership includes over 150 cultural institutions, faith-based organizations, health care providers, senior & youth service providers, and local community groups that provide critical services and meaningful programs for our diverse Staten Island individuals, families, communities, and neighborhoods.
Through its work, NPSI is prioritizing and elevating equitable and intersectional response from the nonprofit sector to both long-standing and emerging community needs. By upholding and working in service to the core pillars of Community Voice, Community Response, and Community Building, NPSI strives to foster meaningful collaboration and culturally responsive service provision across the borough and New York City. Learn more at https://nonprofitstatenisland.org/
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