Mental health continues to be identified as one of the highest priorities in Logan County in periodic community health assessments.
To help address this ongoing concern and to reach children and teens in the community, the Mary Rutan Foundation recently awarded Community Wellness Grants totaling $21,039 for eight area programs and initiatives that focus on youth mental health and youth healthy living.
Most of the respondents of the 2023 Community Health Assessment named obesity and healthy lifestyle choices as a moderate or very serious issue facing Logan County. Furthermore, there is an increased concern about mental health for young people.
Community Wellness Grants recipients for 2025 are:
• Bellefontaine City Schools, $5,000 – Behavioral Leadership
• Benjamin Logan Middle School, $700 – ROX (Ruling Your eXperiences)
• Indian Lake High School SADD, $800 – There’s a Place at the Lake for Every Boat
• Indian Lake Middle School, $1,689 – Smart Indoor Garden
• LifeCare Alliance, $5,000 – Camp Hamwi Diabetes Camp for Kids
• LoCo Art, $1,500 – Stress Less Workshops
• The Reach Community Resource Center, $3,850 – Healthy Youth, Healthy You Room
• Where the Church Meets, $2,500 – Mentoring Youth Program
“Providing funding resources to area schools and organizations to enable them to develop programs and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and improved mental wellbeing for youth is an impactful investment in our community. We were pleased with the variety of the programs and initiatives submitted and the positive effects expected,” said Tammy Gump, Mary Rutan Foundation chief operating officer.
Mary Rutan Foundation began its community grant program in 2014. Since that time, over $505,000 has been awarded to local organizations committed to doing their part to make Logan County a healthier community.
For further information regarding Mary Rutan Foundation wellness initiatives or to contribute to the foundation, please call (937) 599-7003 or e-mail tammy.gump@maryrutan.org.
