Air Products announces latest grant recipients
Feb. 13—MASSENA — Air Products has announced the latest grant recipients from the Air Products Greater Massena Community Fund which it established with the Northern New York Community Foundation.
Two organizations will be sharing nearly $10,500 from the second round of funding that was launched in May 2024 through a $50,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation.
The Massena Public Library will receive $6,736 to support the establishment of a Memory Café, which will provide a safe and engaging space for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Memory cafes are held in safe and welcoming environments where people can connect with others who understand what they're going through.
The funds will be used to purchase materials and resources to enhance cognitive engagement and socialization, including books, activities, puzzles, and games designed to stimulate brain activity, foster conversation, and promote multi-generational interaction.
Northern TRIBS Swimming, Inc. will receive $3,750 to help expand access to swimming lessons by offering scholarships to families facing economic hardship and providing staff training in water safety protocols to equip more children and families with life-saving swimming skills.
The company announced last year that it had partnered with the Northern New York Community Foundation to establish the fund, with the Northern New York Community Foundation overseeing administration of the fund and managing its awards.
Grants of up to $7,500 per applicant are available to qualified and approved 501(c)(3) organizations and local governing bodies for programs, projects and initiatives that will improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater Massena community and St. Regis Mohawk Reservation.
Among the first grant recipients that were announced in October 2024, receiving a portion of $32,500, was the Massena Arts and Theater Association. It received $5,000 to support the theater's restoration, including marquee restoration and façade stabilization.
The Holistic Life Foundation received $7,500 to support the Massena Central School District's Mindful Moment Program, while the Police Activities League of Massena received $7,500 to enhance the safety and security of its facility with the installation of security windows and a door opener that's compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Funding also included $7,500 for the Massena Salvation Army to complete the construction of a commercial-grade kitchen, which will allow it to provide three hot meals a week for St. Lawrence County residents facing food insecurity, and $5,000 for Massena Hospital to support the renovation of the emergency department. That includes upgrading the behavioral health room, refreshing staff areas with new furniture, refreshing patient exam treatment rooms, creating a private family consultation area, and improving security measures.
"We're glad to have the opportunity to assist in meeting the needs of local organizations," said Trip Oliver, director of government and community affairs at Air Products. "We recognize there are many local organizations doing valuable work in the Massena community and we want to support as many as possible. We look forward to extending the reach of our contributions to help make a positive impact on the community's success for years to come."
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