Tay Fisher Inspires Kington High School Students
The Benedictine Health Foundation provided funding for Tay Fisher, Harlem Globetrotters star, Firefly, and Kingston High School alumni to conduct three motivational presentations to Kingston High School (KHS) students on Friday, October 6..
1200 students in grades 9 through 12 participated in the assemblies. “This program is designed to help students to prepare for their high school and college experience. I communicate what helped me become successful so they can learn and establish their own path to success. I share my personal story from on and off the court as not all of the kids can relate to me athletically; I want each student to leave empowered for a bright future. There is nothing better than having the opportunity to talk with students and being able to relate to them in numerous ways. It’s all about the connection for them to fully understand my message,” stated Tay Fisher.
“Tay Fisher’s message is one of persistence, resilience, self-worth and hard work. More than a motivational speaker, he is a real life example to Kingston kids of their own personal potential. We are so grateful to the Benedictine Health Foundation for giving our kids the opportunity to hear his story, reflect on their intentions and goals and be inspired to plan for their futures,” stated Amy Kapes, LMSW, KHS Social Worker.
Proceeds from the Benedictine Health Foundation’s Kick for Mental Health Kickball Tournament held in June were used to sponsor the assemblies. The Foundation is supporting additional programs throughout the school year at KHS and with the HealthAlliance Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program that provide opportunities for students to build critical social-emotional and coping skills and participate in pro-social activities that build self-esteem and confidence.
For further information, contact Barbara Klassen, Executive Director, at (845) 481-1303 or bklassen@bhfoundation.org.
Photo (L to R): Tay Fisher with KHS Student Dominique Rivers Lyons.
The Benedictine Health Foundation partnered with WAKA Kickball & Social Sports to coordinate its inaugural Kick for Mental Health charity tournament at Dietz Stadium on June 7th. 180 kickball fans came out to play and raise awareness about the importance of adolescent mental health services.
The event raised $15,500 to help support programs developed in partnership with the Benedictine Health Foundation, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley’s Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program and Kingston City School District to begin in the fall of 2015.
The event was sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets, WRWD and 98.5 The Cat, WAKA Kickball & Social Sports, Timely Signs, Anaconda Sports, Hudson Valley Psychiatric Associates, Gilday Creative, HealthAlliance Medical Staff, and Gillette Creamery.
Troy Thompson, Drew Coisson, Kim Kresser, Greg Cartier, Kristin Rotella, Evan Lewis, Stasch Gubinski, Sean Ryan, Bill Tubby, Rachael Scorca, and Will Sileo.
To see all event photos, go to facebook.com/benedictinehealthfoundation
The Benedictine Health Foundation, Inc., has recently announced their new mission and vision following HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley’s decision to consolidate the services of Benedictine and Kingston Hospital into a single-campus model, and the formation of a HealthAlliance Foundation.
The Benedictine Health Foundation will support quality health care that improves the physical, psychological, and spiritual well being of those who are vulnerable and underserved. The Foundation will continue to support the work and presence of the Benedictine Sisters within the HealthAlliance system while expanding their legacy of compassionate care throughout Ulster County. As part of their strategic focus and grant-making, the Foundation has established three pillars of excellence: Pastoral Care and Education, Cancer Patient and Family Services including the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, and Mental Health and Addiction Recovery.
“’Care of the sick must rank above and before all else’ is a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict,” said Sister Sharon McHugh, O.S.B, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, N.J. “The roots of our Benedictine heritage are embedded in the mission and values of the Benedictine Health Foundation. The Sisters are grateful that the Foundation will focus their attention on these three pillars, all of which the Sisters have been strong proponents of over the years.”
Rich Gillette, President of the Benedictine Health Foundation, said the Foundation’s vision is to be a leading investor and partner in its community.
“We are excited about our future, and look forward to a continued partnership with our donors, hospitals, pastoral care providers, and others who are sensitive to the needs for quality and compassionate healthcare,” Gillette said.
Sister Mary Feehan, O.S.B. will continue in her role as Chairperson of the Foundation Board of Directors. Officers of the Board are Richard H. Gillette, Board President, Rick McColgan, First Vice President, Julie H. Krieger, Second Vice President, Bernard A. Feeney, III, Treasurer, and Daniel J. Gruner, Secretary.
“We look forward to working closely with the Benedictine Health Foundation in meeting the healthcare needs of our community,” said David Lundquist, President and CEO of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley. “Their newly defined mission will provide much needed support to those in our community suffering from mental health and cancer related health issues.”
“The Benedictine Health Foundation will continue the tradition started many years ago to provide financial support for the health care needs of our community,” said Kevin Ryan, Chairman of the HealthAlliance Board of Directors. “The community will benefit from a coordinated effort between the HealthAlliance Foundation and the Benedictine Health Foundation to broaden their reach while focusing on these three critical pillars of their Mission.”
The Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation awarded a grant in the amount of $15,000 to the Benedictine Health Foundation to support a new initiative, the Breast Education and Breast Outreach Program (BEBOP), which was developed by the staff of the Fern Feldman Anolick Center for Breast Health and the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital, a member of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley.
This new initiative addresses an urgent community need and is designed to close the gap for a significant segment of our region’s population through outreach and education by promoting screening and diagnosis among minority and underserved women.
“Lower-income, uninsured and under-insured women have a great advocate in BEBOP,” said MaryRose Warcholak, Executive Director of the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation. “We’re pleased to support this critical health initiative in our community.” (more…)