Foundation Initiatives
The Access: Supports for Living Foundation Inc. was established in 2006 as a fundraising and asset management entity for Access: Supports for Living. Today, the Foundation supports the Access Network which includes The Guidance Center of Westchester, New York Families of Autistic Children, and Meaningful NY. It is intended that all funds raised by the Foundation, through permanent endowments or otherwise, shall be used for the stated missions of Access and the Access Affiliates. Our commitment to rewarding lives and healthy communities is demonstrated through key initiatives of the Foundation that enhance the quality of life for each person we serve. These initiatives were born out of needs identified in the sixteen counties that span our footprint and are supported by our Foundation Board of Directors, Community Leadership Councils, and thousands of our dedicated supporters and staff.
Lifelong Learning In Our Community
Community Education:
Provide training and expertise where it’s needed throughout the community we support that includes, but is not limited to:
- Narcan Administration Training taught by the Access team.
- Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR): An evidence-based suicide prevention tool with three steps that anyone can use to help prevent suicide.
- CPR/First Aid: Partnering with our communities to provide basic wound care, CPR and AED training.
- Mental Health Mondays: In partnership with iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley, coming together to educate the community on the resources available.
Click here to learn more, or contact Allison Horan: ahoran@asfl.org
Mental Health Matters – Supporting Healthy Minds
Mental Health In Schools:
An established set of mental health support services that encourage students to seek assistance for themselves or peers who may be struggling with any mental health challenges.
- The Access: Influencer Network, composed of well-known community leaders and celebrity talent from the sports and entertainment industry, brings to the classroom their stories of resilience and hope.
- Mental Health First Aid Training for administrators and faculty.
- Support resources such as psychiatry when available.
Click here to learn more, or contact Mariann Cheney: mcheney@asfl.org
Youth Today. Our Leaders Tomorrow.
Center for College & Careers:
The Center for College & Careers (CCC), headquartered in Mount Vernon, New York, helps young adults ages 16-24, prepare for postsecondary education and employment by providing free certification and on-site trainings in a variety of fields.
Click here to learn more, or contact Kimberly Morales: kmorales@tgcny.org
We’re Planting Seeds…
Community Garden:
Through partnership with private donors and other agencies we have created agricultural opportunities for the people we support to develop skills and provide a pathway to give back to the community. Currently, gardens are maintained by people supported through programs with a plan in 2023 to include the expansion to other sites throughout our footprint.
Click here to learn more, or contact Mariann Cheney: mcheney@asfl.org
They Serve Us, We Serve Them.
Veteran Support Program:
With the addition of a Veteran’s liaison in 2022, our goal is to assist our staff member in securing partners and funding in the areas of affordable housing, behavioral health, and substance use disorders, and a connection to community resources for Veterans and their families.
Click here to learn more, or contact Mariann Cheney: mcheney@asfl.org
