Mount Saint Mary College has received a grant for $325,000 from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, to be used for the growth of the Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness.
The Desmond Center provides wellness and educational services for underserved individuals and families. The center offers accessible and equitable educational, health, and wellness services for community members and families in the local area. All services are free of cost and open to the community.
This is the fourth grant that the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has provided for the Desmond Center.
“We are delighted to announce that the Desmond Center has been awarded funding for the fourth consecutive year from the Cabrini Foundation,” said Ashley Collazo, acting director of the Desmond Center. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their continued belief in our vision and the vital work we do. Together, we will continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We look forward with great anticipation to the year ahead.”
The Desmond Center began operating out of its new home in Guzman Hall in mid-2023. The revitalized space on campus includes new offices and community rooms, perfect for the center’s public events.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/
“As we look back at the compounding crises of the last few years, the health-related needs of vulnerable communities have only grown,” said Executive Chairman of Visa and Chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Board. “Our grantees have demonstrated tremendous resilience, creativity, and dedication to serving those in need.”
Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, added, “As we begin to recover from a pandemic that has hit vulnerable populations the hardest, we must continue to address the challenges communities across New York State are facing: food and housing insecurity; lack of access to basic healthcare including vaccines; workforce issues; and educational, racial, economic, and health disparities made worse during COVID-19. We must continue to support the full range of services that make for healthy people and communities.”