Delphi Rise Announces an Award from Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Black Giving Collective to Expand Culturally Aligned Mental Health Support in Wayne County

Delphi Rise is honored to announce an award from Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Black Giving Collective in support of A Rural Challenge with a Community Solution, an initiative that centers Black and Brown youth and families in Wayne County by expanding access to mental health support that reflects their cultural identities and lived experiences.

This unique effort focuses on creating spaces where young people of color living in rural, predominantly white communities can talk openly about mental health. The program supports credible messengers—trusted community members who share these identities and experiences—to become certified Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) instructors. These instructors, in turn, provide training to other Black and Brown community members, creating safe, affirming spaces for open conversations about mental health and wellness that are

grounded not only in evidence, but in cultural understanding.

“Black youth and families in Wayne County bring strength, wisdom, and resilience to their communities, yet too often have limited access to culturally affirming care or spaces that honor their identities and lived experiences,” said Jennifer Cathy, CEO of Delphi Rise. “This initiative builds on that strength by restoring trust and deepening support through leaders the community already knows and respects.”

This award builds on the momentum of a successful one-year pilot funded by the New York State Health Foundation and over a decade of experience providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to both urban and rural communities across a six-county footprint. It also reflects Delphi Rise’s mission to serve individuals and families through person-centered care, peer support, and community-driven solutions.

The Black Giving Collective’s award of $14,956 will be used alongside additional grant funding like the $35,000 awarded from Rochester Area Community Foundation earlier this year. These grants will contribute toward the training of 120 community members, while also supporting peer learning circles and community outreach. The ultimate goal is to strengthen a lasting culture of wellness where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to seek support.

About Delphi Rise Delphi Rise is a 90-year-old nonprofit organization serving Monroe and Wayne Counties with a broad range of services, including substance use prevention and treatment, 24/7 substance use evaluations and support, prison reentry services, housing assistance, and help meeting basic needs. Rooted in a legacy of care, Delphi Rise is committed to creating equitable, person-centered solutions that support whole person well-being and long-term stability. Learn more at www.delphirise.org.

About Rochester Area Community Foundation In partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership