Lee Foundation Announces Mental Health Grants Totaling $350,000

For Immediate Release:

August 14, 2017

THE PATRICK P. LEE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS TOTALING $350,000

Buffalo, NY – The Patrick P. Lee Foundation, the only Buffalo based foundation dedicated to having immediate and measurable impact in Education and Mental Health, is pleased to announce grants totaling $350,000 to two organizations providing support to individuals with mental health challenges.

In May, the Foundation awarded $300,000 to the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition to launch its campaign, entitled Join the Conversation.  The campaign’s goal is to combat stigma by increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance of those living with mental health challenges.  “Far too often, stigma prevents people from seeking the care they need,” said Jane Mogavero, Esq., Executive Director of the Lee Foundation.  “It is critical that we change the dialogue surrounding mental illness. There is help available and people do not need to suffer in silence.”

In concert with its support of the campaign, the Lee Foundation awarded $50,000 to Compeer Buffalo to support the expansion of the organization’s Mental Health First Aid Program.  Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour course that educates people on how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training, which is evidence based, builds mental health literacy, helping people to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness.

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“These grants are very complementary and well aligned with the Foundation’s

goal to raise public awareness of mental illnesses,” Mogavero added.  “Through education and targeted outreach, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those living with mental health challenges.”

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About the Patrick P. Lee Foundation

The Patrick P. Lee Foundation was established in 2007 when Patrick P. Lee sold International Motion Control (IMC), one of the world’s premier manufacturers of shock absorption and vibration isolation products located in Buffalo, NY.  The Lee Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to having immediate and measurable impact in two key investment areas- Education and Mental Health.  For more information, visit www.lee.foundation.

About the Anti-Stigma Campaign and Join the Conversation

The mission of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition, which was founded by 15 mental health groups and community thought leaders, is to stop the stigma surrounding mental health. 

In May 2017, the Coalition launched Join the Conversation, a public awareness campaign to combat stigma associated with mental illness.  The campaign seeks to educate the community about mental illness and start a conversation where people can share their stories, struggles and successes with each other.  For more information on the Coalition or Join the Conversation, visit www.letstalkstigma.com.