Iona University has received a $10,000 grant from The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe to conduct local workshops focusing on managing stress, depression, and anxiety in Bronxville. Kavita Dhanwada, Ph.D., the founding dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with The Community Fund to provide these important workshops for local residents." Dhanwada also highlighted the significance of this opportunity for students, saying, "This opportunity both aligns with Iona’s mission of service to our local communities and gives our students the chance to gain real-world experience applying the lessons of the classroom into the world beyond."

The grant will be utilized to implement three one-hour workshops at Iona’s Kelly Center for Health Sciences in Bronxville, led by graduate students from Iona University’s Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling programs. The goal of these workshops is to enhance health outcomes in response to the findings of the Community Fund’s recent Community Needs Assessment, which identified a significant gap in mental health and well-being services.

Amy Korb, the executive director of The Community Fund, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, stating, "Our staff, in partnership with our board, worked together to develop the mental health discretionary fund and find robust programs that provide tangible help to our community members." Korb added, "This isn't just about mental health awareness; it is about providing our community members with the services and tools to help them thrive."

The Community Fund, established in 1919, awards grants annually to support agencies and programs serving the health, education, and welfare needs of residents in Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe. In 2024, the Fund has allocated $600,000 in grants to address the community's health needs. Individuals interested in learning more about The Community Fund can contact them at info@thecommunityfund.org or (914) 337-8808.

Iona University, founded in 1940, is a prominent institution dedicated to academic excellence and values of justice, peace, and service. With a diverse community of learners and scholars, Iona offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields. The university's collaboration with The Community Fund exemplifies its commitment to serving the local community and providing practical learning opportunities for its students.