It’s no secret that there are many people in the country who are in crisis, either because of a job
loss, an illness, or just plain bad luck. But for every hard luck story in the world, there are an
equal number of philanthropists that are willing to share their time, talent, and treasure to help
those in need. In New York State, with its high population and high percentage of working poor,
the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has recently stepped up in a big way.


With the recent gift of 538 grants totaling $165 million which were given to nonprofit
organizations which address the health–related needs of low–income residents in New York
State, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is trying to bridge the gap for those people who are
underserved.


“At a moment when New York State’s health needs are both acute and wide–ranging, the
Foundation is supporting hundreds of programs addressing the needs of vulnerable New
Yorkers and underserved communities across the state.” said Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., chair and CEO
of Visa and chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation board.

Because of the lingering effects of the pandemic, as well as a migrant crisis, there are many
ongoing issues related to healthcare. Many migrants who are trying to get out of harm’s way as
they flee difficulties in their home country walk into more trouble when they cannot adequately
care for their own needs in the United States. The 60 grants totaling $17 million equal roughly a
30 percent increase over last year’s funding. Mental health services are definitely at a premium,
especially for those who do not have the money to pay for them, so they gave $14 million to
increase mental and behavioral health services, including a grant to the Asian American
Federation.


In addition to helping migrants and their families, $22 million goes to those in need of
educational pathways which will help them to make more money in the future. The BISON
Children’s Scholarship Fund is earmarked for that. In addition to education, $14 million is
earmarked for workforce development to ensure there are enough healthcare workers as well
as job opportunities for low–income New Yorkers, including a grant to Upwardly Global.
Additionally, $15 million was pledged to fight increasing food insecurity, including a grant to the
Met Council.


“From building up our healthcare workforce and providing essential resources for immigrants
and migrants, to investing in community–based providers that address chronic challenges from
mental health to food insecurity, funding this year will again offer much–needed support to
underserved communities,” Kelly, Jr. added.


According to Adnan Zai, Advisor to Berkeley Capital, “The crisis for the working poor continues
to be exacerbated by the worsening economic conditions in our country. The Mother Cabrini
Health Foundation is stepping in to bridge the gap and help those who need a boost.”


Even though there will always be people in need of help, there will also be those who are willing
to help. The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is one of those groups of people.