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The Obici Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors announced funding of an additional $640,000 to support nonprofits dedicated to improving the health status of people living in Western Tidewater and Gates County, North Carolina.

The grant recipients deliver access to a range of comprehensive health services and increase access to nutritional foods and physical activity.

“We continue to be inspired by our nonprofit partners’ ability to support the residents of Western Tidewater and Gates County throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Thomas Woodward, board president of the Obici Healthcare Foundation. “With these grants, Obici Healthcare Foundation is proud to invest in these impactful programs.”

The following organizations have been awarded grant funding:

• The Genieve Shelter ($117,905) – provides a safe refuge and supportive environment for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking and serves as Western Tidewater’s hub for education and training services on ending the cycle of violence. Funding received will help increase support of case management services offered to survivors.
• The Up Center ($44,873) – provides over 20 critical support services throughout South Hampton Roads for children and families, including mental health counseling, parenting education and support, youth mentoring, foster care and adoption, housing and financial counseling, and services for people with diverse abilities. Funding received will support two local mental health clinicians, expanding mental health services in Western Tidewater.
• Western Tidewater Free Clinic ($64,450) – provides high-quality, non-emergency health care to Western Tidewater residents who cannot otherwise afford medical, dental, or mental health care. Funding will support expansion of dental and medical care services.
• Western Tidewater Community Services Board ($54,038) – provides a coordinated system of quality, recovery-oriented care to citizens in the cities of Franklin and Suffolk and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton. Funding will be used to expand the school-based counseling intervention program in Suffolk Public Schools.
• ForKids ($80,000) – supports over 14 cities and counties in Southeastern Virginia, delivering services that break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children. Funding received will extend emergency sheltering services for Western Tidewater children and families and support the extension of the Family Case Management and COVID-19 emergency housing programs.
• Virginia Legal Aid ($125,000) – also known as VLAS, provides free legal representation, advice, education, and outreach to Western Tidewater residents seeking access to more resources. Funding received will expand the organization’s eviction prevention program to support the cities of Franklin and Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, and the Town of Wakefield in Sussex County.
• Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program ($40,000) – also known as Isle of Wight COP, provides essential resources and emergency assistance to community members living in Isle of Wight County. Funding received will support the organization’s contactless and mobile distribution food security programs.
• Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center ($17,800) – provides food security and access to nutritious food for communities in Western Tidewater and Gates County North Carolina. Funding received will support the organization’s East Washington Street Food Market and mobile distribution program, Hands of Refuge.
• Gates County Public Schools ($49,993) – nurtures and empowers students to be college and career ready, helping youth reach their maximum potential in becoming productive citizens. Funding received will support the renovation of Gates County’s Health and Wellness Facility and expand access to physical activity for students, staff, and community residents.
• YMCA of South Hampton Roads – James L. Camp Jr. Family YMCA ($50,000) – provides access to equitable youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs that help improve the overall health and well-being of people living in the City of Franklin. Funding received will support the revitalization of the outdoor baseball fields.