Hilbert College awarded record-setting grant for second consecutive year

Hilbert College was awarded a $523,625 grant from The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. This grant has surpassed last year’s grant from the foundation ($500,000), and is the largest foundation grant in Hilbert’s history. The funding will be used to continue support of the Franciscan Advocacy & Resource Center at Hilbert, which helps students overcome life issues and supports and strengthens their ability to transition and thrive in their educational setting and beyond.

“This is a very significant day for Hilbert College,” said President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D. “I am extremely grateful to The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for this record-setting grant. The continued support for the Franciscan Advocacy & Resource Center at Hilbert will continue to be truly transformative for the students we serve and the community at large.”

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation CEO Monsignor Gregory Mustaciuolo said, “After nearly two years of recovery from a pandemic that has hit vulnerable populations the hardest, we must continue to address the challenges communities across New York state are facing: food and housing insecurity; lack of access to basic health care, including vaccines; lack of equity within the health care professions; and racial and economic health care disparities made worse during COVID-19. We must continue to support the full range of services that make for healthy people and communities.”

Led by Director Jeff Papia, vice president of mission integration and campus ministry, the center focuses on mental health and well-being; student accessibility, success and retention; campus ministry outreach; student advocacy; and collaborative learning and community building.

A press release noted, “This funding will continue to strengthen our diversity and inclusion initiatives at Hilbert, address food insecurity, provide emergency funding and scholarships, and sustain the Hawk Express Shuttle. Additional services and support will be provided this year for mental health, accessibility, and retention initiatives.” Visit www.hilbert.edu.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York that either provide direct health care services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.