Edinboro Receives $4,495 Grant

Left to Right: Susannah Weis Frigon, Amanda Brown Sissem, Chuck Scalise, Denise Kolivoski, Dr. Mandy Fauble

This year, the LGBT Funds of The Erie Community Foundation awarded its annual grant to a partnership with NAMI of Erie County and Edinboro University.

Approximately 10% of LGBTQIA students living with mental health conditions may find themselves fighting a double stigma. Many experience prejudice based on sexual and/or gender identity as well as the stigma associated with mental wellness. Even prior to the pandemic, LGBTQIA youth have been found to be at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and substance use. NAMI of Erie County staff, volunteers, and instructors will begin diversity training by William J. Koehler, Ph.D., LCSW (he/they) from Edinboro University/Greater ErieAlliance for Equity (GEAE) on August 31, 2021, with the goal of increasing the diversity of NAMI’s referrals and knowledge of the LGBTQIA communities in Erie County. NAMI of Erie County’s goal is to have over100 students attend the support group and be positively impacted.

NAMI of Erie County will provide 20 sessions to Edinboro University students, scheduled throughout the school year. All sessions will be completed prior to the end of the 21/22 Academic Year. Participants will be surveyed at the beginning and end of the sessions to assess outcomes relating to their involvement in the group, and their mental health. More information will be available at:  NAMIerie.org/LBGTQIA (the page is not currently operational).