HICO Overview

High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) was proposed by the UUCSF Board of Trustees and approved by the congregation in late 2019.  It is a long-term program to fund projects that can make a difference in our local communities and develop connections between the congregation and grantees.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UUCSF CONGREGATIONAL MANDATE

FOCUS 2023

Thank you for your interest in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South
Fork’s (UUCSF) High Impact Community Outreach Fund (HICO). Each grant cycle we
select different areas of focus highlighting specific populations and needs in our
community. We ask that all applicants ensure that their projects align with at least one
identified population and/or set of needs.

This is the fourth year of our HICO program.  Our focus is shifting slightly to reflect the
uncertain economic environment and the impact of the sharp rise in inflation. We would
like to be a resource for East Enders dealing with hardships across several areas.
Further, we remain sensitive to the lingering challenges from the dislocations generated
by COVID.  Please see our 2023 priorities below. We look forward to learning about
your project!

Needs:
– Basic Needs: Food & Shelter
– Financial and Legal Education and Assistance
– Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – i.e., Board Representation, Workshops, Community Involvement
– Animals Helping People

Populations:
– Families with Children
– Low Income Families
– Intergenerational Involvement and Caring

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Important information for submitting your application:

Fourth Grant Cycle: Begins January 2023
Deadline: Applications Accepted Through March 31, 2023
Decision: Communicated June 2023

Submit Application via Mail and electronically:
PDF-fillable application should be downloaded from the website and filled out completely

Send 2 Hard copies of the completed application to:

UUCSF
c/o David Holstein
13 Stuart Court
Hampton Bays, NY 11946

An electronic copy should also be sent to: PAC@uucsf.org

Please Note:

• Please complete the application as best you can. 
• Only one grant per applicant every 12 months
• All narrative pages should be typed using a minimum of 12 pt. font, single spaced on 8 ½ x 11 paper
• Submit any questions or comments to PAC@uucsf.org

Proposal Assessment Committee

The Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) was charged by the Board of Trustees to administer the HICO program. Currently, there are 4 members of the PAC. PAC’s participants must be members or friends of the UUCSF.  PAC members serve a one-year term that ends in January.  PAC members can extend their tenure reflecting their interest, availability and the Board’s approval. The Board, in selecting the PAC, identified a diverse group of individuals with varying skills, significant interest and connections to non-profit agencies.

PAC Members in 2022:

Ken Ettlinger

David Holstein

Celia Josephson

Lora Tucker

 

 

2022 HICO Awards

The 2022 HICO grants were awarded in late June/early July.  The Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) reviewed 13 applications with requests totaling $139,300.  The 2022 Focus shifted slightly to reach out and empower the more marginalized populations of the East End.   It also recognized the continued dislocations generated by COVID which need support. The PAC awarded seven grants ranging from $5,000 to $8,100 for a total outlay of $44,000.  The award recipients and a short description of their projects follow:

 

The Butterfly Effect Project (BEP)

BEP has launched its Butterfly Action Group (BAG) to guide young adults in generating impactful changes in their schools and communities by bridging gaps, removing barriers, and understanding how government/democracy works. BAG chapters learn to discuss divisive topics such as race, inclusion, prejudices and discrimination with peers.  The goal is to create a “Code of Conduct” for their respective High Schools. Ideally, BAG becomes a forum for students to discuss issues such as offensive behaviors, bullying, misunderstandings resolving them together, rather than resorting to social networks, fighting or via disciplinary actions. A Youth Administer will guide the process with the cooperation of teachers and administrators of three High Schools – Riverhead, Southold and Southampton.

 

Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE)

CMEE will restore and support reading fluency in bilingual children K-6 grade. The pandemic has severely impacted these children.  Staff has observed steep declines in reading fluency and comprehension.  The regression of students’ reading, learning and behavioral skills as well as greater inhibitions and a loss of curiosity threaten their long-term educational achievements.  CMEE will expand its summer reading program and recruit additional students in partnership with OLA.  Funds will support an 8-week summer course with mentors trained for basic reading skills and help with emotional needs and anxiety management.  Supplies will be free.

 

Community Action Southold Town (CAST)

Name Change: Center for Advocacy, Support, Transformation (CAST)

CAST created the North Fork Culinary Program for High School Students not going to college.  The goal is to provide needed skills in the Hospitality industry so that their graduates enter better paying jobs/careers with experience, internships, connections, knowledge and skills.  CAST’s 12-week, 50-hour course is offered in English and Spanish providing essential job-readiness skills.  Program volunteers include chefs, hotel owners, vintners, bakers, aqua culturists, administrative support, etc. Instruction is geared to hands-on experience preparing participants for the real world.  The course also works on the soft skills of employment – resume writing, interviewing, interpersonal communication and time management.

 

Inspirational Triathlon Racing Int’l (i-tri)

i-tri recognizes that the COVID pandemic is having a significant impact on young adolescent girls.  The grant will address the girls’ psychological needs.  i-tri is working to create a “culture of trauma care and coaching” which will be practiced in the program and integrated into their curriculum.  The funding will facilitate professional development and training for all their personnel via an outside consultant – Center for Healing & Justice through Sport. i-tri’s target audience is particularly vulnerable to negative mental health consequences of the pandemic – depression, anxiety and failure to thrive.  The project supports: 1) i-tri leadership training on trauma care, 2) i-tri small group training to gain feedback and support for trainers and 3) Integration of learnings into their curriculum for the future.

 

NY LGBT Network

Bullying, harassment and unsafe environments are a constant challenge for LGBTQ students.  This violence leads to negative outcomes as students are more likely to miss school, have lower GPAs, do not pursue college degrees, have lower self-esteem and are a suicide risk. The Network is working to create safe spaces. Schools with Gay Straight Alliance/Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs have reported success in generating a greater sense of belonging to their community and reduced bullying/harassment.  NY LGBT Network will bring it’s Safe School Initiative and Anti-Bullying/LGBT 101 to East End schools.  Aside from increasing knowledge and awareness in the general school population, the program is expected to empower and build leadership capabilities among LGBT youth.  GSA clubs are expected to be formed in six schools.

 

SEPA Mujer Inc.

SEPA will bring its “Latina Works” project to their Hampton Bays and Riverhead chapters.  Latina Works strives to get equal access to job opportunities and job satisfaction.  Education starts with an awareness of worker’s rights. Enhanced knowledge of one’s rights empowers Latinas to advocate for themselves against discrimination and exploitation.  Common workplace occurrences that are tackled are: combatting wage theft, understatement of hours work, unpaid sick time, racist comments, threat of deportation, unsafe working conditions and not being allowed to apply for higher pay.  Lastly, those most vulnerable are targets of sexual harassment.  SEPA will run their “Know Your Rights and Sexual Harassment Remedies” workshops in Spanish twice a month in Hampton Bays and Riverhead. Additionally, SEPA provides access to job search skill classes to access opportunities and can provide referrals to Suffolk County Department of Labor.

 

Sound Justice Initiative (SJI)

Justice-involved individuals have a history of being educationally shortchanged.  Even a short stay in jail has adverse consequences on future success.  SJI fills a void in rehabilitation.  Jail terms are for shorter terms (typically under a year) so there are fewer opportunities for education and/or training.  Jails are often a gateway to deeper and more lasting involvement with the criminal justice system.  SJI is providing liberal arts as well as employment and financial skills courses to individuals in Suffolk County jails.  They are breaking courses down into 5- and 15-week segments geared to jail times. SJI is offering individual counseling and programs designed to produce certificates of accomplishments and references.  A more welcoming “classroom” and a more mature student can facilitate education success for individuals left behind by public schools.

HICO 2021 AWARDS

The 2021 HICO grant cycle ran from April through the end of July 2020.  The Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) reviewed 8 applications with requests totaling $73,200.  The 2021 Focus shifted from the immediate dislocations generated by COVID to the populations and needs that have been underserved, excluded and require support. The PAC awarded 5 grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 for a total outlay of $31,000.  The award recipients and a short description of their projects follow:

Centro Corazon de Maria (CCDM)

CCDM recognizes the importance of high-quality early education as well as the role of the parent as the child’s first teacher.  They created the program “Madres Protagonistas” (Mothers as Protagonists) last year.  The program addresses the loneliness and isolation of being a single undocumented parent on the East End.  The program provides a stipend to 15 women over the winter months when work is harder to find.  The women’s “job” is to attend parenting skill building classes as well as a program for their children.  Mothers engage in literacy and cognitive skill building activities with the program’s goal to improve access of these children to high quality preschool experiences in the future.  The camaraderie of the participants as well as the identification of early developmental issues in children are important unanticipated benefits of the program.

Hampton Community Outreach (formerly Hamptons Art Camp)

The mental health challenges experienced by young adults post pandemic remains considerable.  There is a scarcity of resources to counsel and treat adolescents as well as a lack of funds to pay for these services.  Hampton Community Outreach has designed a “Youth Mental Health” program that begins with empathy and builds toward a lasting set of behavioral tools. With local school partners they will establish a series of support groups for teenagers and pre-teens to develop positive coping skills, identifying unproductive thought patterns and alleviating isolation.  Well qualified bilingual and culturally competent therapists have been identified to support up to 5 weekly support groups through the 2021-22 school year.

Maureen’s Haven

COVID has been particularly challenging for the homeless.  Maureen’s Haven has realigned many services to better meet the needs of the population.  To get their clients vaccinated, Maureen’s Haven has provided information, education and transportation.  For example, vaccination for the Latino community is being supported by evening/weekend hours at vaccination sites.   Access to medical care is improving with Maureen’s Haven’s ability to transport plus cooperation with local health care providers.  Finally, a “Summer Weekend Lunch Program” was launched as a lack of meals continues despite the pandemic’s impact diminishing.  This grant largely supports the sharp increase in transportation costs that generate positive outcomes of increased vaccinations, health care access and food insecurity.

Southampton African American Museum (SAAM)

SAAM’s objective/goal is to create a “Three Themed Program” educational tool.  The themes are: 1) The Great Migration History, 2) History of the Black Barbershop/Beauty Parlor, 3) The Extraordinary History of Pyrrhus Concer.  SAAM has partnered with many resources including Stony Brook University to expand research.  This grant will help bring a high-tech approach to communicating research/exhibits to the Hamptons.  Creating a more tech savvy personal experience will encourage young people to embrace their history and the contribution of Blacks and people of color to our community.

The Retreat

The Retreat has put together a program to nurture children’s (3–8 year-olds) minds in these turbulent times. The prevention education team created “Getting Along Story Time”.  It initially targeted loneliness and isolation but has expanded to address the critical issues of the value of each individual and the beauty of differences, inclusion and equality.  It celebrates diversity, compassion the importance of developing healthy interpersonal relationships.  The live program uses stories, song and art to convey these powerful messages.  The Retreat will partner with several well-known childcare providers to deliver 20-25 sessions over the year.

HICO 2020 AWARDS

The inaugural HICO grant cycle ran from mid-June through the end of September 2020.  The Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) reviewed 15 applications with requests totaling $330,100.  The PAC awarded 7 grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 for a total outlay of $41,175.  The award recipients and a short description of their projects follow:

Organization: Butterfly Effect Project

The Butterfly Effect Project is constructing a Community Garden on the grounds of the First Baptist Church in Riverhead.  In nurturing a working garden, the project encourages food self-sufficiency, skills in gardening, food preparation and nutrition.  They are engaging a racially mixed group of young people and their families by creating a safe place where the community can come together. The overarching goal is to change the dietary choices made by low income families leading to healthier lifestyles.

Organization: East End Birth Network

East End infant mortality rates are some of the highest in NY State.  High mortality rates reflect our profit driven health care system, systemic prejudices and a scarcity of services. There are significant obstacles to obtaining care. The project is a mobile pop-up parent and baby pantry.  The service will mirror a food pantry model with donated baby and maternity items being recycled to underserved prospective and new parents.  “Bundles” for parents will include educational materials and small comfort items to assist through the various stages of becoming a new parent.  The pop-ups will bring resources to minority groups who are disproportionally affected and most at risk. It will support year-round families as they transition through the vulnerable stages of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and early childhood.

Organization: East End Food Institute

The East End Food Institute’s Farm to Community program brings together local food producers and community members in need of healthy food options. The project supports local farmers by purchasing surplus produce.  Locally grown fruits and vegetables will be processed and frozen in their kitchen on the Stony Brook Southampton campus.  The goal is to provide 25 families from the Shinnecock Nation with 5 pounds of frozen packaged food per week for 10 weeks.  Healthy recipes will be provided to extend the nutritional impact.  This is a joint project between the Padoquohan Medicine Lodge and the East End Food Institute.

Organization: East Hampton Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivers two meals per day to residents of East Hampton who are homebound due to illness, injury and/or the pandemic. Since the start of COVID, MOW has doubled the number of clients served. As winter approaches, this number will no doubt continue to grow. In funding this project, we will be enhancing food security, reducing the loneliness and isolation of seniors and supporting local businesses that supply the meals.

Organization: OLA of Eastern Long Island

OLA works to create a more equitable East End for Latino immigrants.   OLA will partner with organizations, such as schools, non-profits and houses of worship, to create a more expansive and streamlined referral system for mental health services on the East End for Latinx youth. This will include a thorough intake and screening process and will help match clients with timely and needed support. In-person and telemedicine appointments will be made available. This project aims to connect people with the services they need, foster mental health in our community, and decrease the marginalization of the Latinx immigrant population.

Organization: Padoquohan Medicine Lodge

Many homes of the Shinnecock Nation’s seniors have become health hazards due to issues of mold, non-functioning cesspools, poor insulation and persistent leaks. Further, COVID has left many of the Shinnecock Nation’s essential workers without affordable housing. The grant will fund direly needed repairs for elders.  It will start with stabilizing and pumping overworked cesspools and move into providing materials and labor for the most pressing housing needs.  Providing Shinnecock seniors and essential workers with safe, clean and healthy homes is a human right allowing them to live with dignity.

Organization: Shinnecock Indian Nation

The Shinnecock Nation has a significant number of homes without internet or computers.  COVID has made internet connectivity essential.   The grant facilitates the purchase of computers, modems, Wi-Fi access and technical assistance for selected elders. This will reduce the isolation of a vulnerable group.  It will ensure that elders can remain connected with tribal activities, local government, faith communities, telemedicine and social welfare assistance programs.

High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) Board Reports:

HICO 2022: Our 3rd Grant Cycle Review
Submitted to the Board 6/25/2022
Click Here to review the report

HICO 2021: Our 2nd Grant Cycle Review
Submitted to the Board 7/15/2021
Click Here to review the report

HICO 2020: Our 1st Grant Cycle Review
Submitted to the Board 9/27/2020
Click Here to review the report

Board Request for Additional HICO Funding
Submitted to the Board 1/4/2022
Click Here to review the report

 

FOUR YEARS OF GRANTS AND GOING STRONG!

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK’S
HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Bridgehampton, NY January 23, 2023… The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of
the South Fork (UUCSF), under the leadership of Reverend Kimberly Quinn Johnson,
continues to be a vibrant participant in our community. Our High Impact
Community Outreach (HICO) program is designed to serve our East End neighbors.
Over the last three years, HICO has granted $116,000 to 18 outstanding Long Island
nonprofits. HICO is awarding financial assistance to institutions residing in or
servicing any of the five Eastern Townships — East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter
Island, Riverhead and Southold — plus the Shinnecock Nation. The UUCSF will
consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations,
and national organizations with East End offices.

HICO’s Focus this year reflects the uncertain economic environment and the impact
of the sharp rise in inflation. Funding will help the East End deal with multiple
hardships. Awards will address needs in the following areas: Food & Shelter;
Financial & Legal Education and Assistance; the Fostering of Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion; and agencies promoting Animals Helping People.  Our targeted
population concentrates on those with children or having low incomes or support
for intergenerational family’s needs. The application deadline is March 31.

The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member
Paul Berman.  To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-
overview/.  Any questions can be directed to pac@uucsf.org. or call the
Meetinghouse at (631) 537-0132.

MEETING OUR LOCAL NEEDS – WHERE DO YOU START?

Bridgehampton, NY, July 22, 2022…..There are so many challenges and so many great groups working to make our East End a better place to live for all. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) continues to try to assist these groups make a difference. Its High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program awarded seven local non-profits grants, totaling $44,000 for 2022.  All of the 13 proposals received had tremendous merit and we only wish we could have funded every project. This year’s focus targeted the secondary effects surrounding COVID – mental health and education – as well as working to level the playing field for more marginalized groups via advocacy, training, education, respect and fairer treatment.

 

HICO’s third cycle was a testament to the high quality of the grant applicants, as well as their dedication and creativity. We are honored to announce the seven institutions that will be this year’s grant awardees:

• The Butterfly Effect Project
• Children’s Museum of the East End
• Community Action Southold Town
• Inspirational Triathlon Racing International (i-tri)
• NY LGBT Network, Inc.
• SEPA Mujer, Inc.
• Sound Justice Initiative, Inc.

Individual grants ranged from $5,000 to $8,100. And it is our hope that the UUCSF will continue to be in partnership with these institutions for the longer-term:

 

The East End community can continue to support the HICO program by donating HERE. Also, a full description of our HICO program and each of the funded projects can be found at our website https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.

 

Bridgehampton, NY, February 28, 2022

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK’S
HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM ENTERS THIRD YEAR

Although COVID and the pandemic may be entering a milder phase, the impact and the needs of our East End community continue to expand in numerous ways.  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s (UUCSF) High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program is awarding financial assistance to a select group of institutions residing in any of the five Townships — East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold — plus the Shinnecock Nation. The UUCSF will consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations, and national organizations with East End offices.

Applications will be evaluated by the Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) who are appointed by the UUCSF Board.  2022’s Focus will continue to be on the more marginalized Eastenders, seeking to empower them as well as addressing areas of increasing concerns.  This year, grants will be awarded to organizations seeking project support that target one of the following at risk populations: LGBTQ, Single Adults, Young Adults and People of Color. Project needs should address one of the following areas: Equal Access to opportunities, Advocacy, Environmental Justice and Mental Health.  The deadline for application submission is April 30th.

The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member Paul Berman.  To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.  Any questions can be directed to the PAC at pac@uucsf.org.

 

August 9, 2021

ARE WE ANY BETTER OFF THAN WE WERE A YEAR AGO?

Bridgehampton, NY, August 9, 2021…..This is a question that many of us find ourselves asking again and again.  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) has taken this precious time to try to assist our East End non-profit institutions by awarding High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) grants for the second year.  A 2020 grantee, Kate Fullam, Executive Director of the East End Food Institute shared,   “East End Food Institute partnered with the Padoquohan Medicine Lodge in 2020-21 to create a program that assisted 25 families who were in need of a dignified way to access healthy food. Using the HICO grant, we purchased and processed high quality local produce so that the families could access the bounty of local farms without leaving the Shinnecock Reservation. The HICO grant helped us establish a stronger relationship with our partners at Padoquohan Medicine Lodge, and we distributed more than 1,200 lbs of frozen produce over the course of 10 weeks during the winter of 2020-21.”

HICO’s second cycle continues to welcome the high quality of the grant applicants as well as the dedication and creativity of the individual projects. “We are very pleased to announce the names of the 5 institutions that will be this year’s grant awardees,” said Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson, UUCSF Minister, “They are: Centro Corazon de Maria, Hampton Community Outreach, Maureen’s Haven, Southampton African American Museum and The Retreat.”   The projects vary from supporting challenges including mental health, COVID vaccinations, parenting and education. The total amount of the awarded grants was $31,000.

The East End community can continue to support the HICO program by donating directly https://bit.ly/uucsfHICO. Also, a full description of our HICO program and each of the funded projects can be found at our website https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.

Press Releases

March 29,2021

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK
CONTINUES OFFERING HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH GRANTS

We have entered the second year of the pandemic and the needs in our East End community are just as large as they were a year ago.  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s (UUCSF) High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program is bringing some financial assistance to a select group of institutions from one of the five Townships: East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold plus the Shinnecock Nation. The UUCSF will consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations and national organizations with East End offices.  Applications will be evaluated by the Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) who have been appointed by the UUCSF Board.  “Our focus is shifting in our second year,” stated David Holstein, PAC member, “From the immediate dislocations generated by COVID to the populations and needs that have been underserved, excluded and require support.” This year grants will be awarded to organizations seeking project support that target one of the following at risk populations: Children and families, Single Mothers and People of Color. Project needs should cover one of the following areas: Early Childhood Education; Healing of the Earth; Cultural Education Through Sharing & Exploration and Healthcare Equity.  The deadline for application submission is May 28th.

The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member Paul Berman.  To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.  Any questions can be directed to the PAC at pac@uucsf.org.   

 

October 15, 2020

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK

ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL GRANT RECIPIENTS

Bridgehampton, NY, October 15, 2020…Back in January the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) started down a new path in search of partnerships with LI East End nonprofits. The goal was to assist in funding community outreach projects with the Congregations bequest received from departed member Paul Berman.  After reviewing the many highly qualified grant proposals, seven grant recipients have been selected.

“The UUCSF is proud and elated to announce our very first High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) grant recipients for 2020,” stated Michael F. Daly, Board President. “The seven beneficiaries are: Butterfly Effect Project, East End Birth Network, East End Food Institute, East Hampton Meals on Wheels, OLA of Eastern LI, Padoquohan Medicine Lodge and Shinnecock Indian Nation.”  The multi-dimensional East End community- based projects span from providing Senior Citizens of the Shinnecock Indian Nation with laptops and connection to the internet, to the Butterfly Effect Project’s intergenerational gardening initiative and the East End Birth Network mobile Parent & Baby Pantry. Sara Topping, Executive Director of the East End Birth Network, highlights the need for a mobile Pantry, “The issues we are trying to address with our mobile Parent & Baby Pantry are layered and intersectional,” she continues, ” The U.S. has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the developed world; Black and Indigenous woman are dying at a rate 3 to 4 times higher than White women and here in Southampton, Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor we have some of the highest infant mortality rates in the state of New York.”

The range of projects that will be funded are expansive and will greatly impact the residents of the East End. “We look forward to partnering with each of these dedicated institutions to provide the community with the much needed services that are outlined in each of their projects,” concluded Mr. Daly, “We welcome the opportunity to continue our partnerships next year with other East End nonprofits.” To read a fuller description of each of the grant awarded organizations detailed projects visit:

https://uucsf.org/hico-2020-awards/