Monroe County Family Coalition

You can make a difference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2023

CONTACT
Name: Dina Johnson
Phone: (585) 489-4833
Email: mcfamilycoalition@gmail.com

Monroe County Family Coalition, Inc. named recipient of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield 2023 Health Equity Innovation Award
$30,000 in funding to strengthen mental health wellness and nutritional support for underprivileged youth and families

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Monroe County Family Coalition, Inc. (MCFC) has been recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for its commitment to addressing health disparities and improving health equity and named a 2023 Health Equity Innovation Awards recipient.

Dina and Kim Picture

The awards program aims to provide financial support to community programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities across Excellus BCBS’s upstate New York service area. MCFC was awarded $30,000 to support mental health wellness and nutritional programs for underprivileged youth and families in Monroe Co.

MCFC was founded in the wake of the Black Families Matter rally held by a group of parents and teachers on June 20, 2020, in the Town of Greece, New York. MCFC’s president Dina Johnson is a marriage and family therapist, a Black parent and an executive with professional experience in health care and health education with a focus on racial and ethnic minority populations. In addition, since its founding, MCFC has already organized a series of programs for local racial and ethnic minority communities. Most recently, MCFC held a back-to-school event in the City of Rochester, which brought together over 350 community members, including at least 25% of Black/African Americans and 15% of other racial and ethnic minorities.

“Mental health wellness and nutritional support programs for underprivileged youth and families in Monroe Co. will enhance our continuous efforts by introducing several initiatives to bolster support for vulnerable community members,” said Dina Johnson, MCFC’s president and CEO. A dedicated part-time staff will lead engagement with key stakeholders, expanding workforce development, financial literacy and one-on-one consultations. The program encompasses an annual back-to-school event, a community garden with nutrition workshops, guidance for cultivating healthy habits and a youth and wellness conference.

“As an organization deeply committed to community wellbeing, we recognize the critical importance of our efforts in enhancing support for underprivileged youth and families. Our investment reflects our dedication to fostering holistic development. This program, with its focus on education, nutrition, and mental health, aims to bridge disparities and empower underserved communities in Monroe County. We believe it’s essential to provide the necessary resources and guidance to ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive and lead a healthy, fulfilling life,” Johnson.

MCFC is one of 20 nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations from across Excellus BCBS’s upstate New York service area – including the Rochester, Central New York, Utica/North Country, and Southern Tier regions – recognized as part of this year’s Health Equity Innovation Awards.

Organizations were invited to apply for the 2024 Health Equity Innovation Awards to receive grants of up to $30,000 each to help fund initiatives, programs and research that specifically target the root causes of health inequities, with a focus on addressing structural racism. Applicants were assessed based on clear, defined goals and measurable results for reducing health disparities and improving health equity, and 20 grant recipients were selected following a comprehensive review process that included input from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, our mission is to help people lead healthier, more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. We’re committed to community partnerships and using our resources to support initiatives that directly target health disparities, promote access to care, and address the underlying social determinants of health, to help ensure everyone can reach their full potential,” said Simone Edwards, DrPH, MPH, Excellus BCBS’s vice president health equity and community investments.
About Monroe County Family Coalition, Inc. (MCFC).
Founded in 2020 in Greece, New York, MCFC is a 503(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the inequality gaps in the community and creating opportunities for underserved youth and families. MCFC partners with local government, schools, businesses and nonprofits to provide career and life skills training and consultations; mental health support; and access to local resources.

Follow MCFC on Facebook @greecenyfamilycoalition. Visit www.mcfcinfo.org for more information.

About Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 4,000 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.
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Change Starts With Us:

L.O.V.E. Is The Answer [Celebration Day Welcome] - 9/17/2022

Good afternoon everyone, my name is Dina Johnson, CEO/President of the Monroe County Family Coalition. We welcome you to the first upstate L.O.V.E. Is The Answer, Mural Celebration Day. For the past four years celebration has been happening around the country and we are delighted to finally take a part in this international movement. So what does this day mean and why are the pledges so important? This day is an opportunity for policing and the community to unite and learn to understand each other: bridge gaps, and be a part of the solution for change in our neighborhoods. The L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Pledge reads:

I pledge to (1) LEARN about the people in my community, (2) to unconditionally OPEN my heart to their needs as if they were all immediate family members, (3) to VOLUNTEER to be part of the solution in their lives during both good and challenging times, and (4) to EMPOWER everyone I meet to do the same as if our lives depended on each other.

As you look over at the mural, respectfully completed by Quinn Orr who will be speaking later this evening, we all know our community is hurting, but with this endeavor, we thought it would not only bring color to the city’s walls but provide a safe space for people to come heal, feel a sense of hope if they have lost a loved one from violence or disease; thus overall empowering community members to keep going on their darkest days.

As we know, this is just one tool for everyone in the community to find a place of healing. Moreover, MCFC is committed to continuing to bridge gaps, opening our hearts to the community, and being there for our community in times of need.

We thank everyone who is attending this event today.

Dina Johnson
Rochester, New York

(from the L.O.V.E. Event Saturday, September 17, 2022
3:00 PM-5:00 PM)

Family Wellness Conference Provides Resources for Hundreds of Local Residents to Improve Quality of Life Written by Jonathan Ghent (WritLarge PR LLC)

Family Wellness Conference Provides Resources
for Hundreds of Local Residents to Improve Quality of Life

The Monroe County Family Coalition (MCFC) hosted its first-ever Youth and Family Wellness Conference to promote physical, emotional, and financial wellness in the Greater Rochester community. Over the course of two days, more than 300 people attended the conference and participated in educational sessions designed to promote healthy living for all ages.

The theme of the conference was “Building Family Wellness: It Takes a Village,” emphasizing the importance of a multi-generational approach to promoting health and wellness. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere with great food, engaging speakers, and an array of activities for adults and children alike.

Day One – Friday, May 31, 2024
The venue for the Friday evening session was the Brighton Presbyterian Church on East Avenue in Rochester. Former NFL player and Rochester native Quentin Gause co-hosted the opening night and delivered the keynote address, sharing his journey from Bishop Kearney High School to Rutgers University and all the way to the NFL. Throughout his remarks, he provided examples of the hard work, focus (like prioritizing homework over video games), determination, and sacrifice required to succeed in sports and in life. He touched on the eight dimensions of wellness (emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial) and stressed the importance of developing healthy habits to be more productive individuals and members of society.

The 75 attendees participated in workshops to learn more about topics including yoga, mindfulness walks, job opportunities, and they played interactive games like cornhole and jump rope.

Day Two – Saturday, June 1, 2024
On Saturday, more than 250 attendees convened at East High School for day two of the Family Wellness Conference. More than 30 vendors and exhibitors set up tables to share information about the services they offer the community.

After breakfast, MCFC President and CEO Dina Johnson delivered a rousing welcome, thanking sponsors and attendees for making the event possible. Johnson also delivered a heartfelt tribute to Lisa Dorsey, who recently passed away. Dorsey was Co-Founder of the Monroe County Family Coalition, a school counselor, and a champion for family wellness in Rochester.

Keynote speaker Candace Cabral — a mother of four and proud member of the Rochester community — spoke enthusiastically about the need for parents to be included in decision-making circles, and her work in Albany and Washington D.C. as a health equity advocate.

Attendees participated in four breakout sessions. The topics were financial wellness; mental health — a dialogue with youth and families; painting with faith; and bridging generational gaps with respect, responsibility, and resilience.
The workshops were followed by a panel discussion featuring guests from all walks of life including healthcare providers, parents, and students. The group embodied the conference theme, Building Family Wellness: It Takes a Village, and highlighted the need for a variety of community resources to work together to support families.

To underscore the importance of health and wellness in our community, Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello proclaimed June 1, 2024, as Family Wellness Day in Rochester. Josie McClary, Monroe County’s Chief Community Engagement Officer, presented the proclamation to Dina Johnson.

Former NFL player and Rochester native Bruce Johnson gave a second keynote address highlighting the importance of focusing on wellness in all aspects of life. Since leaving the NFL, Johnson has worked as a performance specialist for professional athletes, a football coach at East High School, and a financial services professional at an investment firm. He stressed the need for availability of resources for mental and social well-being because everyone faces challenges, so we should not underestimate the importance of community strength for personal growth.

To close out the conference, MCFC gave away 500 backpacks filled with school supplies and 500 wellness bags filled with information and resources to help improve family wellness. They also announced the winners of a raffle for a 65-inch TV, an iPad, and more.

Building on a Successful Event
Over the summer, MCFC will continue its campaign to promote family wellness in the Greater Rochester community by hosting a workforce development program, a financial wellness workshop, and maintaining a community garden at Mary McCloud Bethune School No. 45.

“We’re building bridges to help the systems that serve our community work together more effectively,” said MCFC President and CEO Dina Johnson. “When health care, education, housing, and transportation systems are more connected, they’re much better equipped to fulfill their mission and support local residents. This makes it easier for residents to access the services they need.”

“It takes a village to create a better life for future generations,” concluded Johnson. “This theme came to life at our Family Wellness Conference through an outpouring of support from our amazing community.”

**MCFC has been selected as an award recipient for the Invest in Others 2023 Grant for Change through Vision Financial Group**

A special recognition and heartfelt thanks go to Priscilla Parker, our dedicated community partner, committee member, and financial broker for Vision Financial Group. Priscilla's exceptional dedication and passion in working on the Invest in Others 2023 to secure this grant are truly commendable. MCFC is profoundly grateful for her unwavering commitment to serving the community. At MCFC, we are dedicated to empowering underserved communities for a brighter future by providing robust support to enrich the community and dismantling the stigma that continues to plague our underserved communities. It's about change, and we are committed to being a part of the change to empower the people we serve! ___

For up to the minute news on current events, planned events and other social news, please [visit our FACEBOOK PAGE] (https://www.facebook.com/greecenyfamilycoalition/)

Making a Difference with MCFC: Monroe County Family Coalition, Inc. (MCFC) is a nonprofit organiztion formed by a group of Monroe County parents, teachers, and counselors, in the wake of the Black Families Matter rally that was held on June 20, 2020. The community within Greece, NY, came together with a vision to create opportunities for families to bring about change, and bridge inequality gaps in the community. To consistently explore innovative ways to advocate on behalf of families within our region

The Mission of the MCFC

1.To connect local families to community resources and bridge the gap between local government and partnering agencies and at-risk youth and families

2. To create safe places for a courageous dialog between various entities within the community that addresses diverse contentious matters.

3. Our Vision: Creating opportunities for families to bring about change and bridge inequality gaps in the community.

Core values:

1. To serve the community with integrity.

2. To be committed to dependability.

3. To consistently explore innovative ways to advocate on behalf of families

The MCFC is invested in serving the community by assuring that local governing bodies and key stakeholders provide adequate resources to youth and families. The MCFC also has a passion to one day provide a one-stop-shop that will allow residents to have access to technology, tutoring, childcare, mind and body wellbeing, and mental health support. To stand by our vision and mission, we need your help. By donating today, you will assist MCFC to move its mission forward.

You can also visit our PAYPAL PAGE to make donations
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=RC99RL5WAVEZ6