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D’Youville University has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management to launch the Refresh Community Mental Health Project, a transformative initiative designed to expand access to mental health services for youth ages 16–24 living in Buffalo’s most underserved neighborhoods.

Through this two-year project, D’Youville will serve 300 young people from communities disproportionately impacted by past drug policies. The initiative will be anchored in D’Youville’s new Community Mental Health Resource Center, which will provide trauma-informed care, psychoeducational support, and career counseling to help young people overcome barriers to wellness and opportunity.

The Refresh project has already begun its implementation phase with its first grant activity, Emergency Mental Health Crisis Training, which trained community leaders from grant-designated zip codes. The training, held in D’Youville’s new community counseling group room, equipped participants with the tools to respond effectively to mental health crises and was very well received.

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“D’Youville is deeply committed to advancing health equity in Buffalo, and the Refresh Project reflects that mission in action,” said Helena Boersma, LMHC, Program Director of D’Youville’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. “By creating a safe, supportive space where young people can heal, learn, and thrive, we’re extending access to culturally responsive, community-based mental health support that can truly change the trajectory of their lives.” 

“This initiative is about planting the seeds for something bigger than a single grant,” said Joseph Belluck, Chair of the New York Cannabis Advisory Board. “We’re excited to see how D’Youville and our fellow awardees bring their visions to life by building programs that reflect the heart, resilience, and innovation of New York’s communities.”

The Refresh Community Mental Health Project builds upon D’Youville’s established network of community-centered health initiatives, including its award-winning Health Professions Hub on Buffalo’s West Side. These efforts reflect the university’s mission to serve and uplift under-resourced populations through education, outreach, and compassionate care.

For more information about D’Youville University’s community health programs, visit dyu.edu

About D’Youville University �į&�Բ�����;

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.