SUMMER/FALL 2026
FCP NEWS
FOUNDATIONS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Supporting the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults, and families in Bucks County, Pa.
SYC Blends Service, Professional Growth, and Community Impact for 13 College Intern Since 2008, FCP’s Summer Youth Corps (SYC) program offers college students the opportunity to participate in a 10-week, paid internship experience at a nonprofit serving Bucks County children, young adults, and families. This summer, 13 students gained practical experience, made a positive impact in the community, and earned college credit through a partnership with Bucks County Community College. Program Supervisor Claire Tierney supported this year’s program which concluded on July 31. “In my role…I met with each intern weekly to set learning goals, reflect on agency experiences, and navigate challenges,” she said. “SYC instills a passion for service and helps students grow personally and professionally.” Tierney, a Doylestown resident, started law school this fall at the University of Pittsburgh. SYC integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Over the past 18 years, 241 college students completed the program, contributing nearly 70,000 service hours at 42 participating nonprofits. Based on the Independent Sector’s estimate of the value of a volunteer hour, the total value contributed by SYC interns to nonprofits since 2008 equals $1,783,747.42. Students who complete their freshman through junior year at college and who are residents of Bucks County are eligible to participate. continues
The 2026 Summer Youth Corps interns. (Back row from l to r): Kayli Abendroth, Griffin Shah, Andreas Quattrochi, Lauren Michener, Caylee Hansel, Makenzie Freund, Reagan Smith, Alexis Dingley. (Front row from l to r): Rosalena Karcher, Ariana Alvarez, Elizabeth Bruhn, Olivia Moyer, Alexandria Elias.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST JOINS FCP BOARD
Andy Kind-Rubin
Earlier this year, FCP’s Board appointed Dr. Andrew Kind-Rubin as a new member. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of child and family mental health for over 35 years. He was the Chief Clinical Officer and VP of Clinical Services at Child Guidance Resource Centers, a private, non-profit behavioral health setting for youth and families, offering services in Delaware, Chester, Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties for 25 years. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and is a member of the American Psychological Association. In addition to his role at FCP, Kind-Rubin serves on the Board of Directors of The County Theater, Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), and Jewish Learning Venture, as well as volunteers his time with the Ann Silverman Community Health Center and Fisherman’s Mark. “We are excited to welcome Andy,” said Board Chair Falesha Grasty. “His clinical background, expertise in child and family mental health, and community involvement will further strengthen our board and be a great benefit to the nonprofits we serve.”
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About FCP Foundations Community Partnership (FCP) was formed in July 2007, as a result of the sale of Foundations Behavioral Health. FCP is a philanthropic grant-making foundation supporting the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults, and families in Bucks County, Pa. through grants to non-profit organizations, awarding scholarships to high school seniors, subsidizing service-learning internships for college students, and underwriting professional development programs.
Board of Directors Falesha R. Grasty, B.S. – Chair Michael W. Mills, Esq. – Vice Chair Tanya Casas, Ph.D. – Treasurer Patricia Stern Smallacombe, Ph.D. – Secretary Tracy Pasternak Willis, M.A., LPC – Immediate Past Chair Tobias Bruhn, Ed.D., CFRE Kristyn DiDominick, MSW Sally Fabian-Oresic, M.S. Judith Stern Goldstein, ASLA, R.L.A. Andrew J. Kind-Rubin, Ph.D. Rachael Neff, LSW Steven V. Rash, B.S. Ed. Walter C. Stoertz, Jr. Christine Hensel Triantos, M.A.
Board Member Emeritus Ronald T. Bernstein Abigail Halloran, M.A. Thomas M. Hanna, P.E., LEED®, AP Karen Lasorda Joseph Stella, M.D. Honorary Director William E. Boger, CPA* Albert M. Honig, D.O.* Dr. Harry Klein* Daniel P. Weldon, Ed.D. *deceased
This year’s SYC interns made a positive impact at the following agencies: 1. H olland resident Kayli Abendroth assisted the United Way Bucks County in Levittown. She is pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree at Worchester Polytechnic Institute. 2. S outhampton resident Ariana Alvarez interned at the Churchville Nature Center in Churchville. She is a Nursing major at Temple University. 3. E lizabeth Bruhn assisted the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership in Newtown. She majors in Cellular Neurobiology at Moravian University. 4. L evittown resident Alexis Dingley worked at Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County in Warminster. She is pursuing a Communication Studies degree at West Chester University. 5. N ew Hope resident Alexandria Elias interned at A Woman’s Place in Doylestown. She is an Illustration major at the School of Visual Arts. 6. W arrington resident Makenzie Freund worked at River Crossing YMCA in Doylestown. She is a Nursing major at Temple University. 7. J amison resident Caylee Hansel assisted One House At A Time in Huntingdon Valley. She majors in Biology at Kutztown University.
8. Chalfont resident Rosalena Karcher interned at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown. She is an Art Education major at Boston University. 9. Chalfont resident Lauren Michener worked at the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) in Jamison. She is pursuing a Psychology degree at Penn State University. 10. Doylestown resident Olivia Moyer interned at Special Equestrians in Warrington. She is a Psychology major at the University of Pittsburgh with plans to pursue a career in law. 11. Bristol resident Andreas Quattrochi worked at the Bucks County Housing Group in Warminster. He double majors in Neuroscience and Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. 12. Newtown resident Griffin Shah interned at the Growth Opportunity Center in Southampton. He is a Psychology major at Penn State University. 13. Doylestown resident Reagan Smith assisted the Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. She is a Psychology major at the University of ColoradoBoulder.
For more information about FCP and to view photos and videos of past program participants and activities, visit www.fcpartnership.org/summer-youth-corps.
Complimentary Meeting Space & Nonprofit Events Calendar Available As part of FCP’s mission to support collaboration and help nonprofits provide services in a cost-effective manner, two complimentary meeting spaces are available at our Doylestown office to nonprofits serving Bucks County children, young adults, and families. For more information about the available spaces, rental requirements, and to submit a reservation request, visit www.fcpartnership.org/facilityuse. While on the web site, the Nonprofit Events Calendar can help nonprofits maximize their fundraising efforts by avoiding scheduling conflicts when planning their special events. To submit an event to this calendar, visit www.fcpartnership.org/nonprofit-events.
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Local Nonprofits Receive More Than $250,000 to Support Mental Health and Family Services At the conclusion of its fiscal year, FCP’s Board of Directors awarded $252,400 in grants to 37 non-profit organizations, including 20 Bucks Innovation and Improvement Grants (BIIG), 15 Capital Improvement Grants, one Target Funding-Rapid Response Grant, and one Emergency Action Grant. Collectively, these organizations will help address the behavioral health and human service needs of 57,122 Bucks County residents. The BIIG cycle recognizes innovative programs and ideas to improve the lives of children, young adults, and families in Bucks County, while Capital Improvement Grants support structural improvements to facilities, renovations, durable equipment, and technology upgrades. The Target Funding-Rapid Response Grant cycle aims to mitigate the effects of a sudden loss of government grants/funding, and the emergency cycle addresses non-reimbursable catastrophic events impacting direct delivery of services. “Since 2007, we awarded more than $9.4 million to nonprofits serving Bucks County, and the Board is thrilled to continue the tradition of support and partnering with all of the grant recipients in support of their mission,” said Falesha Grasty, Chair, FCP Board of Directors. “Reflecting on the uncertainty nonprofits face right now, the number of applications we received during each grant cycle this year continues to increase,” she added. BIIGs totaling $127,900 were awarded to the following nonprofits: ORGANIZATION
GRANT WILL BE USED
Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic ($7,500)
To implement a trauma-informed care initiative to strengthen the clinic’s ability to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma on health.
Avery’s Hope ($5,000)
To strengthen its capacity to serve children and families affected by rare gastrointestinal conditions.
Bucks County Opportunity Council ($10,000)
To alleviate transportation costs and remove barriers for clients as they strive for financial independence.
Christ’s Home ($5,000)
To support safe, stable housing for families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming unsheltered.
Comprehensive Learning Center ($7,500)
To support its Individualized Instructional Materials Program which provides customized, evidence-based tools that support learning for students with autism spectrum disorder.
Education Law Center ($7,500)
To focus on building affirming school climates and increasing access to schoolbased behavioral health supports in Bucks County public schools.
Hands Holding Hearts ($7,500)
To subsidize group fees for residents seeking grief support.
Keep Music Alive ($3,900)
To host a series of musical programs for children at schools, libraries, and community events.
LEV27 ($7,500)
To provide rental assistance and access to supportive services to individuals and families who are facing eviction.
Maryjoe Foundation ($4,000)
To support girls from low-income families through menstrual health education, dignity kits, mentorship, and life-skills development.
Minding Your Mind ($5,000)
To provide free mental health programs for students in grades K through 12.
Mitzvah Circle ($7,500)
To meet rising community demand for necessities, including clothing, diapers, menstrual products, and toiletries.
Pride of Quakertown ($4,000)
To connect K through 12 at-risk children with various sources of extracurricular enrichment programs.
RamPacks ($7,500)
To help establish a fluid food pantry at Pennridge High School to allow food insecure students to shop for weekend and holiday food. continues
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Local Nonprofits Receive More Than $250,000 to Support Mental Health and Family Services continued ORGANIZATION
GRANT WILL BE USED
Rolling Harvest Food Rescue ($7,500)
To continue partnerships with The Next Step Programs and SEQUEL to deliver a hands-on curriculum connecting healthy food education with community engagement.
Saint Mary Medical Center ($7,500)
To prepare and distribute meals to local individuals and families impacted by disruptions associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Baby Bureau ($3,000)
To support its Baby Bundle Program, created to alleviate the costs associated with raising a child in the first year of life.
Today Is A Good Day ($7,500)
To expand trauma-informed care to Bucks County NICU families.
United Way of Bucks County ($10,000)
To support Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, a community-driven meal-packing initiative, and Tools for School, addressing students’ broader barriers to academic success.
Youth Orchestra of Bucks County ($3,000)
To provide music education and performance opportunities to underserved communities through its “Students in Concert” program.
Capital Improvement Grants totaling $104,500 were awarded to the following nonprofits: ORGANIZATION
GRANT WILL BE USED TO
All Abilities Recreation ($5,000)
To support the construction of a fully accessible swimming pool and athletic field for children and young adults with disabilities.
Family Service Association of Bucks County ($5,000)
To support the purchase of a battery backup and high voltage surge protector for its Emergency Homeless Shelter tankless water heater.
Free Fall Action Sports ($7,500)
To support the launch of a 10-week animation course and update safety barriers for events.
Heritage Conservancy ($7,500)
To help create an outdoor classroom at Trumbauersville Elementary School.
Network of Victim Assistance ($7,500)
To upgrade technology infrastructure and data systems to ensure secure management of confidential client information and support reliable service delivery.
One House At A Time ($7,500)
To provide industrial shelving, inventory storage units, packing/assembly tables, material handling equipment, and/or office furnishings for its new warehouse.
Peaceful Living ($10,000)
To renovate the women’s restroom at its Creative Gifts Day Program.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy ($4,000)
To repair and improve the driveway and parking lot to address immediate safety and accessibility concerns.
Potential Inc. ($7,500)
To support the creation of a Pathways to Play Playground, an inclusive outdoor space designed for children with autism.
Quakertown Community Center ($6,000)
To replace and upgrade worn-out equipment and furniture.
River Crossing YMCA ($7,500)
To support “The Loft on State” capital campaign which will transform part of its Doylestown Branch into a Mind & Body Wellness Center.
The Council of Southeast PA ($8,000)
To help replace the boiler at its Women’s Recovery Community Center.
The Pen Ryn School ($4,000)
To purchase technology that supports literacy and math intervention programs in its Learning Center.
The Quaker School at Horsham ($7,500)
To support the campus expansion project for students with autism.
Valley Youth House ($10,000)
To cover furniture and technology improvements that will benefit clients and emergency shelter staff alike.
A $15,000 Target Funding-Rapid Response Grant was also awarded to the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP) to continue its ability to deliver smoking and vaping cessation classes. Finally, Reach Out Foundation of Bucks County received a $5,000 Emergency Action Grant to replace aging equipment so the nonprofit can continue providing commercialgrade hygiene services to the homeless.
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Grantees Serve 57,122 Bucks County Residents Through Their Programs & Services
Bucks County Opportunity Council
Family Service Association of Bucks County
Youth Orchestra of Bucks County
Reach Out Foundation of Bucks County
Quakertown Community Center
LEV27
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy
The Quaker School at Horsham
Valley Youth House
The Baby Bureau
NOVA
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Pride of Quakertown
RamPacks
River Crossing YMCA
Today Is A Good Day
Maryjoe Foundation
Comprehensive Learning Center
United Way of Bucks County
Avery’s Hope
One House At A Time
Pennridge FISH
Heritage Conservancy
Rolling Harvest Food Rescue
Peaceful Living
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Outstanding Bucks County Students Recognized Through Partnership in Education Scholarship Program In collaboration with each of Bucks County’s public, technical, and charter high schools, FCP recently announced its 2026 scholarship recipients. “The commitment to community service and academic excellence of our local high school students is evident within our scholarship program,” said Falesha Grasty, FCP’s Board Chair. “Recognizing these outstanding student leaders serves as encouragement to all to work toward positive change in our communities.” FCP awarded $1,000 to each of these high school student leaders: Abigail Nanakobi – Bensalem High School attending New York University Grace Boyle – Bristol Borough High School attending Chestnut Hill College Sponsored by First Bank Haley Porter – Bucks County Technical High School attending Virginia Tech Sponsored by Penn Community Bank Hibatullah Badru – Center for Student Learning Charter School attending Temple University Megan Fahey – Central Bucks High School East attending Boston College Emma Kurtzman – Central Bucks High School South attending Kutztown University Harrison Cornwell – Central Bucks High School West attending University of Virginia Helena Lentz – Council Rock High School North attending University of Vermont
Nathan Szydlik – Council Rock High School South attending Slippery Rock University Ahmad Gaga – Harry S. Truman High School attending Rutgers University Mason Henriksson – Middle Bucks Institute of Technology pursuing a career in business Sponsored by Penn Community Bank Kevin Purcell – Morrisville Sr. High School attending Temple University Preston Christie – Neshaminy High School attending Cornell University Sponsored by Anonymous Donor Carolyn Brennan – New Hope-Solebury High School attending University of Wisconsin-Madison Jane Salva – Palisades High School attending Harvard University Lynzi Allen – Pennridge High School attending University of Alabama Sponsored by St. Luke’s University Health Network
Kate Piccinotti – Pennsbury High School attending The College of New Jersey Alanna McGovern – Quakertown Community High School attending Kutztown University Josh Pasato – School Lane Charter School attending Drexel University Laura Cartacio Vazquez – Upper Bucks County Technical School attending Monmouth University Sponsored by Penn Community Bank Michelle Eychis – William Tennent High School attending Nova Southeastern University
In addition to these recipients, Capital Health co-sponsored four $1,000 scholarships for the following students who will pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing: Matyson Leber – Council Rock High School North attending Immaculata University Kacie Donahue – Council Rock High School South attending Holy Family University CeAzia Vaughan – Morrisville Sr. High School attending Bucks County Community College Sophia Asencio – Pennsbury High School attending Penn State University For more information about the Partnership in Education Scholarship program, visit www.fcpartnership.org/scholarships.
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SYC Program Supervisor Reflects on 2026 Cohort My name is Claire Tierney, and this year I had the privilege to serve as the Summer Youth Corps Graduate Supervisor. I am a J.D. candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and in May 2026 I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Political Science. In the summer of 2025, I was an SYC intern with the Bucks County Opportunity Council. This summer, I was excited to return to a program that had such a profound impact on me and help to create this impact for our 2026 cohort.
Spring and Summer Grant Cycle Dates & Deadlines Emergency Action grant award up to $10,000 Open throughout the year. Visit web site for available opportunities and how to apply.
Nonprofit Growth: Organizational & Professional Development grant award varies depending on program Open throughout the year. Visit web site for available opportunities and how to apply
As the SYC Graduate Supervisor, I worked with the interns via individual and group supervision sessions. Each week, I traveled to the host agencies throughout the county and met 1-on-1 with the intern and their agency supervisor to discuss goals, progress, and achievements. Once a week, our 13 interns met at FCP for group supervision, journal club, and a site visit to one of their host agencies. During group supervision, the interns shared their challenges, successes, and stories from that week. They shared advice with each other and celebrated each other’s successes. Professor Deborah Sedik from Bucks County Community College then led the academic component of the program during our weekly Journal Club. The interns read a variety of articles on topics including professionalism, ethics, human development, emotional and artificial intelligence, and resiliency. Journal Club was discussion-based as the students discussed their own experiences at their agencies and related those to the topics for that week. We then ended each Thursday with a visit to one of the intern’s host agencies. By visiting each site, the interns learned about the resources available and difference individuals and organizations are making right here in Bucks County. We toured their facilities, completed service projects, and engaged in team-building activities. In just 10 weeks at their host agencies, the interns designed their own projects, led campers and counselors, solved conflicts, and organized largescale events to make a lasting impact on their organizations. Their work will continue to make a difference at their agencies and in the communities they serve well beyond this summer. Perhaps most importantly, SYC instills a passion for service and helps students grow personally and professionally. The relationship between these interns and their host agencies represents a unique reciprocal relationship in which the host agency gains a new perspective, innovative ideas, and a motivated personality while the intern gains professional experience, an expanded professional network, and a greater understanding of non-profit impact. From leading camps to planning fundraisers and conducting outreach, this year’s cohort made a county-wide impact, contributing a collective $135,308 in value to their organizations through service.
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Nonprofit Repositioning Fund a pooled funding collaborative effort among regional grantmakers to improve the capacity, effectiveness, and financial health of the Greater Philadelphia nonprofit sector. More information at www.repositioningfund.org.
Partnership in Youth Services grant award up to $5,000 Opens December 15, 2026. Submit applications by February 1, 2027.
Chad Barger Shares Fundraising Strategies with Sold-Out Crowd Nationally known speaker, Chad Barger, came to Bucks County in September to share his workshop, “Slow Fundraising: A Calmer, More Effective Approach to Sustainable Development,” with nearly 70 attendees at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown, Pa. Barger is the founder of the firm Productive Fundraising, which focuses on bringing actionable, research-based fundraising tactics to small and mid-sized nonprofits. His workshop, designed to help non-profit board members and leadership teams fundraise more effectively, was part of #FCPresents, a series launched by FCP in 2022 to strengthen the sector by inviting thought leaders to share their expertise.
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