New York, N.Y. –– The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the Appalachian Resilience Fund, a transformative initiative designed to tackle a range of unique challenges faced by individuals living in northern Appalachia along the Ohio Valley. From access to basic necessities to mental health care, this fund aims to support the holistic needs of underserved communities, fostering resilience and hope in a historically vibrant but struggling region.
The Ohio Valley is known for its strength, perseverance, and rich traditions. However, its residents face complex and intertwined social and economic challenges. The region has been particularly hard hit by the opioid crisis, poverty, and lack of access to quality healthcare. Food insecurity, housing instability, and educational barriers compound these issues, creating a cycle of hardship that is difficult to break. At the root of this crisis lie suicide and depression, which have paved the way for substance abuse and addiction.
These issues are compounded by a cultural reluctance to acknowledge and tackle mental health as a normal and essential aspect of well-being. In Appalachia, seeking help for mental health concerns has often been stigmatized, creating barriers to treatment and perpetuating cycles of suffering.
The Appalachian Resilience Fund seeks to address these interconnected challenges by partnering with local nonprofits and organizations to provide vital resources. While mental health support remains a key focus, the fund also prioritizes housing, food security, and education. By fostering collaboration and innovation, it aims to deliver comprehensive assistance to families and individuals who are often overlooked.
The fund is particularly meaningful to Dr. William Bauer, vice president of the J. Luce Foundation, and Jim Luce, president of the foundation. Both are 1977 graduates of Marietta High School, a connection that underscores their deep personal ties to the Ohio Valley. Their personal connection to the Ohio Valley underscores the significance of this initiative, which builds upon the foundation’s decade-long advocacy for mental health through the Bauer Fund.
“The fund’s mission is to address the full spectrum of needs in the Ohio Valley, including but not limited to mental health,” said Dr. William Bauer, vice president of the J. Luce Foundation. “We aim to collaborate with local nonprofits to provide lodging, food, supplies, and other critical support to underserved populations.”
Launched ten years ago, the Bauer Fund has raised over $100,000 to support mental health and suicide prevention efforts for young adults in Ohio and around the world. This impressive legacy serves as both an inspiration and a foundation for the Appalachian Resilience Fund’s ambitious goals.
Caleb Darling, a licensed professional counselor in West Virginia and co-director of the fund, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to supporting Appalachian communities. “Throughout our careers, Dr. Bauer and I have worked to help individuals overcome barriers unique to living in Appalachia. This fund is an extension of that passion and commitment.”
Darling, who previously received The Bauer Fund Stipend to further his education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, brings a deep understanding of the region’s needs. He added, “Our goal is to create a long-term avenue for giving back to a community that has given so much to us.”
“Both Dr. Bauer and I have deep-rooted community and cultural connections to the Mid-Ohio Valley as it is a place we have chosen to call home,” Caleb told The Stewardship Report.
“Throughout our personal and professional careers, we have passionately focused on assisting individuals to overcome the barriers related to living in Appalachia. We hope this non-profit can be an extension of our passion and continue to help foster and bolster access to mental health services and supports Our goal is to continue to offer a long-term avenue of giving back to a community that has given so much to us,” he added.
The Appalachian Resilience Fund not only provides essential services but also reflects the enduring spirit of the Ohio Valley. From its focus on mental health to its commitment to addressing broader social conditions, the fund seeks to honor the resilience of the region’s people while building a stronger foundation for the future.
By fostering collaboration, education, and access to resources, the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation is committed to empowering Appalachia—one family, one community, and one step at a time.
Through collaboration, education, and unwavering support, the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation is committed to fostering a healthier, stronger Appalachia—one where mental well-being is not only acknowledged but celebrated as an essential part of a thriving community.
To donate to the Appalachian Resilience Fund of the J. Luce Foundation via PayPal, click here. Kindly note “Appalachia Fund.”
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