New face at the foundation

Dear Friends,

While this is an unusual and difficult moment in the world, work at the Gruben Charitable Foundation continues, and I’m pleased to be in touch to tell you about some exciting changes here.  I recently invited Lynne Harlow to join the Gruben Charitable Foundation team, and she will be assisting us with our grant making. Lynne is experienced in foundation management, and she looks forward to supporting you by answering any questions you may have.  In order to better serve our mission, we are introducing a new application process, including a set application deadline of May 1, 2020.  This new process requests key information from all applicants and is intended to require only a small amount of your time, as we recognize that your time is best spent on the services and programs you provide to your communities. 

Below are all of the details for applying to the Foundation by May 1 for support in 2020.  This information can also be found on our web site. Please contact Lynne with any questions about this new process.  You can contact her directly at Lynne@grubencharitablefoundation.org. 

Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy spring!

Best,

Diana Oehrli
Executive Director/Trustee
The Gruben Charitable Foundation

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Gruben Charitable Foundation Application Guidelines

Please note that the Foundation has implemented a new application process beginning in 2020.The Gruben Charitable Foundation is pleased to consider applications from Rhode Island-based organizations seeking support of services and programs that focus on physical, mental, and social well being, with an emphasis on the natural environment and addictive illnesses.  The Foundation will consider applications from organizations whose work intersects with these areas in varied ways. Organizations whose programs align with these areas of interest may submit an application following the guidelines below. The application deadline is May 1, 2020. All applications must be submitted in the form of a single PDF document.  The PDF should be named YourOrganizationName_2020.pdf.  Please include the following information in the PDF:

• Organization’s mailing address, telephone and website

• Executive Director’s name, mailing address, telephone and email

• A brief description of how the work of your organization aligns with a focus area of the Gruben Charitable Foundation: the environment and mental health

• A brief summary of your organization’s mission and programs, including the number of staff and volunteers

• A current annual budget

• A list of current funders

• A brief description of the populations and geographic areas served

• A list of organizations and/or programs with whom your organization partners

• For 2019 grantees, please include a brief summary of how last year’s grant was used

Please send the PDF application as an email attachment.  All applications should be emailed to Lynne@grubencharitablefoundation.org. 

The application review process will take place May through October.  All applicants will receive a response from the foundation no later than November 15.  Please note that organizations that have previously received support from the Gruben Charitable Foundation are not guaranteed future funding.  

Any questions regarding the application process may be directed by email to Lynne@grubencharitablefoundation.org. 

$184,000 Gift to Recovery Center Funds Family Support

Image: Lifespan

Since opening last June, the Lifespan Recovery Center has been recognized by state and health care leaders for its unique position to address the opioid epidemic. Operating as a Rhode Island Hospital program, the center provides comprehensive outpatient treatment integrated into a complete medical center for those seeking to overcome opioid use disorder.

Located on Corliss Street in Providence, the center’s team is highly experienced in treating patients struggling with substance use. From prescribing physicians and psychologist services to a program manager, care coordinator and recovery coach, the staff takes a coordinated approach to care. Along with medication-assisted recovery utilizing Suboxone, a low-risk medication that’s an effective medically-supervised method for potentially weaning off opioids, the center offers comprehensive education and support.

“This is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary recovery program that regards opioid abuse as a chronic medical illness,” says Richard J. Goldberg, MD, MS, Lifespan Senior Vice President of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. “We know that if you offer psychological therapies in addition to medication, more patients have a better outcome.” Further bolstering its services, Rhode Island Hospital recently received a generous $184,000 gift from the Gruben Charitable Foundation to fund the center’s Family Education and Support Program. The foundation’s trustee and executive director, Diana Oehrli, is the daughter of Elizabeth “Lisette” Prince of Newport, who together with her children, including sons Guillaume and Regis de Ramel, established The Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute with a transformational gift from The Frederick Henry Prince 1932 Trust.

“My family’s historical philanthropy has always centered on health, so focusing on addiction keeps with that tradition,” says Diana. “Addiction is a painful, chronic disease and I truly believe educating the family is key to helping people get better and halting addiction’s spread to future generations.”

Developed specifically for family and friends of individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, the Family Education and Support Program employs a dual-pronged approach. Patients and their loved ones together attend a weekly group session, learning about addiction, recovery, treatment, and interpersonal dynamics. Separately, family and friends are also provided a group forum to share their experiences and the challenges of supporting someone in recovery. “Family and friends play critical roles in helping individuals with substance use issues enter and remain in treatment—our goal is to empower them in a way that makes a positive impact on the long-term recovery of their loved one,” said Kirsten Langdon, PhD, a clinical psychologist and Director of Behavioral Therapy at the Lifespan Recovery Center.

“We could not be more grateful to Diana for her extraordinary generosity and her commitment to this community health crisis.” Adds Diana, “There is an incredible need to provide comprehensive treatment, and I believe Rhode Island Hospital and Lifespan have begun to create a model for addiction recovery medical centers across our country.”

Excerpt: Rhode Island Hospital Breakthroughs Newsletter, 2018