The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded $5,000 in grant support to five North Country nonprofit organizations, including three from St. Lawrence County, to strengthen their missions and work in the nonprofit sector.

The Council and its executive committee selected the five organizations based on each nonprofit’s mission, success in achieving goals, demonstration of fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and formal presentation. Funding for this important work was made possible, in part, through the Herring College Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation. Each of the following tri-county organizations were awarded a $1,000 grant to help with a wide range of community programs and projects:

Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, Canton, operated by the Community Health Center of the North Country. The Association provides primary and preventive care services to all members of the communities. The agency acts as a safety net for those without health insurance or for those who are under-insured.

Potsdam Holiday Fund, provides new toys, clothing, boots, and food to families and senior citizens in need in Potsdam, Madrid, Hopkinton, Nicholville, Brasher Falls, Chase Mills, Fort Jackson, West Stockholm and Winthrop. In addition, volunteers have delivered more than five tons of food annually to needy families and senior citizens.

Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, TAUNY explores, honors, and celebrates the diverse cultures, skills, and crafts of everyday life in the North Country. The organization collects, preserves, interprets, and presents the customs and traditions with its archives, exhibits, and programs in Canton and throughout the region.

Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions, Watertown, provides services and treatment for over 40 years to individuals, groups, families, adults, adolescents and children, whose lives have been negatively impacted by substance abuse. The agency has grown and developed to meet the changing needs of clients who need and want treatment for substance abuse problems.

Oswegatchie Educational Center, Croghan. Managed by the New York State FFA Leadership Training Foundation, the Center operates as a youth camp during the summer months and is open throughout the year as an educational and recreational retreat center. It provides youth and adults with meaningful experiences in leadership training, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.

“The Youth Philanthropy Council continues to be one of our most meaningful and enduring leadership programs,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “It is shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow, and their journey through the mission-based grant process tests their ability to develop and articulate perspectives and opinions while challenging them to respectfully consider multiple viewpoints.”