$100,000 Grant Awarded to the Daily Planet

Jenkins Foundation Donation to Help Expand Mental Health Services

RICHMOND – The Daily Planet has been named as the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Jenkins Foundation to help support the Daily Planet’s Mental Health Expansion Initiative, which will improve access to mental health services for Richmond’s homeless population.

“We are truly grateful that the Jenkins Foundation selected the Daily Planet as a grant recipient,” said Peter Prizzio, executive director of the Daily Planet. “Without the assistance and financial support of organizations like the Jenkins Foundation, many of Central Virginia’s homeless wouldn’t receive the sufficient level of care they need.”

The $100,000 will help fund staff salaries and client medications at the Planet’s Mental Health Clinic over the next year. The clinic has experienced a noticeable spike in the number of individuals in the homeless community seeking mental health services. Between 2002 and 2004, the number of mental health patients seen at the Planet grew 186 percent, and office visits grew by 261 percent.  

“The Daily Planet is one of Central Virginia’s most respected homeless organizations due to its commitment to help everyone who passes through its doors,” said Helen J. Ryan, Chairman of the Jenkins Foundation. “Mental health problems affect many Americans but can be especially hard on those without an effective support system in place. We are pleased to provide continuing support for the Daily Planet’s efforts to expand upon and surpass its current levels of service at its Mental Health Clinic.”

For nearly 35 years, the Daily Planet has been actively addressing the issue of homelessness in Central Virginia. The Daily Planet’s mission is to strengthen and enrich the lives of those who are homeless, potentially homeless, or lacking the social, emotional and financial resources to create a stable lifestyle; and to provide a safe and supportive community where survival and growth needs are met through appropriate methods of intervention responsive to the needs of the individual.

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