ST. AUGUSTINE, FL (July 25, 2025) – United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties is proud to announce the recipients of its Student Mental Health Grant, aimed at expanding access to mental health resources and support services for youth across St. Johns and Putnam counties.
Thanks to a matching grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, United Way is proud to commit $190,000 by the end of next year to advance this critical work and help our next generation thrive.
This initiative reflects United Way’s deep commitment to improving community resiliency and youth opportunity by strengthening the mental and emotional well-being of students. After a competitive application process, 11 local organizations were selected for their proven impact and innovative approaches to supporting youth mental health:
- Youth Crisis Center
- Saint Augustine Youth Services
- CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services
- Putnam County School District
- Palatka Police Athletic League
- Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida
- Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County
- Betty Griffin Center
- St. Gerard Campus
- YMCA
- St. Johns County Education Foundation (Investing in Kids – INK!)
“These organizations are on the front lines of supporting the mental health of our youth,” said Carl Cricco, CEO of United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties. “By investing in their efforts, we’re helping to ensure that more students have access to the critical care, counseling, and educational programs they need to thrive.”
The Student Mental Health Grant is part of United Way’s broader mission to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. Funding will support a variety of mental health services and programs, including school-based counseling, trauma-informed care, prevention initiatives, peer support, and crisis intervention.
This initiative would not be possible without the vision and generosity of Delores Barr Weaver, a lifelong champion for children and mental health. Through her Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Mrs. Weaver continues to empower organizations that uplift, enlighten, and advance our region. Her unwavering belief in equitable opportunity and well-being for all has led to more than $86 million in grantmaking since 2012. Her transformative philanthropy is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on an entire generation.
To learn more about this grant and other United Way initiatives, visit www.unitedway-sjc.org or follow @unitedwaysjc on social media.
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About United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Serving both St. Johns and Putnam Counties, the organization focuses on four key areas: community resiliency, educational opportunity, financial security, and health. Through strategic partnerships and community support, United Way ensures that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
About the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund:
The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida was created by Delores Barr Weaver in 2015 as the natural evolution of the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, which has awarded more than $86 million in grants since she created it in 2012. She also provides separate, annual support to 20 local, non-profit organizations for their annual fundraising events through the Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund. Like the Delores Barr Weaver Fund, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund’s purpose is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that do work she has supported over many years and to encourage others to do so as well. Mrs. Weaver has an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, and she has provided transformative support to dozens of nonprofit organizations that uplift, enlighten and advance our community.
Media Contact:
Anna Crum, Director of Marketing and Communications
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties
904-829-9721 | anna.crum@unitedway-sjc.org
