By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Representatives from several Upper Peninsula nonprofits braved an intense spring snowstorm to attend Tuesday evening’s Superior Health Foundation Spring Grants Celebration, which saw the organization hand out more than $155,000 in grants to help support area organizations.

The celebration took place at The Holiday Inn Marquette and featured $102,557.911 in spring grants, $35,000 in indigent care grants and more than $18,000 in pilot-project and equipment grants.

The grants were handed out to 16 different organizations that perform work in a variety of fields, including veteran care, diabetes care, youth groups and women’s care.

“Our grant celebrations are truly special. We’re honored and humbled to provide much-needed, health-centered grant funding to a growing list of organizations across the peninsula,” SHF Executive Director Jim LaJoie said. “We have developed a number of invaluable relationships over the years with many of these non-profit organizations. We know these grant dollars will be put to good use to improve the health of people who live in our region.”

The D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans received more than $25,000 for the purchase of an R-Zero Arc UVC Light Device, which helps to disinfect the facility, protecting residents from bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold.

Another group that received funding was the DAR Boys & Girls Club of Menominee and Marinette, which will create an area for youth who will be in contact with a behavioral specialist to help the kids learn coping skills and help them with other difficulties that come with being a youth.

Other organizations that were awarded money include the Women’s Center of Marquette, which was gifted more than $6,000 to help with food costs. The center helps women and children who need a place of safety in the area.

Outdoor Adventure Therapy Schools will receive $7,500 to provide seed funding to start providing outdoor mental health services to groups and individuals who need counseling.

A full list of grant recipients can be found online at www.superiorhealthfoundation.org.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net