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Nicolina's Wishes gets grant to help with mental health issues

Beaver County Times - 2/25/2021

Feb. 25—CENTER TWP. — Nicolina's Wishes Charitable Foundation received a $25,000 grant to help the Beaver County nonprofit's mission of providing education and support for individuals and families affected by mental health issues.

The grant, from the Staunton Farm Foundation in Pittsburgh, will be used to hire a consultant to help develop the mechanics of the foundation serving local people.

"Our nonprofit has come along way with helping youth and young adults in our community," co-founder Patty Hodovanich said about the Center Township-based organization that turns 2 this spring. "We are working with Beaver County System of Care as well as other organizations."

Nicolina's Wishes advocates for mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, and grief support to engage with community and on-site programming to include family peer support, wellness and resource education.

The group's Angel Paws Program will collaborate with the Beaver County Humane Society to identify and fund training of therapy dogs to be utilized in the community. Support for this program will be generated from a designated annual fundraiser event.

Nicolina's Wishes is named for Nicolina Ann Hodovanich, who was born on Oct. 25, 2001 in Guatemala, and moved to Beaver County the following year. She took her own life at age 17, on April 11, 2019.

"Nicolina lost her mental health battle to brain pain," the charitable foundation said. "Her life and struggles and her grasp of the value of kindness and generosity to others is the inspiration and driving force of Nicolina's Wishes Charitable Foundation's work to reach out in support and care to those in need."

In July 2019, Nicolina's Wishes held a RockIn' the River fundraiser benefit with half a dozen local bands at the River Harbour Marina in Bridgewater.

A follow-up concert planned for last year was canceled due to the coronavirus.

"We are planning another Rockin' The Rivers if Covid-19 permits," Hodovanich said. "We also did a Step a Thon with Beaver County Vocation School."

For more information, visit the Facebook page for Nicolina's Wishes Charitable Foundation or call 724-462-0403.

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