FERNDALE — Nearly 50 representatives from across Sullivan County were updated on Sullivan 180’s many new projects at a Partners’ Gathering earlier this month at CVI headquarters in Ferndale.

Hosted by Sullivan 180 Founding Board Chair Sandra Gerry, the event was an opportunity for representatives from both the private and public sectors to learn more about Sullivan 180’s progress and also contribute to its success.

A 30-minute roundtable event, whereby focus groups addressed a number of issues facing our youth in Sullivan County, ended the event.Topics ranged from how to get youth more involved in activities in our community to ways to combat the rising use of tobacco.

Sullivan 180 was formed nearly two years ago as an offshoot of Sullivan Renaissance, a group which dedicated itself to the betterment of Sullivan County through community beautification and engagement for more than two decades.

Today, Sullivan 180 is focused on the health and well being of Sullivan County while still helping communities keep their Main Streets looking beautiful through a grant program. The beautification grant deadline for this year is March 1.

“Sullivan 180, through our partners and volunteers, has refined our focus to prevention and empowering a healthier generation.  You can get to prevention in many ways,” Sullivan 180 Chief Executive Officer Denise Frangipane said. 

“This encompasses not only physical but also mental, spiritual, economic, and environmental health,” added Senior Director of Prevention Programming Amanda Langseder.