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Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Therapeutic targeting of the inflammasome in MDS pathogenesis and transformations.

2025

Overview

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation granted Albert Einstein College of Medicine a $250,000 grant over two years to support early career researcher Dr. Divij Verma.

Details

Dr. Verma will conduct this research with the support of his mentor, Dr. Amit K. Verma to focus on understanding exactly how this inflammasome contributes to the progression from CH to AML. The molecular signals that trigger inflammation and block healthy blood cell formation will be studied. This project aims to better understand the disease process and evaluate whether this drug can stop or slow down disease progression. Ultimately, this research could lead to new treatments that improve the lives of patients with MDS and related blood disorders.

Learn more about Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Synthetic Introns to target and understand SRSF2 mutant myelodysplastic syndromes.

2025

Overview

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation granted Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center a $250,000 grant over two years to support early career researcher Dr. Salima Benbarche.

Details

Dr. Benbarche will conduct this research with the support of her mentor Dr. Omar Abdel-Wahab to create special synthetic RNA introns that can detect the mutated SRSF2 cells from the normal cells. These synthetic RNAs act as molecular switches that only turn “on” in cancer cells with SRSF2 mutations. When activated, these synthetic introns can deliver therapeutic substances specifically to cancer cells, resulting in their elimination while protecting healthy cells.

Learn more about Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Childrens Hospital Medical Center

Proteotoxic stress as a driver of MDS stem cell expansion.

2025

Overview

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation granted Childrens Hospital Medical Center a $500,000 grant over two years for established investigator Dr. Timothy M. Chlon.

Details

In this project, Dr. Chlon will test his theory whether increased protein misfolding promotes mutant stem cell expansion and then test the effect of drugs that reduce protein stress to prevent this expansion.

Learn more about Childrens Hospital Medical Center.

Prodigy Ventures

Prodigy Apprenticeship Program
2025

Overview

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded Prodigy Ventures $30,000 for its paid apprenticeship program for young adults in Denver.

Details

Prodigy Ventures’ 12- to 18-month paid apprenticeship program in its craft coffeehouses offers paid wages and professional development for youth disconnected from employment and school. Woven throughout the program are leadership development opportunities, as well as job placement and workforce transition.

Learn more about Prodigy Ventures.

Detroit Public Theatre

Season 10 Education Programming
2025

Overview
The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded the Detroit Public Theatre a $25,000 grant for the education program.

Details
Detroit Public Theatre partners with Detroit Public Schools Community District educators and administrators to develop and implement curriculum-connected arts programming. Funds will largely support production expenses for the student matinees of the “Detroit ‘67” and “Soft Target” productions, as well as transportation and food for students.

Learn more about Detroit Public Theatre.

College Career & Beyond/Midnight Golf Program

Road Trip for Success
2025

Overview

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded College Career & Beyond/Midnight Golf Program $75,000 to support students’ week-long tour of eight universities.

Details

College Career & Beyond/ Midnight Golf Program provides mentorship, resources, and college transition support over the course of an academic year. A key component is the Road Trip for Success College Tour that includes visits to multiple out-of-state colleges and universities.

Learn more about Midnight Golf Program.

Detroit Horse Power

Equine-Assisted Learning for Detroit Youth
2025

Overview
The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded Detroit Horse Power a $50,000 grant for its summer and afterschool programming.

Details

Detroit Horse Power’s equine-assisted learning program gives youth the chance to build critical life skills through partnering with horses. Support will cover essential program costs to expand youth leadership opportunities during summer 2025 and through the 2025-26 academic year.

Learn more about Detroit Horse Power.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center

Art as Empowerment: High School Arts Immersion at Anderson Ranch
2025

Overview

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded a $33,920 grant to Anderson Ranch Arts Center to provide scholarships for high school students in the Aspen-Parachute Corridor.

Details

Anderson Ranch Arts Center will provide 16 full scholarships for high school students for one-week immersive workshops across a range of disciplines such as sculpture, ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and new media. Funding will support tuition, studio supplies, lodging, food, and travel.

Learn more about Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

Avalon Healing Center

Client Transportation and Hygiene & Clothing Kits for Survivors of Sexual Violence
2025

Overview
The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded Avalon Healing Center a $12,000 grant to support basic needs for survivors of sexual violence.

Details

Transportation and access to essential items, like hygiene products and clothing, often remain barriers for survivors of sexual violence. Avalon Healing Center addresses these basic needs to help ensure that they have the resources necessary to recover and heal.

Learn more about Avalon Healing Center.

Forgotten Harvest

Mobile Pantry Program
2025

Overview
The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to Forgotten Harvest to expand food access for youth and families in southeast Michigan.

Details
Forgotten Harvest provides fresh meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and nutritious nonperishable items through the mobile food pantry program. In 2025, Forgotten Harvest will distribute approximately 28 million pounds of food to 80 Mobile Pantry sites in high-need neighborhoods.

Learn more about Forgotten Harvest.

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HIGHLIGHTS
Health
Youth And Family
Animal Welfare
  • Dumb Friends League

    The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation has awarded Dumb Friends League a $150,000 grant for direct care costs associated with veterinary care for underserved, low-income families.