IRCF Awards the Mental Health Association $45,000
The Mental Health Association in Indian River County works to provide immediate access with no barriers to mental health care. Individuals will be afforded an opportunity for an improved quality of life through access to a continuum of care, reduced stigma of mental health issues, and increased integration and acceptance within a community that has an informed understanding of mental health issues.
Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded MHA $45,000 to support the Parent and Child Center (PACC). The goal of the center is to provide the following: assessment/triage, referrals to appropriate services including case management, mental health therapy, child and adolescent psychiatry, and psycho-educational services to families in Indian River County. The PACC will focus on utilizing empirically supported prevention and intervention models to promote mental wellness and build support systems for families in the community. Prevention, early intervention, and effective treatment for youth and their families are protective factors against the development of more serious concerns and crises.
The PACC is a one-of-a-kind center and encompasses a collaborative partner approach to reduce IRC youth risks for substance abuse, suicide, poor academics, and negative life outcomes associated with unaddressed mental health concerns and address strengthening protective factors. Unmet mental health needs interfere with youth establishing healthy relationships, succeeding in school, and being self-sufficient in work. This program increases access to care for youth and families, serves the underserved IRC youth population with effective high-quality mental health treatment, and overcomes financial barriers by providing care regardless of the ability to pay. The center has MHA, Tykes & Teens, and Suncoast Mental Health staff co-located to provide services that are designed to have a barrier-free and seamless continuum of care.
Indian River Community Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking is aligned with a vision of a more healthy, prosperous, and generous Indian River County community. Grantmaking priorities are informed by the findings of the most recent community needs assessment and the most current data and information collected on Indian River Indicators. Grants from the Community Enrichment fund are reviewed by a Grants Committee comprised of volunteers Suzanne Bertman, Pat Brier, Toni Hamner, Dale Jacobs, Wanda Lincoln, Dawn Michael, and Angelia Perry.
IRCF is holding informational sessions for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Indian River County who are interested in applying for a competitive grant. If interested, please call 772.492.1407 or email Brooke Sauserman to reserve your spot. Please read our Guidelines before registering.