$62,500 in grants awarded; more funds available this fall

LOHF recently awarded funding to four Lancaster County children’s behavioral health programs. These programs improve the mental well-being of youth and children, especially those who may not otherwise get the support they need. The LOHF grants program is an important part of our strategy to improve access to behavioral healthcare for young people in Lancaster County.

Grants Awarded

Compass Mark – Family Services Advocate Program: $15,000 to support and advocate for the unique needs and rights of children of incarcerated parents at Lancaster County Prison. Each child receives a needs assessment, case management, relationship support, and pre/post evaluation. The program will offer school-based support groups for children in the program (grades 2-6), using an evidence-informed Empowering Children of the Incarcerated curriculum.

Bethany Christian Services – Safe Families for Children™ (SFFC): $19,000 to support at-risk families in crisis and reduces child abuse/neglect through a network of volunteers to keep children safe and families intact. SFFC will recruit, screen, and train 15 new volunteers, and maintain a network of 50 volunteers, to care for 28 children, while staff and volunteers support caregivers through a crisis.

Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 – Envision U Symposium: $10,000 to continue for three sessions in 2020-21, for students with mental health needs, disabilities, or an interest in mental healthcare careers. The sessions include: The Mindful U: mindfulness and healthy habits; The Resourceful U: mental health resources and overcoming barriers; and The Best U: self-awareness, advocacy, and regulation. Each day includes speakers, workshops, exhibits, and targeted training for advisors who attend the Symposium with their students.

Safe Communities – $18,500 to prevent child sexual abuse. The program for young children includes three workshops with prevention basics: Basic Body Safety, It’s Ok to Tell, and What Would You Do If…? The program for pre-teens includes three workshops: Internet + Social Media Safety; Healthy Relationships + Respect; and, Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

About LOHF Children’s Behavioral Health Grants Program

LOHF’s grants elevate the mental well-being of youth and children by supporting local programs that help us to answer one or both of our two big questions:

  1. How can we build the talent pipeline in behavioral healthcare for youth and children in Lancaster County?
  2. How will we improve access to mental well-being for youth and children in Lancaster County?

We encourage applicants to replicate existing models that have been successful, and to work collaboratively with others to improve mental health services for youth and children ages birth to 26.

Apply for the next grant cycle

An additional $37,500 in grant funds will be available this fall. Applications for the fall grant cycle are now open. Applications must be submitted no later than Sept. 1, 2020. Tax exempt community benefit organizations serving Lancaster County are eligible to apply. LEARN MORE AND APPLY.