Now, through the end of 2023 we are awarding Micro Grants on a rolling basis focused on connecting the community to programs that positively impact the mental wellness of youth and their families.
Touchstone Foundation grants tackle the supply and demand crisis in mental healthcare for youth and children by supporting local programs to meet our Two Big Goals:
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 through 25.
Now, through the end of 2023 we are awarding Micro Grants on a rolling basis focused on connecting the community to programs that positively impact the mental wellness of youth and their families.
“School Counselor”
“Sexual Assault Counseling Center”
As the Rape Crisis Center for the county, they provide primary prevention education programs to the community. Healthy Relationship Project (HRP) is a researched-based, trauma-informed, and age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention curriculum created by Prevent Child Abuse Vermont. There are 3 distinct programs for students in preschool-grade 2, grades 3-6, and grades 7-8.
“Play and Learns”
A program to serve families with children birth to five years of age in communities in Lancaster County that have limited availability of high-quality early learning opportunities. The criteria for Play and Learns include being connected with the school district; scheduling dates for each session in a series ahead of time with at least five 60-minute sessions. Each session is comprised of child-directed play, caregiver learning, a coordinated group activity, and intentional space for caregivers to build social capital, as well as time for caregivers to explore resources with a focus on family well-being.
“FLASH – Integrating Trauma-informed Care in Primary Care”
Program provided staff with training in the FLASH Technique, a new behavioral health intervention that can heal trauma in a brief, non-intrusive manner. The technique will be employed in the patient’s preferred language and can reduce disturbances of painful memories in as little as 15 minutes.
“One for One Advocacy Program”
Program offers comprehensive care for children, with an emphasis on mental and physical health. It matches one volunteer with one family or child for the duration of their participation in the Community Meal auxiliary services, partnering with Lancaster General Health Penn Medicine’s Healthy Beginnings and Union Community Care to meet emerging needs.
“School Counselor”
“Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support Services”
“Diversifying Restorative Justice”
Program addresses harm, rather than blame, is the focus of restorative justice. Whether you’ve been harmed, or caused harm to another(s), restorative practices help to address that harm to the satisfaction of those impacted through facilitated dialogue.
“ECHOS Youth Crisis Response Counseling”
This program provides competency in addressing high acuity levels in students, as well as, providing support for their family members. During the school year, the counselor addresses safety concerns of the students, assists with access to community mental health services, and promotes hope and wellness.
“Mental Health Access and Diversifying Doulas Initiative”
MHA – Program will help cover the entire cost of at least 3 sessions with an accredited mental health professional.
DDI – Program addresses the maternal mortality crisis by providing Lancaster Black and Latinx expectant moms with doula support.
“Family Services Advocate: Supporting Children with a Parent in Prison”
The Family Services Advocate program identifies, supports, and advocates for the unique needs and rights of children with an incarcerated parent at Lancaster County Prison. Each child receives a needs assessment, case management, relationship support, and pre/post evaluation.
“Envision U Symposium”
3-session Envision U Symposium in 2020-21, welcoming students with mental health needs, interest in mental health careers, or disabilities, to attend:
“Safe Places Prevention + Education”
Program educates young children with three workshops with prevention basics: ‘Basic Body Safety’, ‘It’s Ok to Tell’, and ‘What Would You Do If…?’. Our program educates pre-teens with three workshops with relevant prevention information: ‘Internet + Social Media Safety’, ‘Healthy Relationships + Respect’, and ‘Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.’