Through the initiatives of Touchstone Foundation, we hope to streamline connections between caregivers, existing structures, and available resources for youth and children’s behavioral health in Lancaster County. True to our osteopathic roots, we support a compassionate, holistic approach.
In 2023, Touchstone Foundation invested $326,695 in elevating the mental well-being of youth and children in Lancaster County. We did this by building the workforce of trained mental health providers, increasing access to mental health care for youth and families, and creating awareness and education about youth mental wellness.
In 2023, we now support undergraduate students pursuing mental health careers, such as social work, psychology, education, and related fields.
In September 2023, we celebrated six fellows graduating from our program in 2023, completing the required 3,000 hours of clinical supervision for the licensing exam to become licensed mental health providers in our community, serving children, youth, and families.
We are grateful to The Steinman Foundation for matching funds to launch and support this program.
In 2023, we are announced our Mental Health Access Assistance program. The purpose is still the same: provide monetary assistance to youth, children, and parents of dependent children (ages 0-25) who live in Lancaster County and have financial need. To qualify for the program the household income may not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Patients must have commercial insurance and re-enroll with us each year so that we can verify their income eligibility.
In 2023, we helped 48 high school students learn about mental wellness, how to express their emotions through art, and become advocates for mental wellness.
The goal for this summit is to help students gain new skills and connect them to resources for mental health in Lancaster County.
In 2023 we started a parent support group that offers free childcare with Community Action Partnership (CAP) licensed staff, supper, and gas card to promote parental mental wellness for the whole family.
