The challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled professionals are pressing issues across many industries—but particularly in behavioral health, where the need for talented individuals is critical and growing.
On a recent episode of the Lancaster Chamber’s What’s on Tap, Lancaster? podcast, Shanece Bowman, MSW, LSW Touchstone Foundation’s Programs Manager, brought her expertise to the table to discuss how Touchstone Foundation’s programs and innovative partnerships are driving solutions in Lancaster County.
Listen to the episode here: What’s on Tap, Lancaster? Season 3, Episode 4
Driving Workforce Development Through Collaboration
In this episode, Shanece joined hosts Ashley and Molly to explore strategies for addressing workforce challenges while strengthening the talent pipeline in the mental health sector. Drawing on her leadership at Touchstone Foundation, Shanece shared practical approaches to:
- Reducing barriers for emerging professionals in mental health
- Fostering cross-sector collaboration to develop sustainable workforce solutions
- Creating programs that attract, support, and retain skilled talent
Her insights extend beyond behavioral health, offering valuable takeaways for any organization looking to build a resilient and capable workforce.
The Touchstone Foundation Difference
Shanece highlighted Touchstone Foundation’s role in elevating mental wellness and addressing systemic challenges in Lancaster County. By connecting organizations and leveraging resources, Touchstone Foundation is not only driving workforce development but also creating pathways to mental health equity.
“Partnerships are at the heart of sustainable change,” Shanece shared during the discussion. “When organizations collaborate across sectors, we create opportunities to support talent and empower communities.”
Why It Matters
Lancaster County is home to a vibrant network of businesses, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. Building a strong talent pipeline in the mental health sector doesn’t just benefit individual organizations—it strengthens the entire community. Shanece’s work at Touchstone Foundation exemplifies how intentional collaboration can create solutions that drive growth, innovation, and impact.
Tune In for Inspiration
Whether you’re in behavioral health or another industry, this podcast episode sheds light on the urgent need to reform the processes surrounding access to mental health care and the path to becoming a therapist or counselor. With a growing demand for mental health services across all communities, Shanece and Touchstone Foundation highlights innovative strategies to address these challenges, paving the way for progress and offering actionable insights to enhance workforce initiatives and expand access to care.
Don’t miss the conversation, Join In: https://touchstonefound.org/home/volunteer-opportunities/
Let’s continue the conversation about how we can work together to build stronger, more resilient communities!
