San Diego Foundation Allocates .1 Million in Grants to Enhance Youth Mental Health Services
The San Diego Foundation (SDF) has announced the distribution of .1 million in grants aimed at increasing access to mental and behavioral health care for children, youth, and families throughout the San Diego region. This initiative is part of SDF’s ongoing commitment to address critical mental health issues that have been exacerbated in recent years.
Mark Stuart, President and CEO of the San Diego Foundation, emphasized the urgency of this funding, stating, “Mental health issues are the top reason youth are hospitalized in California. We’re supporting local organizations working directly with young people to ensure they get the help they need, when they need it.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of mental health challenges, particularly affecting young populations, and underscores the vital role of community organizations in providing support.
The funding will not only enhance access to mental health care but also seeks to mitigate an alarming shortage of mental health professionals in San Diego County. According to projections from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the county will require an estimated 18,500 additional behavioral health workers by 2027 to adequately meet the needs of its residents.
Of the total grant amount, over .2 million is designated for direct service provisions to support families and individuals in need. An additional 5,000 is allocated to workforce development initiatives, including internships and stipends aimed at aspiring professionals entering the mental health field. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that the next generation of mental health professionals is adequately prepared and supported.
Selected grantees receiving funding include:
– Alliant Educational Foundation – 0,000 for family services and stipends for doctoral students.
– Casa de Amparo – ,000 to support foster youth.
– Home Start Inc. – ,000 to assist underserved families.
– Interfaith Community Services – 5,000 for programs focused on homeless youth and providing intern stipends.
– Mending Matters – 0,000 dedicated to school-based mental health and internship support.
– North County LGBTQ Resource Center – 5,000 to provide services for LGBTQ+ youth and offer intern stipends.
– San Diego Youth Services – 5,000 for initiatives aimed at vulnerable youth and workforce development.
– Palomar Family Counseling Services – 5,000 for family counseling and support for licensed trainees.
Since its inception, the SDF has committed significant resources to mental health initiatives, contributing a total of .6 million from 2017 to 2024 through various grants. This funding stems from both the Guy Clum Early Childhood Fund and the Blasker-Rose-Miah Endowment Fund, with additional support from the Coastal Community Foundation.
This funding initiative aligns with the foundation’s larger campaign, Fifty & Forward, which celebrates SDF’s 50th anniversary. The campaign’s ambitious goal is to grant 0 million to local nonprofits and raise billion to enhance the region’s future. To this date, the campaign has successfully provided 5 million in grants.
For those interested in learning more about the San Diego Foundation and its initiatives, further details can be found on their official website at SDFoundation.org/50. The foundation’s ongoing commitment to mental health serves as a vital resource for the San Diego community, helping to ensure a healthier future for its youth and families.