News

Foundations’ Innovative Community-Based Program Receives Grant From the Otto Bremer Trust To Support Neighbors In Need

October 24, 2019

Foundations Health & Wholeness announces $25,000 grant award from the Otto Bremer Trust in St Paul, Minnesota to continue mental health therapy work in homeless shelters, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Green Bay.

The Accessible Mental Wellness Initiative – Resident Training Program was born, and continues to serve, from our core value of justice. Foundations believes that everyone should have access to quality mental health care, and they fight for those who do not have access to it. The program that serves community-based clinics is a bridge of access, and is unique in its breadth and scope.

Foundations works collaboratively with nonprofit organizations throughout the community to embed therapists at their locations. Partner organizations include:

  • Brown County Aging & Disability Resource Center
  • Freedom House homeless shelter
  • Green Bay Boys & Girls clubs (2 locations)
  • House of Hope
  • Micah Center (St. John’s Homeless Shelter)
  • New Community Shelter
  • E.W. Community Clinic
  • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC)
  • Outreach Healthcare

According to Lana Cheslock, Clinical Director of the Accessible Mental Wellness Initiative – Resident Training Program, “Staff of these organizations invite our therapists into their space to provide on-site mental health and addiction counseling for their clients. We believe that mental health is a basic need along with food and shelter. We appreciate all that our community partners do to provide the opportunity for clients to receive mental health care at their locations.”

Ms. Cheslock also said: “I’m overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone at the Otto Bremer Trust. These critical funds allow our community members with barriers to receive mental health treatment at locations where they already receive services. We believe that everyone matters, and everyone can heal. We appreciate that the Otto Bremer Trust believes in our ability to effect change in our community.”

“As the challenges of mental health continue to impact our communities, we are impressed with Foundations’ innovative program to embed mental health therapists in homeless shelters and other social service providers to deliver mental health services to marginalized populations,” said Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, Otto Bremer Trust.