Family Resource Center awarded $4 million to improve kids' mental wellness

The Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board has received a second $4 million federal grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to improve the mental wellness of children and youth in Hancock County. The funding will continue the System of Care Project, which first received a grant of the same size in 2018. That funding was to expire this month. One of just six System of Care grants awarded nationally, this project will build on the work started in 2018, when the first round of funding was awarded to Hancock County. Services and implementation will again be managed by Family Resource Center. The project aims to deliver services designed for children, youth and their families, with an emphasis on kids ages 8-14 with serious emotional disturbances, the children of veterans, youth at risk for out-of-home placement and youth who experience suicidality. "Over the past four years as a recipient of a federal System of Care Grant and in collaboration with youth serving systems and agencies throughout the community, especially Family Resource Center who served as the lead agency, services to youth and families have been expanded," said Precia Stuby, executive director of the ADAMHS Board, in a release. "Examples include such things as: youth peer support; family peer support; mobile response and stabilization services; the LOFT (youth alternative peer group); respite services and the implementation of the Youth Thrive Framework. The new System of Care grant will focus on increasing capacity across the continuum of services for youth, workforce development, addressing health disparities, increasing family and youth engagement, and increased public awareness of the services and supports available for youth and families throughout the community. Overall, we want to continue to transform, expand and improve services to youth and families in need." Family Resource Center President and CEO John Bindas said the funds will be used to expand on the system. "Our community has experienced great success in the implementation of a system of care in Hancock County. We are thrilled to be awarded this second round on such limited funding at a national level," he said.