YMCA of the Black Hills – YMCA Mental Health Initiative
The success of this position has been a measured increase in staff retention, an improved cross utilization of community resources and collaboration and the identified need for a Behavioral Specialist to support staff in meeting the increased behavioral and emotional issues children and youth are presenting with. An individual success story directly tied to this grant award is Alison. Alison started her career at the YMCA of Rapid City homeless. Alison was quickly referred to the Mental Health Coordinator and connected to One Heart. Alison met daily with the Mental Health Coordinator to deescalate from the crisis she was in. Over time and with support, Alison's positions and responsibilities grew within the YMCA. Alison is now securely housed and working for the county in the detox program working towards a career in law enforcement. This success and this individual broke out of poverty because of the grant award from United Way. Initially, Alison required multiple daily check-ins and a lot of cross utilization of community resources. She is now a secure and stable member of our community thanks to the grant award from the United Way of the Black Hills. Thank you!