In an inspiring display of corporate social responsibility, KeyBank has made a significant impact on the lives of children and adolescents in Treasure Valley, Idaho, by awarding a $300,000 grant to the Children’s Home Society of Idaho. This funding supports the expansion of the Care Farm Therapy Program, a pioneering initiative offering nature-based and animal-assisted mental health therapies to vulnerable youth.
Empowering Mental Health Through Innovation
The Care Farm Therapy Program is a holistic approach to mental health care, blending traditional counseling techniques with the healing power of nature and animal interaction. With this grant, the Children’s Home Society plans to broaden its reach, making comprehensive mental health services accessible to more disadvantaged families across the region.
Key Expansion Goals:
- Hiring and Training Experts:
- Recruitment of additional clinicians and a psychiatrist to manage medication therapies.
- Certification of 15–20 therapists in nature-based and animal-assisted therapies.
- Strengthening Community Partnerships:
- Collaboration with more schools in Treasure Valley to provide school-based mental health services.
- Increasing Accessibility:
- Outreach efforts to ensure families facing financial difficulties can access critical support.
Grace Shimatsu, Development and Fundraising Manager for the Children’s Home, highlighted the initiative’s emphasis on accessibility, noting, “This partnership will allow us to expand our reach, making a lasting impact on the lives of even more children and families throughout our community.”
Making Mental Health Support a Priority
Mental health challenges among youth, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, often go unaddressed in underserved communities. The Children’s Home Society is tackling this issue head-on by incorporating innovative therapies and community engagement. The program not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also provides lasting tools for resilience and well-being.
Services Offered:
- Peer support groups to foster connection and understanding.
- Community events aimed at reducing stigma and promoting wellness.
- Comprehensive counseling for both children and their families.
Scott Schlange, KeyBank Idaho Market President, underscored the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The Care Farm Therapy Program is supporting vulnerable Treasure Valley children and their families with the mental health resources needed today to help them flourish as adults.”
Corporate Leadership in Action: KeyBank’s Commitment
KeyBank’s dedication to fostering stronger communities is evident through initiatives like this. With nearly 200 years of experience, the financial institution has consistently leveraged its resources and influence to address pressing societal needs.
KeyBank’s Broader Impact:
- Investments in education, housing, and small business development.
- Focused efforts on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within communities.
- A strong track record of partnerships with nonprofits to drive social change.
Their latest grant to the Children’s Home Society aligns seamlessly with their mission to create meaningful change and support underserved populations.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Treasure Valley
With the anticipated program expansion, the Children’s Home Society aims to touch even more lives. By combining therapeutic innovation with strategic community partnerships, the initiative sets a gold standard for how organizations can collaborate to solve complex societal challenges.
This story underscores the power of corporate social responsibility in addressing critical mental health needs, paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities. As this partnership evolves, the lessons learned and successes achieved can serve as a blueprint for similar programs nationwide.
For more details about the Children’s Home Society of Idaho, visit childrenshomeidaho.org. To explore KeyBank’s broader CSR initiatives, visit KeyBank’s CSR page.
What are your thoughts on innovative mental health solutions like the Care Farm Therapy Program? Share your insights and join the conversation in the comments!
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