Anchorage, Alaska – The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees has directed more than $975,000 in Trust grant funding to partners advancing initiatives supporting Trust beneficiary housing, employment, and access to behavioral health treatment.
At a recent board meeting, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority board of trustees approved funding for three large grants:
Volunteers of America, Alaska (Anchorage): $125,000 for Supported Employment for Young Alaskans
This Volunteers of America, Alaska (VOA) project will apply the Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) supported employment model within their youth housing program, providing wrap-around clinical and related services to transition-age youth aged 18 to 24. The IPS model is an evidence-based practice that facilitates the integration of employment services within a provider team and is known to improve both employment and behavioral health outcomes for participants experiencing mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Trust funds will support 15-25 young Trust beneficiaries in pursuing their employment and education goals in an approach that also promotes recovery and wellness.
Juneau Housing First Collaborative: $375,000 for Forget-Me-Not-Manor Phase 3
Trust funding will support the construction of 28 new units of permanent supportive housing in the Juneau Housing First Collaborative’s Forget-Me-Not-Manor Phase 3 project. Forget-Me-Not Manor serves people who are chronically homeless, meaning they have been homeless for a year or more and have at least one disability or chronic condition. The Phase 3 building will be located on the same property as Phase 1 and 2 projects, which have been operating successfully since 2017 and 2022 respectively. In addition to housing, supportive services will be offered; on the property is a health clinic that offers outpatient medical care, behavioral health care, and prescription services.
Bartlett Regional Hospital (Juneau): $476,200 for Commencement of Operations at Aurora Crisis Services
The new Aurora Behavioral Health Center (ABHC) on the Bartlett campus will offer psychiatric crisis services to adolescents and adults from the Juneau area and throughout the state starting in fall 2023. Trust grant funds will be used to support startup efforts related to staffing, training, Crisis Now model consultation, and infrastructure for the facility.
These grants are a part of the Trust’s approximately $20 million annual grants program. Grants are awarded to organizations representing one or more Trust beneficiary groups and whose priorities are consistent with the Trust’s. To learn more about Trust’s grant programs, including how organizations can apply, visit: https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/about/grants/
Contact: Allison Biastock, Chief Communications Officer 907-334-2531, allison.biastock@alaska.gov