An $840,000 grant from the United Health Foundation will allow Lighthouse Youth & Family Services to expand access to behavioral and physical health services to more than 5,000 transitioning and homeless children and young adults in the Cincinnati area over the next three years.
The grant enables Lighthouse to operate an Integrated Access Team, including mobile and in-office clinical evaluators who work extended hours and weekends, and are able to meet individuals at a location of their choice. The grant will help Lighthouse increase its clinical and administrative capacity, and provide additional services to more youth in Hamilton, Montgomery and Ross counties in Ohio.
“Too many children are growing up without the love and support they need to have a hopeful start in life. It is important we provide supportive services to children in need so they have a shot at a healthy, purposeful future,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Lighthouse is doing a great job supporting at-risk youth, and the involvement of the United Health Foundation provides a new level support for the important work being done here.”
The Integrated Access Team will decrease the time between the initial intake interview and assessment, and the amount of time from assessment to treatment. Lighthouse staff will receive specific training to ensure all visits are trauma-informed and youth-focused, and exemplify excellent customer service. Nine additional staff members will be hired over the course of the three-year grant to support the expanded operations.
“Thanks to the United Health Foundation as our partner, we will be able to provide potentially life-changing services for transitioning and homeless youth,” said Paul Haffner, president and CEO, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services. “This grant will help us continue our approach of emphasizing physical, psychological and emotional safety for the people we serve.”