With a $30,000 investment in the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Homes, Kosair for Kids has made a difference for Kentucky kids by supporting Mending Point Behavioral Health Services.
Mending Point is a community-based program that serves over 200 youth and families per year in Jessamine and Fayette counties. The program is focused on helping youth who face challenges with substance use disorders or mental health concerns.
Our therapists and case managers are committed to providing services to those most in need: teenagers who don’t have access to reliable transportation, are at risk of dropping out of school, and those involved in the juvenile justice system. Dedicated Mending Point therapists and case managers spend about 20% of their time traveling to visit our youth at their schools, homes, or other safe public places.
With their grant, Kosair for Kids provided support to offset the cost of travel time for our staff, eliminating barriers so that the youth who need services most can continue to receive them.
“At a time where we are seeing increased demand for our services, Kosair for Kids’ grant has made quality mental health services accessible,” said Caitlin Foreman, Executive Director for Programs and Services, Nicholasville Campus. “We are grateful for their investment in Kentucky youth.”
Mending Point makes a difference every day for youth like Liam*. At home, Liam had an unhealthy relationship with his father, which contributed to his anxiety. He found it hard to focus in school and rein in his impulsive behaviors. Liam fell behind in his classes and was facing a late graduation from high school. Using drugs became a way for him to escape from reality.
Liam began to meet with KyUMH staff multiple times a week. He started group therapy with peers from his school who were struggling with similar challenges. When he felt safe and supported, Liam began to open up to our staff and his peers. His true personality began to shine through, and he decided he wanted to graduate high school on time. As his Mending Point therapist and case manager rallied around him, he was able to earn the credits he needed to walk across the stage and receive his diploma.
We are grateful to community partners like Kosair for Kids for making this life-changing work possible!
*To protect client confidentiality, Liam is a pseudonym.
