Pawnee Mental Health - 2024

Pawnee Mental Health received a $7,000 grant through the YES! Fund to provide critical resources supporting the health, well-being, and independence of youth engaged in community-based mental health services.

This funding has had a profound impact by ensuring that young clients have access to everyday items essential to maintaining stability and promoting healthy development. Many youth faced challenges meeting basic needs, such as having soap and toothpaste for daily hygiene or shoes without holes to wear to school and community activities. By helping to fill these gaps, the grant has enabled Pawnee Mental Health to create a stronger foundation for emotional regulation and overall wellness, empowering clients to focus on building skills and working toward their treatment goals.

For many youth, developing independent living skills and consistent hygiene routines is key to successfully graduating from services. With the support of the YES! Fund, the program has provided inclusive, practical resources that promote healthier lifestyles and improve quality of life for clients and their families.

The impact of these resources is felt not only in daily routines but also in moments of belonging and inclusion. One staff member shared:

“When meeting with my client for a session, she was eager to engage in the water splash group activity planned for the day. She became discouraged when she didn’t have a bathing suit that fit properly and had to wear a dress instead. She thought she wouldn’t be able to join the water activities with her peers. To her surprise, we were able to provide her with several swimsuit options to try on, thanks to our grant funding. After selecting the perfect suit, she was elated. She shared that she felt cared about and included. She was also able to pick up some sunscreen from our hygiene supplies so she could stay healthy while enjoying the sun all summer long.”

Thanks to the generosity of the YES! Fund and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, Pawnee Mental Health, can continue to help youth build confidence, resilience, and the essential life skills they need to thrive.