Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation, POM receives money for counseling and financial support.
Two nonprofit organizations are committing $85,000 to outreach to the Enumclaw School District community.
Two local nonprofit organizations recently received a total of $85,000 to continue their counseling resource programs for local students.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health announced April 22 grants to Plateau Outreach Ministries and Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation.
The two nonprofits work together to provide students with the resources they need to survive financially, both with mental health care at school and with their families. RFWF received her $60,000 and POM received the remaining $25,000.
Rainier Foothills will use a portion of the grant money to continue and expand its school counseling program, said Executive Director Sarah Stratton.
RFWF has partnered with Maple Valley-based Aiden’s Therapy Group to provide ESD students in grades 6-12 with three counselors available during the school year (excluding recess). Approximately 200 students utilize these one-on-one and group therapy services. This service is funded in part by the City of Enumclaw and Black His Diamond City, the Muckleshoot Tribe and the Mutual of Enumclaw.
Thanks to a new grant, RFWF was able to hire a fourth counselor last month. This will allow students to receive counseling services year-round, including holidays and summer vacation, and their families will be able to receive counseling as well.
This is a free program.
POM will use the funds to assist families referred to financial assistance programs such as rental assistance and utility vouchers.
“We are honored to receive this grant,” said POM Executive Director Elisha Smith Marshall. “We are really excited to be working with Rainier Wellness, the schools, and VMFH to provide financial support and resources to families in our community.
