GREENWICH, Conn. — Barbara’s House, a Greenwich social service agency dedicated to equipping clients with skills to overcome educational, social and economic barriers, will receive $85,000 from the state to help provide summer mental health programming for the next two years.
The funding is part of $2 million in grants that Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell Tucker awarded this week to 36 local and regional school districts, youth camp operators and other summer programs.
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Grants awarded under the Connecticut Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Assistance Grant Program range from $17,000 to $85,000 for each district and summer camp program.
The competitive grant program leverages funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
This is the third of three grants the Department has issued with ARPA funds with the goal of increasing access to mental health support services for Connecticut youth. Eligible costs incurred from summer 2024 through summer 2025 will be reimbursed under this grant program.
“The need for youth mental health services continues year-round, and by strengthening existing programs and creating new initiatives tailored to the needs of our youth, we are investing in the future success and well-being of Connecticut’s youth,” Lamont said in a news release. “Collaboration between school districts, summer camps and mental health professionals will be key in this effort to ensure students receive the support they need during this critical time.”
Gov. Russell Tucker said the grant money will help ensure the availability of mental health services year-round, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said the investment will make a “life-changing difference” in the lives of thousands of children across Connecticut.
“Access to care, especially during the summer, is critical to addressing the mental health crisis affecting our young people, and I am proud to have fought for funding in the American Rescue Plan that supports this important program,” Blumenthal said. “I will continue to advocate for additional funding to support children’s mental health services and applaud Governor Lamont and Chairman Russell Tucker for their leadership.”
