ORLANDO, Fla. — Programs serving Central Florida families and mental health workers are among nine initiatives receiving a combined $3.33 million from the Florida Blue Foundation.
The foundation announced the grants Tuesday, saying the funding will support programs serving 21 Florida counties, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard.
Local recipients include RISE Community Solutions and UCP of Central Florida. A NAMI Jacksonville training initiative also includes Central Florida counties in its service area, according to the announcement.
Support for Osceola County families
RISE Community Solutions will use its grant to connect young people and their families in Osceola County with Family Support Navigators.
The navigators are caregivers with lived experience who are trained as Certified Recovery Specialists, according to the foundation. Their work includes helping families navigate services and find support before challenges escalate into a crisis.
Addressing burnout among therapists
UCP of Central Florida’s Therapy Team Wellness Program serves professionals working with children with developmental disabilities in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
The grant will support staff recognition, wellness meetings and therapy dog events. The program aims to reduce burnout and strengthen employee retention, according to the foundation.
Training peer support workers
NAMI Jacksonville’s initiative will provide training and mentorship for Certified Recovery Peer Specialists.
The program helps people draw on their own experiences with recovery to support others. Its listed service area includes Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, along with seven other Florida counties.
“Mental health touches every community, and everyone deserves access to support when they need it,” said Susan Towler, vice president of corporate social responsibility and Florida Blue Foundation.
Nine organizations receive funding
The other recipients are Bridgeway Center, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Center for Children’s Rights, Heart Gallery of Tampa, Roundtable of St. Lucie County and Vincentian CARES.
Their programs include clinical workforce training, mental health services in homeless shelters, support for foster youth and care navigation for veterans in rural communities.
The foundation did not specify individual grant amounts in its announcement.
More information about its grantmaking is available on the Florida Blue Foundation website.
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