Today, we’re excited to celebrate an unintentionally well-kept secret: the JTVF Mental Health Builder Scholarships. This program supports staff at mental health nonprofits participating in our Systems of Care Collaborative, ensuring that those who provide essential mental health services have the support and education they need to thrive. This solution empowers nonprofit mental health organizations to invest in their own people, fostering stability and growth from within.
The program started in 2018 with just three recipient organizations. Fast forward to 2024, and we have expanded to seven recipient organizations, distributing over $60,000 to 18 individual recipients this year alone. Over the six cycles of this program, we have awarded a total of $367,877 to 76 recipients. Our next grant cycle will open in 2025.
Many thanks to our partner organizations who have participated in the Mental Health Builder Scholarship program: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, Catholic Social Services, Lifeways, Lutheran Social Services, Oaye Luta Okolakiciye, Wellfully, West River Mental Health, andYouth and Family Services.
Purpose of the Mental Health Builder Scholarships
JTVF Mental Health Builder Scholarships empower mental health professionals by providing financial support for their advanced education. Here’s a quick overview:
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- Support Nonprofit Mental Health Workers: We recognize the financial challenges faced by professionals in the field, including low wages and high tuition costs. This scholarship helps alleviate those burdens primarily for those working on a Masters in Social Work or Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- Recruit, Retain, and Enhance Mental Health Staffing: These scholarships help local organizations build their own mental health workforce to meet the growing needs of the Black Hills region. By easing the financial strain of pursuing a master’s degree, we hope to retain dedicated individuals in the mental health sector.
- Reduce Burnout: Mental health work can be demanding. Additional education and support can provide the necessary tools to prevent burnout and ensure ongoing professional development.
- Expand Reimbursable Services: Advanced degrees enhance an organization’s ability to secure insurance and Medicaid reimbursements, ultimately helping them stay afloat and provide higher quality services.
- Meet Supervision Requirements: Some organizations have mandates for supervision, which these scholarships help fulfill.
Organizational Impact: A closer look at Lifeways
Need more details on how these scholarships impact local agencies? Staff from Lifeways, a nonprofit adolescent substance use prevention and early intervention agency, were kind enough to share their thoughts on the program.
“The grant was a fantastic opportunity to help retain and support current staff in paying for the education required to become an addiction professional for our accreditation and agency.”
Michele Brink-Gluhosky has been a part of Lifeways since 2014 and currently serves as the Executive Director. With a background in youth substance use disorder treatment, Michele transitioned into the director role in 2021.
Michele emphasized the scholarships’ role in retaining and supporting current staff, crucial for meeting accreditation requirements. The financial support provided by the scholarships alleviates the burden on staff who need to pursue further education to become certified addiction professionals.
“Because of this scholarship, I am able to work in a position I love, own and run a small business, and enjoy my family thanks to the financial freedom I have benefitted from with this grant, obtaining my certification, and promotion to my current position.”
Rebecca has been with Lifeways for seven years, initially as an Outpatient Treatment Counselor. She has since advanced to the role of Outpatient Treatment Supervisor, thanks to the scholarship and further education.
The Mental Health Builder Scholarship enabled Rebecca to obtain her Certified Addictions Counselor status while continuing to work. This achievement not only led to her promotion but also enhanced her competency in providing substance use disorder services.
Inspiration Behind the Scholarships
JTVF has had two CEOs over the course of our 17 year history (founding CEO Sandy Diegel and current CEO Alan Solano), both of whom came from the Mental Health sector. We leveraged their expertise to create the Systems of Care Collaborative. The Systems of Care Collaborative is a network of community organizations that helps children, youth, and families with behavioral health challenges thrive at home, in school, and in the community. This group meets quarterly to address gaps in care and moves forward on solutions. In 2017 this group identified a lack of state-level funding for master’s degrees in mental health fields. This program aims to fill that gap locally, supporting those committed to advancing their education and careers.
The Mental Health Builder Scholarships offer more than just financial aid; they represent a commitment to fostering a stronger, more resilient mental health workforce. By supporting advanced education, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.
