The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded a $4 million expansion grant to The SOURCE, Elkhart County’s network of community partners dedicated to supporting youth with mental health issues. Anna Sawatzky, director of The SOURCE, emphasized that the grant specifically targets children facing serious emotional disturbances or those at risk.
Located in Oaklawn, Goshen, The SOURCE collaborates with 67 partners to provide comprehensive services. Sawatzky mentioned a four-month planning phase to strategize the optimal allocation of the grant funds. “We’re working on a process to determine where the money is most needed and what the community identifies as priorities,” she said.
This marks the third consecutive time The SOURCE has secured this grant, a feat that Sawatzky recognizes as exceptional for a small county. “Sustainability is always the main goal,” she noted. “Receiving one grant is remarkable; two is incredible, and three is unprecedented.”
The application process for the grant was extensive, requiring collaboration with the Elkhart County Health Department and the county auditor’s office. The submission was completed in February.
Sawatzky highlighted the evolving challenges the new grant aims to address. “The previous grant focused on issues from four years ago, while this funding will tackle current needs in the community,” she explained.
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