Pawnee Mental Health Services - 2021

For over six decades, Pawnee Mental Health has supported the community, offering comprehensive mental health services to individuals in need. Since its establishment in 1956, Pawnee has been dedicated to providing compassionate care and valuable resources to anyone suffering from mental health challenges. Recognizing the organization's commitment and impact, the YES! Fund honored Pawnee Mental Health with a grant in 2021.

Pawnee Mental Health operates a range of therapy groups catering to diverse age groups and needs, from after-school youth programs to adult therapy sessions. Thanks to the YES! Fund grant, Pawnee has been able to provide much-needed snacks and beverages to their therapy group participants. Particularly in sessions lasting up to three hours, where clients may not have an opportunity for a proper meal due to back-to-back individual and group sessions, the provision of snacks and pizza has proved invaluable. By addressing the issue of hunger, Pawnee ensures that clients can focus on skill-building and therapy without the distraction or discomfort of an empty stomach.

In addition to supporting the youth therapy groups, the YES! Fund grant has also positively impacted Pawnee's Survivor group, which focuses on developing independent living skills, including grocery shopping and cooking. Furthermore, the grant has extended its support to a client experiencing food insecurity during a challenging period, helping them make ends meet. The Youth Rehabilitation Services (YRS) program has witnessed notable improvements in client engagement and participation in skill-building and therapeutic activities due to the increased access to food provided through the YES! Grant.

The partnership between the YES! Fund and Pawnee Mental Health exemplifies the power of community collaboration in addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals seeking mental health support. Through the grant's provision of snacks and drinks, Pawnee has created a nurturing environment where clients can focus on their well-being and personal growth, unhindered by hunger. By recognizing the importance of addressing practical needs alongside therapeutic interventions, Pawnee Mental Health continues to make a significant difference in the lives of those they serve.