Mental Health Grant Provides Therapy for Children Removed from Homes

"To whoever gets this note, thank you for providing us with a place to stay, eat and having a caring staff," reads the beginning of a hand-written note from a child in the care of New Horizons, a 2018 CFA grant recipient.

This stirring response from someone directly impacted by the compassionate work of a local nonprofit says it all. It represents the lasting impact CFA donors intend for their endowment funds to have on the causes that are meaningful to them.

A grant designed specifically to enhance mental health services in Abilene has served the donor's intent by supporting weekly therapy and mental health treatment to children staying at the Audrey Grace House, a program of local nonprofit New Horizons.

The Audrey Grace House is a home that provides residential treatment services to children ages 5 to 17 who have experienced various forms of abuse or neglect. The program serves around 80-90 children each year.

Children participate in yoga at New Horizons

New Horizons received a $15,000 grant in 2018 from the APC Endowment Fund for Mental Health, a fund established by community leaders to make grants to support mental health initiatives in Abilene.

"We see such significant and positive changes in kids because of the therapeutic treatment and care they receive each day," says Hannah Wiginton, Communications and Grants Director for New Horizons.

"They come in the door on their first day with us struggling to understand everything that's happening around them. By the time they leave us to go to a new home, they are a completely different child. From a lonely, angry, and sad child to one who's filled with excitement and confidence to wherever life leads."

Why do our donors establish endowment funds with CFA? The last line of the child's handwritten note pretty well sums it up.

"You're the reason that I believe someone cares."