Clark County students dealing with mental health issues will soon have the opportunity to take part in an after school therapeutic rehabilitative pilot program thanks to a What’s Your Ambition?! grant from The Greater Clark Foundation.

The pilot program will focus on children and teens with significant and/or persistent mental issues who are struggling in school because of their diagnosis. This is the first and only program of its kind to be launched by Mountain Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) in Kentucky.

“This program has the ability to improve the quality of life for Clark County students dealing with mental health issues,” said Jen Algire, GCF president and chief executive officer. “Providing them with opportunities for personal growth and educational success will increase their individual health and wellness, but also benefit our community as a whole.”

The therapeutic rehabilitative pilot will be a strength-based, goal-oriented program that focuses on daily living, self-care, money, time management and decision making skills for 15to 25 participants.

“There has been a gap in mental health service provision for these students in our community and this program bridges that gap,” said Patricia Stewart-Hopkins, Ed.D., LPCC,  director of MCCC. “Students will learn life management skills with a goal to become more independent and better prepared to reach their full potential.”

MCCC and Clark County Public Schools have collaborated to provide transportation for students to the after school program, which participants may attend Monday through Friday, weekly. In addition, Medicaid funding will be used to provide mental health services.

MCCC began offering services to Clark County students in 2016. In just over a year, MCCC has worked with more than 250 Clark County students. The organization has locations across the Commonwealth.