The Tanner Steffler Foundation recently received a $90,000 grant through the Health Standards Organization to help them further expand their already wide range of programs that support mental health and substance use outreach.
Shannon McGavin, the TSF Executive Director, says everything they do is informed by a Youth Advisory Council, which helps them maintain a clear direction on programming and supports that are available. She says they also recently introduced a Wellness Working Group.
"30 different people from across the community informing and supporting where we're going, what we're doing and what mental health and substance use supports should look like in Huron County. So we're super proud of that."
The grant is also supported by Frayme, a youth services organization. Tanner Steffler Foundation also recently started a new project called My Journey in partnership with the Huron Community Family Health Team. The program has people contact a trained navigator who helps people navigate and find the right supports and programs locally for those struggling with mental health or substance use. The number to dial for the My Journey program is 519-525-6959.
McGavin also says one of the many things they will soon offer at TSF is a Peer Support Group, so that while individuals and families wait for mental health or substance use care, they have an outlet of people and families with similar experiences that they can lean on.
"So the Peer Support Group they can chat with before, during and after care, and it just sort of keeps that circle of care around them continually, so we love that."
With the foundation ever expanding, part of the grant money will be going toward forming an improvement committee to help figure out ways to improve youth services in Huron County, with Perth and Bruce in mind, as well.
"We want to continue to look at the development of best practice for integrated youth services, including mental health and substance use. So we will be sending out surveys, and looking at what the community wants, and we know right now the system is slightly fragmented."
As the programming becomes bigger and the outreach bigger, as well, Tanner Steffler Foundation will be looking for summer students and will be posting new positions on their website to bring more staff in to help with expanding. For more information on their many programs, to apply for a summer or full-time position, or to learn more about the new My Journey program, visit https://www.tannerstefflerfoundation.com/.