REACH Center Receives Grant to Increase Mental Health Services During the Pandemic

RALEIGH, NC —A Rocky Mount-based nonprofit will be receiving new investment to address the rapidly-rising mental health challenges families are facing during the pandemic. The $8,000 grant to the REACH Center, from the Anonymous Trust, comes as part of NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues ReCONNECT NC initiative. Through the effort, this fall, IEI is investing in community-based organizations across the state who are working creatively to provide new services to support families and communities struggling to deal with the effects of COVID-19.   

The REACH Center, a nonprofit organization, exists to equip individuals to secure gainful employment, prevent homelessness, and break the cycle of violence through education, skills development, and connections to community resources. The REACH Center is now one of 26 teams across North Carolina participating in IEI’s three-year, statewide ‘ReCONNECT” effort to bridge divides in health, employment, and technology by strengthening community services.

“Since the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals experiencing anxiety, moments of depression, hopelessness, grief, and frustration,” said Trishonda Roberson, executive director of The REACH Center. “This funding comes at a vital time and will go towards building out our Community Mental Health and Wellness Initiative.” 

“IEI is excited to see how our community-building initiative is impacting real people across our state in such positive ways,” said Sarah Langer Hall, senior policy program manager, Institute for Emerging Issues “We believe grassroots community organizations like The REACH Center will be in high demand to help North Carolinians, especially our communities of color,  and our mental health system professionals deal with the rising issues surrounding mental health and well-being.” 

On Thursday, October 29 at 8:30 a.m. NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues will host its third virtual meeting in the ReCONNECT to Move Forward series titled Mental Health and Well-Being. This meeting will examine the increase in mental health challenges as a result of COVID-19 and how we address near-term needs while building support systems to thrive in a post-pandemic world. To learn more and to register visit ReCONNECTNC.org

——

Institute for Emerging Issues
The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) at North Carolina State University is a nonpartisan public policy organization focused on the state’s vibrancy and economic competitiveness. Since 1986, the Emerging Issues Forum has attracted leaders in business, education and public policy to discuss issues with profound implications for North Carolina’s future prosperity. For more than three decades, the Forum has helped catalyze the policy reforms, public investments and other proactive responses required to build an enduring capacity for progress in North Carolina.

——

The REACH Center
The REACH Center, a nonprofit organization, exists to equip individuals to secure gainful employment, prevent homelessness, and break the cycle of violence through education, skills development, and connections to community resources.