#United States #New York #mental health #Bob Woodruff Foundation #Bread Financial

Bread Financial and Bob Woodruff Foundation Unite for Mental Health

In an inspiring move to bolster mental health resources for children from military families, Bread Financial and the Bob Woodruff Foundation have announced a significant partnership. With a commitment of $3 million over the next three years, this initiative aims to provide comprehensive mental health care for children whose parents have served in the armed forces.

Addressing Mental Health Challenges

Children in military families face unique stressors, including frequent moves, parental deployments, and the challenges that arise from these situations. Ralph Andretta, the CEO of Bread Financial and a board member at the Bob Woodruff Foundation, highlights these challenges, stating that mental health issues for these children are often exacerbated by instability and lack of accessible care. This investment aligns with the company’s history of strategic community support and aims to create a holistic approach to wellness.

Funding to Enhance Mental Health Services

The funds will be allocated to local mental health service providers within the Bob Woodruff Foundation's network, enhancing the accessibility and quality of mental health services available to military families. The grants will focus on three key areas:

1. Direct Clinical Care: Providing immediate mental health care to children and their families.

2. Training for Clinicians: Ensuring that mental health professionals are equipped to address the specific needs of military-connected children.

3. Support Programs: Investing in proven wellness initiatives that promote social connection and overall wellbeing.

The necessity for such programs is underscored by recent data revealing that over 70% of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s partners reported assisting families with children in need of mental health services. However, only 13% felt capable of meeting the complete demand within their communities. This partnership will help bridge that gap, ensuring more families have access to the resources they need.

Success Stories and Future Plans

The Bob Woodruff Foundation has previously shared success stories showcasing the positive outcomes of their milestones in mental health care, which will now be further enhanced by this partnership with Bread Financial. As the foundation's CEO Anne Marie Dougherty states, this collaboration positions Bread Financial as a national leader in supporting the mental health needs of children from military families. The foundation appreciates Bread Financial's dedication to making impactful contributions and is excited about their continued partnership.

About Bread Financial and Bob Woodruff Foundation

Bread Financial is a tech-driven financial services company devoted to providing personalized financial solutions to millions of consumers across the U.S. They are committed to empowering customers through innovative payment and credit solutions.

Founded in 2006, the Bob Woodruff Foundation was established after journalist Bob Woodruff was injured during the Iraq War. The foundation has since raised over $170 million to address the challenges faced by veterans and military families, helping them transition to stable, fulfilling lives.

Through this new initiative, both organizations are aiming to empower the children of service members, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive emotionally and socially. The success of this investment could serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable communities.