WEA Member Benefits Foundation Expands Mental Health Programs for Schools Across Wisconsin

Enhancing Mental Health Resources in Wisconsin Schools



The need for mental health support in educational settings has never been more critical. The WEA Member Benefits Foundation, a prominent nonprofit organization, is making strides to meet this challenge head-on. In a recent announcement, they revealed plans to significantly enhance school-based mental health programs across Wisconsin, a move that promises to impact thousands of students positively.

New Funding to Expand Reach



Currently, the WEA Member Benefits Foundation provides crucial mental health funding to 17 school districts in Wisconsin, positively affecting over 125,000 of the state’s 785,000 K-12 students. This endeavor is set to expand following a three-year grant commitment of $510,000 from the Roots & Wings Foundation. This funding will allow the foundation to extend its services to an additional 10 to 12 districts, thereby increasing accessibility to essential mental health resources for students in need.

Dave Kijek, President and CEO of WEA Member Benefits, expressed the transformative potential of the grant by stating, “This grant is a difference maker. By expanding our funding program to more school districts, we are able to support students and educators both inside and outside of the classroom.” This affirmation highlights the importance of the initiative and its expected contribution to enhancing mental health support within Wisconsin's educational environment.

A Collaboration Grounded in Research



Research indicates that approximately 20% of K-12 students face significant mental health challenges that can hinder their academic performance. Understanding the gravity of this issue, the Roots & Wings Foundation is enthusiastic about its role in providing necessary funding for mental health initiatives. Nicole Smith, Health Program Manager at Roots & Wings, emphasized the crucial role that this funding will play in addressing mental health needs: “We know this support will be critical to students.”

Moreover, Steve Goldberg, Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized the sustainability of this program by noting, “This partnership aligns with our shared mission of improving student well-being through accessible, school-based mental health services.” The collaborative effort aims to build a network of community partnerships and resources that are foundational for supporting not just students but entire families and educators.

Looking Ahead



As the program gears up for implementation in the coming year, WEA Member Benefits Foundation is committed to remaining transparent and engaged with the communities it serves. For further information regarding their school-based mental health initiatives, their impact on educational institutions, and how they plan to implement these improvements, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official site at weafoundation.org.

About the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.



The WEA Member Benefits Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity committed to bolstering public education through grants and charitable contributions aimed at schools, their educators, and the surrounding communities. Their ongoing efforts reflect a dedication to fostering educational success across Wisconsin.

About Roots & Wings



Founded in 2020 by Judy and Gordon Faulkner, Roots & Wings is a family foundation dedicated to supporting organizations focused on healthcare, early learning, essential needs, and social justice. Their established influence in the community underscores the importance of interventions that allow low-income children and families to unleash their potential.

Through this expansive initiative by the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, a brighter future for Wisconsin’s students and educational entities is not just a possibility; it’s a commitment to enhance mental health support in schools, which will surely benefit the entire state in the long run.

Topics Health)

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