PORTLAND, ME – Spurwink today announced that it has been awarded two grants from United Way of York County totaling $37,000 over two years. This investment will help area preK-high school students engage in learning through behavioral health supports and counseling.
Through the grant, under and uninsured children with behavioral health needs in Biddeford, Buxton, Dayton, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco schools will have access to counseling and care management onsite at their schools. Spurwink clinicians and care managers will work with students, their families, and their educational team to provide trauma-informed care that will help students address their unmet behavioral health needs so that they can learn. Funding will also support basic needs and provide children with items or assistance they need to stabilize, socialize, and succeed in treatment and after discharge.
“We are incredibly grateful for this investment from United Way of York County,” said Eric Meyer, President and CEO of Spurwink. “This support speaks to their level of commitment to the critical needs of our community and to our shared values.”
Funding for the Spurwink Therapeutic Preschool will train staff at the school (serving children from throughout northern York County) and other area providers to increase their capacity to provide high quality trauma-informed and evidence-based care. It will also enhance the quality of care through occupational therapy and sensory integration supplies, and promote family/child communication and emotional regulation at home.
Through the mobilization of people, resources, and expertise, United Way of York County works to improve lives across York County. Thanks to the continued support of dedicated individuals, businesses, and organizations across the region, this year the United Way is investing in 63 community programs that serve children, youth, adults, and families.
“Each year we are very proud to invest financial and in-kind resources into high quality direct services that support York County residents and that align with our strategic priority areas,” noted United Way of York County President & CEO Barb Wentworth. “Those areas include providing the best start for our youngest children, increasing access to healthy foods for children and seniors, engaging youth in meaningful service, and meeting basic needs – all critical components of our collective efforts to build an even stronger York County.”
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Press Contact:
Gabrielle Gallucci, Director of Mission Impact
ggallucci@spurwink.org | 207.871.1211 ext. 2137
