Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: A Therapist Like Me
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: ATLM
Mailing Address: 65 Merrimon Ave. 1130
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28801
Main Phone:
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.atherapistlikeme.org/
Employer ID Number: 84-2129233
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3-27-2023
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Youth Wellness Program
Project Description:

ATLM is seeking funds to provide psychotherapy services to students ages 16-21 attending local schools and universities in Asheville, North Carolina with the aim to equalize therapy resources and improve mental wellness for underserved populations disproportionately affected by disparities in resource availability and accessibility, social determinants of health, and historic or systemic disinvestment. According to research from the American Psychological Association, child and teen mental health is experiencing a crisis in the wake of COVID-19. During the 10 years leading up to the pandemic, the CDC already noted that feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors, increased by 40% for young people. Further, the National Education Association highlights the mental health crises on college campuses, with rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation reaching an all-time high among students, overwhelming the faculty and staff.

ATLM is proposing to work near or on college and high school campuses to provide mental health awareness pop-ups that offer vital educational outreach on wellness and available services, as well as voluntary, introductory group therapy sessions. We will then invite students to sign up to receive vouchers for psychotherapy with a licensed provider at around 10 fully covered sessions per student. The focus population is minority students, including but not limited to People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities. Minority-identifying students who choose to seek services after our events will be matched with therapists from our directory who share their identities, backgrounds, and experiences. This process creates a sense of comfort and safety that combats the long-standing fear, distrust, and stigma surrounding the mental health profession for many minority identities in the U.S. by meeting them where they are from a palace of shared understanding.

Total Project Budget: 23,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Dale Jr. Foundation, $2,500, committed; Wild Geese Foundation, planned, $10,000

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Buncombe County, NC
Age Group To Be Served: 16-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Marilyn
Contact Last Name: Chamberlin
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 828-399-1445
Contact Email: marilyn@atherapistlikeme.org