The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently awarded Hendricks College Network (HCN) $40,000 to provide educational resources to those in the community pursuing careers in the Mental and Behavioral Health fields. These resources will further assist in the development and retention of much needed mental and behavioral health professionals in Hendricks County. This Behavioral Health Career Pathways Grant was made from the Behavioral Health Needs Assessment and Community Planning Fund at the Community Foundation.
A trusted organization in the community, Hendricks College Network provides access to and support for post secondary education, business training and workforce development in Hendricks County. This grant will support the creation of online and printed resources that will provide new high school graduates and college graduates, as well as working professionals considering a career change, the information they need to pursue career options in Mental and Behavioral Health.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Hendricks College Network team on developing this important resource, and we are incredibly grateful for the financial support of the Hendricks County Community Foundation,” said Co-president of the Hendricks County Health Partnership, Chase Cotten. “Indiana is a ‘National Healthcare Provider Shortage Area,’ especially in the context of mental health and substance use treatment professionals. To put it simply, we need more caring people in this field to meet the need! This new series of webpages and print materials will be a guiding light to help students and professionals learn more about the multiple pathways into Indiana’s Behavioral Healthcare field as a profession. In addition to these materials, the webpage will provide meaningful connection with local providers.”
HCCF President & CEO William Rhodehamel commented, “It’s such an honor to support and partner with Hendrick College Network to fund this important work in our community. The Behavioral Health Needs Assessment pointed a path forward to address issues of behavioral health access in Hendricks County, and we trust HCN and the Health Partnership can develop effective resources to help increase providers. We look forward to continuing to work with the entire community to help Hendricks County resident have access to exceptional behavioral health services.”
The Mission of the Hendricks County Community Foundation: To be a trusted community partner in understanding needs, aligning resources, and empowering people to address today’s priorities and create lasting impact. Our vision is Hendricks County as a place where everyone has the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and the tools they need to build a stronger future together. The Community Foundation manages assets of over $20 million in a collection of funds created by individuals, families, businesses and organizations for charitable purposes. In 2023, the Community Foundation gave over $1.7M in grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, call 317-268-6240 or visit www.hendrickscountycf.org
