Submitted by: Cheri Everhart
Submitting Department: Community Services
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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ARPA - Award of Contract for Mental Health Services to Support Children and Youth
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to enter into a contract with The Hope Center for Wellness to provide services to support the City’s Children and Youth Mental Health Wellness Initiative. An expenditure not to exceed $100,000 for this contract is authorized to be funded with ARPA funds, and the Treasurer is authorized to make the required budget amendments to facilitate this expenditure. The Contract is subject to approval by the City Attorney for legal sufficiency.
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Summary Background:
Children and youth mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcome. The nation and state of Maryland have seen a significant increase in mental health needs that include anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
The City of Hyattsville’s Children and Youth Programs offer various services to children, youth, and their families. These programs provide a range of services and activities to support elementary-age children during after-school hours. These include seasonal camps that offer qualified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, sports and games, STEM learning, and special trips. Additionally, the youth center provides programming for students in grades 6-12 aimed to help students connect and gain valuable experience for school and navigating adolescent life. These programs include civic engagement, leadership development, college and career readiness, health and wellness, and extracurricular and recreational activities.
The Children and Youth Mental Health Wellness initiative aims to bridge care gaps for the most vulnerable children and youth with limited behavioral health care services. The initiative will provide overall wellness and educational success for K- 12th grade students in Hyattsville. The Children and Youth Mental Wellness Initiative is designed to offer preventive mental health methods, social-emotional workshops, educational opportunities, and counseling services at no cost for children/youth and their families experiencing mental health challenges. These resources aim to prevent or support behavioral health challenges to help individuals navigate the unique stressors of daily life.
The City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking Mental Health Services for our Children and Youth Wellness initiative. We received one proposal from Hope Center for Wellness, which is a bilingual (Spanish and English) mental health practice focused on holistic healing with a track record of designing and leading mental health and wellness programs for diverse communities, including in Hyattsville.
The Hope Center for Wellness’s plan encompasses a series of targeted interventions, workshops and support systems designed to address the varied mental health challenges faced by children, youth, their families and the community at large. Through this endeavor, the Hope Center aims not only to meet the immediate needs of the community but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable mental health practices that will benefit generations to come, while maintaining a posture of humility and openness to learn from the communities they serve.
Next Steps:
Staff to proceed with contract
Fiscal Impact:
Not to exceed $100,000 ARPA funds
City Administrator Comments:
Recommends approval
Community Engagement:
The Hope Center for Wellness will engage with the community.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
Pending