The WEA Member Benefits Foundation awarded a $41,000 multi-year grant to the Portage Community School District to support school-based mental health initiatives.
“This funding is a true blessing for our students and staff,” Theresa Stolpa, Portage Community School District director of student services, said in a statement. “It will allow us to not only continue our current efforts but also significantly enhance our work surrounding student mental health. These resources come at a critical time and will provide the sustained support necessary to foster a healthier, more resilient school community.”
According to a statement, the school district was selected because of “its emphasis on relationship-based intervention, building teacher capacity to help specific students and a holistic, brain-based approach to student mental health.”
In the coming years, the district plans to establish an on-site mental health clinic and address transportation barriers for students seeking services.
“The Portage School District has demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing student mental health needs,” Steve Goldberg, WEA Member Benefits Foundation executive director, said in a statement. “This grant is intended to help them expand those efforts and build on the strong partnerships they’ve already developed in their community.”
Portage Community School District serves approximately 2,100 students in grades K-12.
