Non-Profit Receives $10M Grant to Offer Free Mental Health Resources to Parents & Youth
Parents Anonymous, Inc., a national non-profit organization, announced news this week of a $10M grant they received from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer free mental health resources for both parents and youth. This 5-year grant will provide essential resources for the Helpline’s services to over 174 million parents and youth seeking life-changing support in the U.S.
The much-needed funding allows Parents Anonymous to expand their services and now offer a free national parent and youth helpline, 24/7. As a result, Parents Anonymous’s former National Parent Helpline® is now the National Parent & Youth Helpline™. The helpline offers emotional support through calls, texts, and chats to both parents/caregivers and youth up to 25 years old.
Mental health concerns have become an increasingly pervasive issue in society, impacting millions worldwide. Before now, the National Parent & Youth Helpline™, was named the National Parent Helpline, and it focused on parents and caregivers. However, after the overwhelming rise in youth suicides and depression rates, Parents Anonymous prioritized their evidence-based services to address the urgent mental health needs of young people and their parents across America.
“At Parents Anonymous, we believe that Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength®, and that providing emotional support that is accessible and strength-based is key to enhance the well-being of diverse parents, children, and youth nationwide,” says Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, ACHT, ACSW and President and CEO at Parents Anonymous® Inc. “This vital partnership with ACF, will offer critical emotional support and information for both parents and youth 24/7 as they navigate life challenges.”
Parents Anonymous initiated this groundbreaking initiative by introducing the National Parent Helpline with the backing of the U.S. Congress in 1969. It was the nation's first responder system designed to support the empowerment journey of parents and caregivers. Over the decades, the Parents Anonymous Helplines have consistently demonstrated their capability to mitigate crises and provide vital emotional support with an inclusive, anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-classist approach to family support, devoid of blame or shame.
In harmony with the objectives of the ACF, Parents Anonymous will continue to advance the vision of establishing a National Parent & Youth Helpline as an invaluable resource to all U.S. families with a compassionate and well-trained staff dedicated to prioritizing mental well-being.
“I know as a psychologist how mental health disorders are increasing for young people across the country and how essential this new National Parent & Youth Helpline tool will be in addressing the acute needs of young people and improving their well-being,” said Representative Judy Chu. “No one should feel alone, and I strongly urge parents, caregivers, and young people themselves to spread the word about the Helpline and use its call, text or chat services when navigating difficulties. I promise I will continue to fight constantly in Congress to support efforts like this and increasing funding for services to improve the emotional, mental, and physical health of all our young people.”
Those needing emotional support can call or text at 855-427-2736 or live chat 24/7 through nationalparentyouthhelpline.org.
For more information about Parents Anonymous® and its programs, visit parentsanonymous.org.
Alissa Zorn is an author, and founder of the website Overthought This. She's a coach and cartoonist passionate about helping people overcome perfectionism and shame to build authentic, joyful lives. Alissa is certified through the International Coach Federation and got her Trauma-Informed Coaching certification from Moving the Human Spirit. She wrote Bounceback Parenting: A Field Guide for Creating Connection, Not Perfection, and is always following curiosity to find her next creative endeavor.