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• ORGANIZATION : GIFFORD YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER/MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION <br /> PROGRAM: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES <br /> FUNDER: CHILDREN'S SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE <br /> PROPOSAL NARRATIVE <br /> A. ORGANIZATION CAPABILITY (Entire Section A not to exceed one page) <br /> 1 . Provide the mission statement and vision of your organization. <br /> Mission Statement for the Mental Health Association (MHA) — To work for America' s mental <br /> victory over mental illness by education, promoting and/or providing services and programs for <br /> support, research, and education. <br /> Mission Statement for the Gifford Youth Activity Center - With God' s guidance our vision is to <br /> establish a partnership among youth, adults and the Gifford-Indian River County area that <br /> develops self-esteem, teaches character and encourages each individual to his/her ultimate <br /> potential . <br /> The vision of the Mental Health Services Program is : <br /> • To build awareness and knowledge of mental health issues in the community as well as <br /> offer mental health programs and services to those in need. <br /> • We believe by strengthening our community, the GYAC and the MHA are working toward <br /> better mental health in Gifford/Indian River County and victory over mental illness. <br /> 2. Provide a brief summary of your organization including areas of expertise, <br /> accomplishments, and population served. <br /> The Gifford Youth Activity Center, Inc., hereafter referred to as the GYAC , a 21St Century <br /> Learning Center, provides a holistic approach to meeting the needs of families in the Gifford and <br /> adjacent communities of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach and Wabasso. Currently, there are <br /> over 30 different programs provided at the Gifford Youth Activity Center, in collaboration with <br /> 37 different community agencies. The GYAC has served over 12,000 youth and adults during <br /> the 2005-06 fiscal years. <br /> The GYAC received the 2005 Outstanding Florida Minority Education Community Organization <br /> Award. This award was presented by Governor Jeb Bush, and Education Commissioner, John <br /> Winn on behalf of the Florida African-American Education Alliance. The GYAC has very <br /> talented and dedicated staff and utilizes the expertise of its many partner organizations to offer <br /> quality programs. <br /> With the MHA, currently 19 staff, 7 contracted mental health professionals and over 75 <br /> volunteers provide an array of mental health services to our community. Services include crisis <br /> intervention, individual mental health assessments and treatment, group classes on substance <br /> abuse, anger management, and domestic violence, support groups, children' s programs and <br /> socialization programs (drop-in centers) for adults in recovery from mental illness. The MHA is <br /> a leader in providing immediate access for mental health needs and addressing community needs <br /> in mental health. <br /> In 2005 , 3200 calls were responded to through the Crisis Line which has been in operation for 20 <br /> years. Programs and services reached over 7000 individuals needing support. The TurtleTrax — <br /> Overcoming Hurdles with Turtles fund raising campaign was a tremendous success in increasing <br /> community awareness of mental health needs and reducing the stigma often associated with <br /> mental illness. <br /> 4 <br />