Access changes everything.

In VA, there are over 200,000 youth living with undiagnosed mental health disorders.

Only one-third of Virginia youth struggling with mental health issues are treated. For many of our communities, especially in the rural areas there is little to no access to mental health services.  And, when services are available families face serious barriers to care; they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid (working-poor), their insurance doesn’t cover mental health services, or their insurance’s deductible or co-insurance are too expensive, lack of transportation, and the inability to take time off work, and so much more.

For most youth, mental health distress is episodic, not permanent, and most can successfully navigate the challenges that come from experiencing a mental health disorder with the right skills and supports.

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Access changes everything.

Education:

Poor mental health can impact a child’s success during school years and is linked to high drop-out rates, and the corollaries of classroom disruption.
22 % of school-aged children and youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Access means success in school.

Mental Health:

Mental health issues have been linked to high rates of depression, anxiety and suicide rates for the child. Research shows that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Access means being healthier and saving lives.

Juvenile Justice System:

Mental health issues correlate to higher incarnation rates. Approximately 50 to 75 percent of  youth encountering the juvenile justice system meet criteria for a mental health disorder. Access means a better future.

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How do we tackle the access crisis?

We work with families, youth and the community to ensure solutions designed that meet their unique needs.  We are reaching children and families sooner, in their neighborhoods and homes – empowering them to become stronger and healthier. We have a broad continuum of care: Residential Homes, Private School, Community Based Services. Allowing us the flexibility to meet the child’s need every step of the way.

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What philanthropy means to Elk Hill

It’s the secret ingredient that elevates everything else that we do, and without which our efforts would fall flat.

We can’t do it without you. Thank you!

Your Impact

You empower children, unlocking major roadblocks to access, progress, and lasting impact.

Think about it. What good is a school equipped to handle a child’s mental health challenges if she backslides every summer? What good is therapy to defuse a crisis when early intervention could prevent the crisis in the first place? What good is helping a young person graduate if he can’t find a job once he does? Not much.

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‍Here’s what you made possible last year:

• Scholarships for 150 children who need care but have no access to funding.
• Flexibility to reach 75 children early, before mental and behavioral health problems escalate to a crisis.
• Flexibility to continue serving children once they demonstrate progress, when ongoing support is key to lasting success.
• Three Reading specialists to provide intensive remediation to 80 students reading 2+ grade levels behind.
• Workforce training to help 40 kids keep their feet after leaving Elk Hill.
• Summer camps to prevent backsliding for 120 children who have been making progress socially, emotionally and academically during the school year.
• Enrichment experiences like field trips, experiential learning, sports programs, and music and arts education.
• Updated technology and classroom resources for our three school to ensure our youth have the chance to learn 21st skills.

Will you join us in investing in a young person's future?

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