News & Stories
Strengthening Mental Health Programs Across the Region
In recent years, mental health has gained more visibility, reducing the stigma attached to the conditions that many community members experience. Addressing mental health needs locally is a key priority for our Community Funds, which are a collection of flexible funds aimed at responding to pressing community needs. Last year, in partnership with our donors, we supported a variety of organizations providing mental health programs and services to youth and adults across our region, including Michael’s Place, Addiction Treatment Services, and The Rock of Kingsley.
Michael’s Place, a center for grieving youth and families, annually serves more than 200 youth through support groups, special events, and creative activities. The organization partnered with 18 schools last year to provide tailored programs to students navigating loss and grief, an effort supported through our Community Funds. This partnership enabled Michael’s Place to expand their support services to elementary, middle, and high school students across the region.
“Without appropriate support, unresolved grief can carry into adulthood, affecting a child’s emotional and social well-being,” shared Mindy Buell, CEO of Michael’s Place. “We equip grieving children with tools and resources that foster resilience and healing.”
Like Michael’s Place, Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) contributes to the spectrum of care needed to address mental health issues across our region. ATS specifically serves the adult population by promoting the overall health, wellness, and recovery of individuals impacted by substance abuse and behavioral health challenges. To take its treatment services to the next level, ATS was awarded a Community Funds grant in 2024 to raise programming awareness.
“The vast majority of our funding goes directly into client care, so this grant allows us to shine a light on our services and promote them locally to build a healthier community in Northern Michigan,” said Rachel Soulliere, ATS Director of Marketing and Fund Development.
Annually serving nearly 3,500 clients, ATS provides programs that ensure clients receive the best possible care when facing addiction.
“By supporting our clients, we are helping them regain control of their lives, health, support system, and impact on the local community,” added Rachel.
Alongside ATS and Michael’s Place, The Rock of Kingsley provides a safe space for local community members. The Rock supports people of all ages, from young kids to older adults and bolsters mental health by creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and providing space to connect with peers and build intergenerational friendships.
“We consider ourselves one big family,” said Diane Walton, founder of The Rock. “The minute someone walks in the door, they know they matter—youth, senior citizens, veterans—everyone matters.”
The Rock offers a variety of programming and services, including after-school programs, tutors, creative outlets, games, comfortable spaces, and food. The nonprofit also has a close relationship with local veterans’ associations and the Grand Traverse County Senior Center Network, enabling veterans and older adults to connect with youth through storytelling, games, and activities, which has improved their mental health.
Partnering with organizations like the Rock, ATS, and Michael’s Place is made possible thanks to our donors, including Ruth Hoppe and Yasmin Richmond. Both Ruth and Yasim spent their careers in the health field and share a strong commitment to help others through giving.
“Our backgrounds help us understand the significant need for mental health programming in rural communities,” said Richmond. “These programs tend to be underfunded, so we are happy to assist this particular sector of need.”
Ruth and Yasim’s passion for supporting their community is what drew them to the flexibility and broad scope of our Focus Fund Endowment—one of our Community Funds—which they support with a monthly donation.
“Consistent support allows an organization to predict its resources,” said Yasmin. “We also like the flexible nature of the Focus Fund since it allows the Community Foundation to apply its expertise to current needs.”
By partnering with both donors like Ruth and Yasim and local organizations like the Rock, ATS, and Michael’s Place through Community Funds, we can support a wide variety of mental health programs for local youth and adults. Together, we all play an important role in increasing access to these critical services that strengthen our region’s health and resiliency.
Writer: Alex Dailey