The Ryan Foundation Supports Catholic Charities’ School Mental Health Program

The Ryan Foundation recently donated $1,200,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha in July of 2022.

For nearly a century, Catholic Charities of Omaha has served as first responders on the frontlines of everyday crisis. Last year, they served over 280,000 Nebraskans. The organization is guided by a mission to offer compassion and hope in times of hardship, and has a large footprint, serving a 23-county area in Northeastern Nebraska, with the majority of their services provided in the Omaha metro area. Every day the organization’s programs and services impact the communities hardest hit by mental illness, poverty, isolation, domestic violence, tragedy, and trial. To reach those in need, the organization established three neighborhood centers: the St. Teresa of Calcutta Campus (in Northwest Omaha), the St. Martin de Porres Center (in North Omaha), and the St. Juan Diego Center (in South Omaha). The organization’s key programs are: Behavioral Health Services, Emergency and Supportive Food Services, Domestic Violence Services, a Microbusiness & Asset Development Program, and Immigration Legal Services. These programs serve all in need, regardless of race, religion, creed, or socioeconomic status, and help transform the lives of hurting neighbors across Northeastern Nebraska.

The purpose of this Donation is to help stabilize and sustain the Catholic Charities School Mental Health Program over the next two years. The School Mental Health Program makes immediate mental health services available to 8,000 youth in 21 schools in the Omaha metro area.

With this donation, the organization hopes to build the foundation the program needs to carry this important work into the future. The Donation will help cover the budgeted expenses for two years and expand the program by hiring five more therapists. This will give the organization a total staff of 14 therapists that will be available to students and their families, teachers, and administrators.

As the funding from the Ryan Foundation’s Donation helps stabilize the program over the next two years, the organization plans to turn their attention to sustainability and growth. The key to increasing financial stability will be ramping up services related to the Behavioral Health Services Outpatient Program, which is one of the few revenue-generating programs at Catholic Charities.

For more information about Catholic Charities of Omaha, please visit their website.