United Way North Central Florida Awards $20,000 Grant to Girls Place to Support Mental Health Support for ALICE Households
United Way North Central Florida (UWNCFL) is honored to announce the awarding of a $20,000 grant to the Girls Place BrainPower Program. The funding will provide free access to mental health assessment, treatment, and social-emotional learning in a trusted out-of-school environment to children in grades K–9, located in our region who meet the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. This grant will also be used to expand the reach and impact of the BrainPower program, and reduce waitlist time for children in need of these services.
The BrainPower program emphasizes prevention and early intervention, equipping youth to manage emotions, stress, relationships, and trauma-related symptoms. For many participants, BrainPower is their first opportunity to receive consistent, culturally responsive mental health support in a setting where they feel safe and seen. BrainPower is designed to serve those excluded from traditional mental health services. With private therapy typically costing $75–$150 per session, families save an estimated $5,000 per quarter. More than a mental health program; it’s a lifeline for children and families who have been systematically overlooked by traditional models of care.
Rooted in trust, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness, BrainPower meets families where they are: emotionally, geographically, and financially. BrainPower provides a secure, familiar, and affirming environment where children learn lifelong coping skills and caregivers gain access to resources that strengthen family resilience. In doing so, BrainPower not only addresses immediate behavioral health needs but also promotes long-term well-being and equity for ALICE households.
"At United Way North Central Florida, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, confident, and supported. Far too many children in ALICE households face barriers to success, and programs like BrainPower at Girls Place are essential in breaking down those barriers. This grant is an investment in the mental health and resilience of our community's girls, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive today and into the future."
UWNCFL’s investment Girls Place aligns with its overarching mission to enhance lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities for the common good. With a focus on four key impact areas—financial security, healthy community, youth opportunity, and community resiliency—and utilizing ALICE data, UWNCFL directs funding towards nonprofit programs that are in alignment with the organization’s strategic funding initiatives.
The grant is expected to have a significant impact, particularly for families where access to support services is limited due to economic factors. By focusing on ALICE households, this initiative ensures that those who are working hard to make ends meet receive the necessary support to overcome immediate challenges and build a more financially secure future.
Community engagement and support are vital for the success of these initiatives. United Way North Central Florida invites local residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute to their mission by volunteering, donating, or advocating for the needs of ALICE households. Together, these collective efforts will strengthen the fabric of community and contribute to a more resilient society.