An evaluation of a foundation’s community-wide initiative to impact mental health outcomes

Abstract

This exploratory study was focused on mental health, broadly defined, as part of a larger community assessment research project. The primary goals of this study were to determine how a mental health initiative impacted the perceived care provided by the mental health-serving organizations and also to identify promising practices of grantees. Because the goal of this study was illumination and understanding, as opposed to prediction or causal determination, the data collected were qualitative, coming from open-ended questions and archival data obtained from the agencies. Organizations reported many strengths and successes, such as improved client outcomes, partnerships and collaboration among agencies and community members, as well as having a committed board, staff, administrators, and volunteers. Challenges for organizations included measuring outcomes, securing adequate staffing levels, and securing adequate funding. Overall, mental health-serving organizations reported positive changes in the community, but could benefit from longer granting periods, capacity building activities, improved client access to services, greater community awareness and reduced stigma associated with mental illness