Investing in Student Well-Being: Whidbey Community Foundation Funds School-Based Mental Health Support

Pictured: Shelly Ackerman, SW Schools Foundation President; Kathy Hein, School-Based Mental Health Counselor; Susie Richards, SW Elementary School Principal; and Jessie Gunn, WCF Executive Director, presenting the grant check in support of student mental health services!

Thanks to a Community Health Grant from the Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF), students at South Whidbey Elementary School and the Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) program now have access to much-needed school-based mental health support.

With the growing challenges facing children today—including anxiety, housing insecurity, family transitions, and the impacts of poverty—having accessible, on-campus services is more important than ever. This funding allows school-based mental health counselor Kathy Hein to provide direct support to students, parents, and staff, ensuring that children receive the care they need to learn and thrive.

Through this grant, Kathy works with 34 students, offering 10 individual sessions and nine small group sessions each week. These Social Emotional Learning groups help students identify and manage their feelings, practice active listening and sharing, and develop coping strategies. Younger children participate in calming exercises such as yoga and breathing techniques, while others engage in art therapy to express and process emotions. Kathy also meets with parents to better understand each child’s unique needs and provide tools for addressing challenges at home. Additionally, she collaborates with school staff, offering guidance and support as they navigate difficult situations affecting their students.

Demand for these services has never been greater. The number of children struggling with mental health challenges continues to rise, and for many families, school-based counseling is their only viable option due to limited resources and transportation barriers on the island. It is critical to not only support students directly but also provide resources for families, reinforcing the vital connection between home and school in a child’s well-being.

WCF is proud to partner with the South Whidbey Schools Foundation in making mental health services more accessible to students and families. By investing in school-based support, we are working together to create a healthier, more resilient community where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

About South Whidbey Schools Foundation

The South Whidbey Schools Foundation (SWSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in the South Whidbey School District. Since its founding in 1995, it has provided funding for projects that go beyond the regular school budget, supporting innovative learning experiences that inspire students. Through grants, teacher awards, and community fundraising, SWSF works to foster excellence in education and enrich the student experience. Learn more at SWSF.

Support Community Health Grants

WCF’s Community Health Grant Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of Whidbey Island residents by addressing key factors that shape a thriving, healthy community. These grants support projects that enhance access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, strengthen social and economic stability, and improve environmental conditions that impact health. By funding initiatives that eliminate barriers to health and opportunity, WCF strives to create a more equitable and resilient community—one where every individual has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Community Health Grant Program, we ask that you make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. WCF’s Board of Directors allocates funding each year toward our grant programs. WCF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.

Read the original blog post on the Whidbey Community Foundation Website here.