In a bid to bolster mental health therapy services for students facing severe emotional challenges, Guthrie's Community Benefit Program awarded a $9,000 grant upon Racker on Thursday, March 13th in collaboration with TST BOCES and OCM BOCES instructional programs. The grant aims to facilitate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) training for therapists, a vital resource in addressing trauma-related challenges impeding students' academic and personal success.
The grant covers the tuition costs for six therapists from Racker to undergo EMDR training. This comprehensive seven-day training equips therapists with practical skills to effectively utilize EMDR in their therapeutic interventions.
Describing the significance of EMDR, Sarah Tarrow, Director of Counseling for School Success, Racker, emphasized its role in aiding students with significant trauma histories. "Students that Racker works with often carry burdens of significant trauma, impacting their ability to thrive in school and beyond. EMDR has emerged as an evidence-based tool to address these challenges," stated Tarrow.
The Guthrie grant initiative was spearheaded by Will Ford, a Day Treatment Counselor at TST BOCES through Racker, who has already undergone the EMDR training himself. Recognizing the profound impact of EMDR in his sessions, Ford advocated for his peers to receive similar training to better serve the TST BOCES students. "Racker therapists at TST BOCES work with a population that has experienced significant trauma but often don't have access to treatment like EMDR, although they are some of the members of society that need it most," shared Ford. The EMDR training will allow Racker counselors to address the critical need for trauma-informed therapy, ensuring that students receive the care they deserve to thrive academically and personally.
Among those present at the grant announcement ceremony were prominent stakeholders from Racker, including Cris Donovan, the Executive Director, Bob Brazill, Director of Community Relations, Sarah Tarrow, Director of Counseling for School Success, and Debbie Bray, Day Treatment Program Director. Additionally, Will Ford, Day Treatment Counselor, led a guided tour of the TST BOCES facility, offering firsthand insights into his experiences working directly with students at TST BOCES.
Joining the Racker representatives were distinguished individuals from Guthrie, notably Krista Williams, Executive Assistant to the CEO/Office Manager and a member of the Donald Guthrie Foundation Community Benefit Committee, Tricia Huston, Director of Resource Development and another member of the Community Benefit Committee, and Donnie Skerpon, a Guthrie Member representing the Donald Guthrie Foundation Community Benefit Committee.
The partnership between Guthrie, Racker, and the BOCES instructional programs underscores a collaborative effort to address the mental health needs of students in the community. By investing in specialized training for therapists, the grant aims to enhance the capacity of mental health professionals to provide tailored support to students grappling with trauma-related challenges.
The ongoing prioritization of mental health by organizations such as Guthrie, Racker, and TST BOCES signifies a steadfast commitment. Initiatives like this grant highlight the dedication of key players in addressing the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on individuals. Through collaboration and targeted interventions, these organizations are paving the way for positive change and improved mental health outcomes for all.
For more information about Guthrie's Community Benefit Grant Program or to apply for a grant, please visit www.guthrie.org.