CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Jewish agency granted $100,000 for Mental Health First Aid

South Florida Sun Sentinel - 10/7/2021

Alpert Jewish Family Service in West Palm Beach received a $100,000 grant from the state of Florida for Mental Health First Aid.

Florida Legislators Sen. Lori Berman (D) and Rep. David Silvers (D) presented the check on behalf of the state to Alpert JFS and its Mental Health First Aid Program.

The money is specifically designated for Mental Health First Aid, a course that is intended to give people skills they could use to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The grant will cover the hiring of three new instructors responsible for training 700 participants from Palm Beach County in this service.

The instructors will come from the agency’s local community partners The Lord’s Place in West Palm Beach, United Way of Palm Beach County Mentor Center and Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services in Boca Raton.

Marc Hopin, Alpert JFS’ chief executive officer, said, “Alpert Jewish Family Service’s goal is to provide Mental Health First Aid training to every single member of our community.”

“We have reached thousands of individuals and nearly 100 trainers already, but this $100,000 grant from the state of Florida will allow us to reach so many more,” Hopin continued. “Mental Health First Aid is critical, and it continues to be our mission to make sure every person, family, organization, school and business can recognize the signs and be ready and capable to help when needed.”

The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County helped with the acquisition of the grant.

Visit alpertjfs.org/mhfa/ for more information on the program or to sign up for training.

©2021 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.