Helen Ross McNabb Center is a recipient of a United Way Impact grant to provide services benefiting the girls and families of Girls Inc. of Chattanooga.

"This funding will reduce barriers surrounding mental health and substance abuse stigmas and improve access by offering social service resources provided through Girls Inc. in school and out of school programs," officials said.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with Girls Inc. of Chattanooga to provide this additional service in the community,” said Gayle Lodato, senior director of Greater Chattanooga Area services for Helen Ross McNabb Center. “It is important to break down barriers to care, and through this partnership we will work to end the stigma associated with mental health care.” 

"By way of a master-level employee, this partnership offers new social service, academic and clinical resources for Girls Inc. participants to enhance the social-emotional support Girls Inc. provides," officials said. "The program will foster collaboration between schools, academic enrichment and afterschool programs, clinical services and families to ensure positive outcomes for these girls."

Helen Ross McNabb Center will begin on-site visits to build relationships, offer one-on-one and small group counseling, staff-check ins and training and workshops to connect families with the appropriate resources. 

“Whole-girl development has always been a key component to the services we provide,” says Toccora Johnson, Interim CEO at Girls Inc. of Chattanooga. “This grant will allow us to bridge the gaps in resources to build more resilient girls, healthier families and a stronger community.”

“United Way fights to give every young person in every community the knowledge, skills and experiences to succeed in school, work and life.” stated Lesley Scearce, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “Powerful collaborations like the one between Helen Ross McNabb and Girls Inc. shift the odds and help girls find and create a successful pathway from school through adulthood.”

"Recent events highlight a growing need for social-emotional and behavioral support for youth," officials said. "The highly trained staff at Helen Ross McNabb Center are uniquely qualified to provide trauma-informed care and specialized treatment to address the evolving needs of girls at this time. Together with Helen Ross McNabb Center, Girls Inc. provides a girls-only space and an environment that is physically, socially and emotionally safe, where girls find the support to thrive in school and beyond."