31 Aug Press Release: Communicare Secures Five-Year Grant to Sustain Best Practices for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Homelessness

Communicare, a distinguished mental health and substance use service provider with more than five decades of expertise, has received a five-year grant for its groundbreaking project aimed at addressing the needs of individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), or Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) experiencing homelessness.

The grant, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) will implement the Treating Homelessness through Recovery & Innovative Valuable Experiences (THRIVE) program. THRIVE will serve individuals, youth and families facing mental health issues and homelessness in Calhoun, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tate and Yalobusha counties in Mississippi.  THRIVE is a collaborative effort involving Communicare, the Oxford-Lafayette Steering Committee, and the Mississippi Balance of State Continuum of Care.

During the five-year project, THRIVE will collaborate with public and private housing providers implementing a Housing First model of care, ensuring sustainable permanent housing solutions for individuals and families enrolled into services. THRIVE will provide a holistic approach that includes trauma-informed screening and assessment, outpatient and/or short-term residential treatment coupled with evidence-based practices and programs facilitated in-person and/or via telehealth. Peer-led recovery support services are included as an evidence based practice along with SOAR, Motivational Interviewing and Critical Time Intervention.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the THRIVE project to provide critical support for individuals with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness,” said Jackie Sue Griffin, Executive Director of Jackie Sue Griffin & Associates and grant writer for this award. “This grant underscores the exemplary best-practices of Communicare leadership and its community partners in addressing mental health disparities and homelessness within MS communities.”

At least 54% of the 250 clients enrolled during the five-year project period will be from racial, ethnic, and/or LGBTQI+ minority backgrounds to address existing behavioral health disparities and improve access to care and health equity. THRIVE will provide comprehensive screening and assessment for 100% of the 250 individuals enrolled to identify potential trauma, SMI, SED, COD, HIV, and viral hepatitis.  100% of individuals served will be connected to health insurance and/or Medicaid/mainstream benefits using the SOAR model. Following treatment, it is anticipated that 60% of individuals served will improve functioning in everyday life; 80% will improve social connectedness; 80% will reduce criminal justice involvement and 60% will improve education and employment status, contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community.

 About Jackie Sue Griffin & Associates: Jackie Sue Griffin & Associates is a leading consulting firm specializing in behavioral health, healthcare and social services and assists with grant writing, program development, evaluation, capacity building and professional development. With a commitment to creating positive and lasting change, the firm collaborates with organizations to secure grants, develop effective leadership strategies, and implement transformative programs. For more information, visit jsg-associates.com.

About Communicare: Communicare is a distinguished 55-year experienced Community Mental Health Center serving Region 2 in Mississippi and dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health, primary care, and support services to individuals and families in need. With a focus on community-driven solutions, Communicare strives to improve the well-being and quality of life for all members of society. For more information, visit communicarems.org.