Since 2003, the APA Foundation has recognized 132 community-based organizations with awards totaling $660,000 for their innovative and supportive work to raise awareness about mental illness in underserved minority communities. 2025 Awardees include:
- Academy of Medical and Public Health Services DBA RaisingHealth Partners: RaisingHealth, formerly known as Academy of Medical and Public Health Services, is a not-for-profit health service organization that supports the sustained well-being and self-advocacy of underserved communities. Since their founding in 2010, they have served over 150,000 immigrants
- Arcus Behavioral Health (Chicago, IL): Arcus Behavioral Health and Wellness is a 501(c)(3) community mental health agency. The Arcus mission is to bridge the gap in mental health care for underinsured or uninsured individuals and families, especially LGBTQ+, ethnic/cultural, and immigrant minorities.
- Casa Esperanza (Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley, MA): For over 40 years, Casa Esperanza has provided dedicated care to Latine communities as Massachusetts’ only bilingual, culturally responsive continuum of behavioral healthcare. They empower individuals and families to recover from addiction, trauma, mental illness, and other chronic medical conditions; overcome homelessness; and achieve health and wellness.
- The Door (New York, NY): The Door’s mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. Broome Street Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school, is embedded at The Door.
- The FACTS Initiative (Charlotte, NC): In 2018, the Family and Child Therapeutic Services (FACTS) Initiative was created by a pair of mental health clinicians who noticed gaps in the quality of care and access to care in the communities they served. FACTS provides outpatient and community-based therapeutic services for children and families, including parental coaching and couples’ therapy.
- Families First (Atlanta, GA): Since 1890, Families First has been improving outcomes for families who have complex challenges by connecting them to internal programs including support services for mental health challenges, parenting education, parenting and adoption support services, and more.
- Homeless Children’s Network (San Francisco, CA): Founded in 1992, the Homeless Children’s Network (HCN) provides mental and behavioral health services, mental health workforce development, substance use intervention and treatment, early childhood mental health consultation, and more. Their mission is to decrease the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence for children, youth, and families; to empower families; and to increase the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among service providers to end homelessness and poverty.
- I'Raise Girls and Boys International (New York, NY): I’Raise doesn’t just treat trauma; they are transforming how an entire generation of youth in New York City public schools experiences healing. Through their Integrative Mental Wellness Model and other services, I’Raise promises to make a difference in the lives of families and improve quality of life for minoritized children
- Juvenile Protective Association (Chicago, IL): Founded in 1901, Juvenile Protective Association is working towards a future where no child ever has to struggle alone. Their mission is to bring compassionate, innovative mental health resources directly to children in need and the adults who support them. Services include therapeutic counseling in and after school, support for child welfare workers, and expert guidance for teachers and school staff.
- Parkland Health Foundation (Dallas, TX): Parkland Health Foundation is an integrated health system established in 1894 that includes an acute care hospital and clinics throughout Dallas County.
- Southland Integrated Services (Garden Grove, CA): Through social service programs and a Community Economic Development Project, Southland Integrated Services has touched the lives of tens of thousands of people. With a multilingual medical staff and a diverse patient population, Southland enrolls uninsured children and adults in state-sponsored health insurance programs.
- Therapy Resource Group (Fort Mill, SC and Chester, SC and Charlotte, NC): Therapy Resource Group is on a mission to build resilient communities by offering accessible, high-quality therapy to each individual who seeks healing and safety. They provide individual therapy, group therapy, therapy resources, and community outreach
- TransFamily Support Services (San Diego, CA): TransFamily Support Services guides transgender/non-binary youth and their families through the gender transitioning process to help make it the most positive experience possible. They provide family coaching, assistance with healthcare and insurance issues, help navigating the legal system, and more – all at no fee.
- The Women’s Initiative (Charlottesville, VA): The Women’s Initiative offers mental health counseling and programs to women who experience financial or other barriers to care. Their programs are always free.