K21 Health Foundation Awards Bowen Center Systems of Care Grant for Kosciusko County

The K21 Health Foundation has awarded Bowen Center a $20,000 grant to coordinate Kosciusko County’s Systems of Care program for 2020. This is the third year the K21 Health Foundation and Bowen Center have worked together to coordinate a network of community-based mental health care service providers. 

The Systems of Care initiative, encouraged by the State of Indiana, creates a collaborative group of mental health care providers working to actively improve access to and quality of behavioral and mental health services. The program also provides support for housing, education, employment, child-care, and physical health, for all community members. 

Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation President and CEO knows what a positive impact a collaborative effort like Systems of Care can have on the community. “We are seeing great momentum in sharing and working together to find ways to impact our residents, and SOC is leading the way in helping our community come together to solve needs and pursue opportunities in the area of mental health,” said Mr. Haddad. 

The Kosciusko County Systems of Care program partners work together to address unmet needs and develop educational programs and events aimed at youth and families. Collaborators are working to address such topics as substance use, bullying, autism, suicide prevention, social-emotional wellness, programs aimed to provide job placement for felons, and mentors for elementary students. 

“This community is very fortunate to have the K21 Health Foundation. The organization is such a strong advocate and invests heavily in the health and well-being of all Kosciusko County residents,” said Kurt Carlson, Bowen Center President and CEO. 

Matthew Graham, Bowen Center–Warsaw Director has seen first-hand the affect Systems of Care has had. “I moved here two years ago and was amazed at the 

many community organizations focused on serving the needs of this county. However, many of the efforts appeared to be siloed and at times duplicated each other. It has been great to see the organizations join the Systems of Care program with efforts to better collaborate and coordinate care for all Kosciusko County residents,” said Mr. Graham. 

Bowen Center’s, Jess Wienhorst, serves as the Systems of Care Coordinator. “I feel privileged to collaborate with our community partners to create positive change in Kosciusko County,” said Ms. Wienhorst.