bi3, a funding initiative to transform health for all people in Greater Cincinnati announced today it is awarding $354,500 to three local nonprofit organizations to support birth equity and improve youth mental health. Funding will foster early child development across the region and improve mental health support for Black men and teens.
“bi3 is leading the way to a time when every person has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their best health,” said Jill Miller, President & CEO of bi3. “Fueling these organizations will help support mental wellness for Black men and youth in our community, while strengthening early child development services, the only of its kind dedicated to ages zero to three, to help our kids thrive in the future.”
$150,000 to Jamaa Health: Funding will support the launch of The Peace of Mind Project in partnership with Diasporic Soul. The 18-month project aims to design and offer a replicable four-part mental health and wellbeing intervention that integrates cultural and contemplative practices, creating a safe communal space for Black men ages 18-40. The project will also develop a curriculum and offer training for practitioners, providers, and community members across the Greater Cincinnati region to improve cultural competency in addressing the mental health needs of Black men.
$20,000 to Forever Kings: Rates of suicide among Black youth are rising faster than any other racial or ethnic group. Forever Kings’ Kings Made Whole program will increase access to mental healthcare and provide evidence-based curricula and tools to increase social-emotional well-being for boys in their programs in grades 4-12.
$184,500 to Every Child Succeeds: The organization fills a vital role in supporting the health of mothers and children ages zero to three, providing comprehensive child development and home visiting services, including early child development, and connecting families with community supports they need achieve better health outcomes. The one-year grant will position Every Child Succeeds for future sustainability in the community, helping expand their abilities to provide services for Greater Cincinnati’s mothers and children.
Media Coverage:
- Movers & Makers Cincinnati: “Nonprofits receive $350K to improve birth equity, mental health”
