Mission
IMH’s mission is to promote optimal mental health for children and their families in New Orleans.
C ore V alues
IMH BELIEVES that mental health must be defined broadly and recognizes that the development of optimal mental health (sometimes referred to as social -emotional development) is affected by many factors.
We believe that it is important to build on successes by promoting best practices and innovative approaches that offer promise.
We believe that issues of race and culture affect mental health and the provision of services and should be addressed.
We believe that our grants should support programs that intentionally and specifically address the social-emotional development of low- income and/or underserved children and their families in Orleans Parish.
We believe that early intervention and prevention are the most effective approaches to promoting optimal mental health in children and their families in our community.
We believe that families are fundamental to their children’s social and emotional development and should be supported in their parenting.
Trauma and its Effects on Our Children
According to a study by the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies, 60% of children in New Orleans experience PTSD. That rate is four times the national average.
Recent studies have identified factors that increase children’s risk for developing PTSD and related symptoms such as depression after disasters. Greater exposure to the disaster itself increases risk. Children with greater personal exposure to life threats or danger, who witnessed others in life-threatening situations, or whose family members’ lives were in danger are at a greater risk than children who did not experience or witness such things
In 2022, New Orleans topped the list of cities with the highest increase in homicide rates, according to Wallet Hub. Mental health experts say it's due to a lack of activities, internships, and jobs for teens.
Community Partners that focus on Trauma
January 2024 – December 2024
Grant making at IMH is guided by our mission, our core values and by the areas of focus selected by the Foundation. IMH funding is limited, by charter, to Orleans Parish. We do not fund capital projects or individuals. For grant application guidelines, deadlines, and, details, please visit www.imhno.org or call (504) 566-1852.
IMH Supports advocacy as a strategy to work toward increased public support for the full range of mental health services for children and their families and toward the development of policies and regulations that promote quality in the supports and services available to all children.
IMH Supports efforts to increase the availability of prevention, early intervention, and treatment services in community settings. Such efforts might include the co-location of mental health services with other well-utilized services for children and their families. IMH supports the provision of services in locations that are easily accessible to vulnerable populations. We also support the development of partnerships and collaborations between multiple organizations that serve the same population.
Core Support
IMH provides Core Support Grants to mental health organizations with a proven record of accomplishment. These grants are intended to provide stable yet flexible dollars to organizations addressing the mental health needs of children and their families. These grants are named the Nancy J. Aronson Core Support Grants in recognition of the 16-year tenure of the first director of IMH and her commitment to supporting the work of nonprofits in the community. Applications are by invitation only.
United Way SELA
Level Reading $50,000 ($50,000 per year for two years)
IMH seeks to strengthen and sustain policies, programs, and providers focusing on early childhood and families with children ages birth to six years.
Through this grantmaking effort, IMH funds programs to:
q Increase the number of children ready for kindergarten by building their social and behavioral skills;
q Increase the social and emotional well-being of children in early childhood programs;
q Assist parents and caretakers in parenting their children;
q Improve the effectiveness of parents and organizations in advocating for programs and policies that address the social and emotional needs of young children.
In reviewing applicants, we look for the use of evidence-based approaches. IMH will also fund early intervention and treatment programs for young children with mental health issues.
IMH accepts applications for programs providing comprehensive mental health services in public schools. IMH defines comprehensive mental health services as the range of services necessary to address the barriers to learning that many children experience. We are especially interested in efforts that address the barriers that stem from learning and physical health problems. We believe that comprehensive mental health services need to be rooted in a school climate that welcomes and nurtures students and their families. IMH supports the use of prevention programs to build the social and emotional competence of the entire school population.
Year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
Board of Directors
Mia D. Merrell
PRESIDENT Tap Bui
VICE PRESIDENT
Kathleen Zuniga TREASURER
Saundra Levy SECRETARY
Ronald P. McClain, JD, LCSW- BACS
Executive Director
Ethan Ashley
Allison Boothe Trigg
Caleb Didriksen
Martin Drell
Deena Gerber
Myrialis King
Aqua Stovall
Mark Taliancich
Kevin Wilkins
Michael Williamson
INSTITUTE OF MENT AL HY GIENE
1055 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 350, New Orleans, LA 70130
phone (504) 566-1852
fax (504) 566-1853
www.imhno.org