Cenla Mental Health Workforce Program

The Rapides Foundation is seeking applications to implement the National Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program (NMHWA) in Central Louisiana. This program aims to address the workforce shortage in mental health and substance abuse treatment by supporting the licensure and job placement of 30 Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). It emphasizes increasing mental health service availability in under-resourced and marginalized communities. The program, established in 2023 through a partnership with the National Council of Mental Wellbeing and Kaiser Permanente, is currently active in six states. Key components of the program include recruiting candidates, providing job placement, offering stipends, supporting supervision, and preparing participants for licensure exams. The grant term is up to 48 months, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029, which includes a three-month ramp-up period. Funding must be used for program operations and administration. If multiple Regional Chairs are selected, they will collaborate as Regional Co-Chairs to deliver the program. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, governmental entities, and accredited postsecondary institutions. Private foundations and institutions not accredited by SACSCOC or COE are ineligible. All candidates must be placed in The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online platform. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact The Rapides Foundation at least three weeks before the submission deadline for guidance. Key dates include an informational webinar on January 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM, a pre-submission consultation request deadline one week prior to March 7, 2025, and a proposal deadline of March 28, 2025, by 4:00 PM CST. Notifications of selection will be issued by May 30, 2025, and the program start date is set for July 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the Request for Applications and accompanying materials for detailed guidance. For additional questions or to schedule consultations, contact information is provided in the Foundation’s materials.