Enhancing Mental Health Capacity for Youth-Serving Organizations

The "Enhancing Mental Health Capacity for Youth-Serving Organizations" initiative is administered by Health Resources in Action (HRiA), a Boston-based nonprofit organization that partners with the Boston Public Health Commission’s (BPHC) Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness. This capacity-building initiative is designed to support Boston-based community-based organizations (CBOs) serving marginalized youth, particularly youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth, who are at higher risk of behavioral health disparities. HRiA has a longstanding mission to improve and reimagine public health, and this program aligns with that vision by strengthening the mental health response capabilities of non-clinical youth-serving staff within eligible organizations. The initiative is structured around training and certifying up to two staff members per participating CBO as Behavioral Health Champions (BHCs). These BHCs will engage in a 16-hour Training of Trainers (ToT) program spread over four 4-hour sessions. The training includes modules on building collective resiliency using culturally responsive methods, trauma-informed practices, substance use and harm reduction, and practical mental health support strategies. Upon completing the ToT, these staff will be equipped to return to their organizations and deliver two 6-hour foundational trainings—termed Mental Health 101—to other staff, volunteers, or community partners. These sessions are intended to help organizations provide better support to youth in non-clinical environments. Organizations selected for the program can receive up to $5000. This includes $1500 per staff member attending the ToT (for up to two staff), and $1000 per Mental Health 101 training session conducted post-ToT. HRiA will provide all materials and coaching for these internal training sessions and offer additional technical assistance, networking, and co-facilitation support. Eligibility is strictly defined. Only community-based organizations physically located in Boston and actively serving Boston-resident youth aged 14–18 are eligible. These organizations must deliver weekly programming that has been in place for at least one full year and must primarily serve youth of color and/or LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, the organization’s mission must align with BPHC’s values, and staff should reflect the identities of the youth they serve. Organizations providing clinical mental or behavioral health services as a primary mission are not eligible, nor are schools, health centers, hospitals, or for-profit entities. For the third cohort, ToT training sessions are scheduled for October 21, 23, 28, and 30, 2025. The deadline to apply for both Cohorts 3 and 4 is July 31, 2025. The fourth cohort’s training will occur in January 2026 at a Boston location yet to be determined. Within four months of completing the ToT, BHCs must conduct the required two Mental Health 101 training sessions. Participating organizations are also expected to submit data on training participants, including pre- and post-surveys as provided by HRiA. To apply or request further information, organizations can reach out via email to youthmh@hria.org. The application process includes the submission of key organizational information and commitment to all outlined participation requirements. Organizations are encouraged to start their application as early as possible to meet the deadline and prepare their selected staff for the training commitment.