Promise Community Health Center is excited to announce it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation to help expand access to mental health care for students in Northwest Iowa schools.
With this generous funding, Promise is building on an innovative program that brings licensed mental health therapists directly into local schools. The goal is simple but powerful: make it easier for children and teens to get the mental and emotional support they need, right where they are — in school.
Thanks to this grant, Promise will strengthen its partnerships with seven area schools by dedicating more time and staff to launch and coordinate on-site therapy services. These efforts include everything from scheduling and communication with school staff and families, to educating parents and reducing stigma around mental health.
Promise has already begun offering services at several schools, including Sioux Center High School, Sioux Center Christian School, West Sioux Schools and Rock Valley Community School, with more schools joining soon. The program places licensed therapists in schools one day per week and provides bilingual care, which is especially important in communities where many families speak Spanish or other languages.
This grant allows us to do the behind-the-scenes work that makes school therapy possible. We’re not just offering appointments — we’re working to ensure every student who needs help actually gets connected to care in a way that works for them and their families.– Michelle van Beek - Mental Health Coordinator
The program also includes play therapy for younger children, trauma-informed care, and telehealth options. Promise therapists are trained to support students who have experienced trauma, immigration challenges, or other life events that impact their emotional health.
This project addresses a growing need in Sioux County and beyond. Mental health concerns among youth are on the rise, and access to care — especially in rural areas — is often limited. With this grant from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Promise can continue to close that gap and build healthier futures for local students.
Promise remains committed to making mental health services accessible for all families, regardless of income or insurance. If you’d like to learn more about our school therapy program or mental health services, please visit www.promisechc.org or call (712) 722-1700.