Administered by United Way, the initiative provides free mental health care to all Duval County public school students

Jacksonville, Fla. (Sept. 15, 2025) – United Way of Northeast Florida, in partnership with the Kids Hope Alliance, the City of Jacksonville and Duval County Public Schools, announced today the recipients of $5.5 million in grants to provide free mental health care access for all Duval County public school students through the Full Service Schools initiative. Grant recipients are already at work delivering free mental health care, with over 1,000 referrals for services already received since the start of school.

The following organizations are recipients of the grants for the next four academic years, with the Full Service Schools resource center(s) where they operate listed in parentheses:

• Child Guidance Center (Beaches Family Resource Center and Sandalwood Family Resource Center)
• Children’s Home Society (Ribault Family Resource Center)
• Daniel (Greater Springfield Family Resource Center and Historic James Weldon Johnson Family Resource Center)
• The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (Westside Family Resource Center)
• Step-By-Step Behavioral Health Services (Arlington Family Resource Center)
• Youth Crisis Center (Englewood Family Resource Center)

These Full Service Schools grantees began delivering mental health counseling and other mental health services to students and their families over the summer. They provide these services to any student attending elementary, middle or high schools within Duval County Public Schools. Services are rendered at the student’s school or at a convenient location in the community determined by the therapist and family.

“The number of referrals we’ve already seen since the start of the school year underscores that mental health care is critical to addressing non-academic barriers to success,” said Keto Porter, director of Full Service Schools, administered by United Way. “Thousands of students and families need these life-changing resources to thrive. Full Service Schools provides direct, convenient access to these services, and we are confident our selected providers have the right expertise and dedication to ensure this vital service continues to be delivered at the highest quality.”

The selected providers were identified using a request for proposal (RFP) process, which was open to any governmental entities and for-profit and nonprofit organizations who could provide mental-health services for at least one full school year. Proposals were accepted Feb. 10 to March 14, followed by a review period, which ended in April. Funding began in July.

“Serving the children of Duval County is our mission, and Kids Hope Alliance has long partnered with Full Service Schools to ensure our local students have the mental health care they need,” said Kids Hope Alliance CEO Dr. Saralyn Grass. “Clearly, these services are in high demand, and we are grateful to United Way for leading and administering Full Service Schools. We know the partners selected for this grant cycle will serve students with compassion and expertise.”

In addition to KHA, funding for Full Service Schools is provided by Duval County Public Schools, the Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust and United Way.

“Access to mental health services is a cornerstone of Duval County Public Schools’ mission to nurture the whole child,” said Katrina Taylor, director of School Behavioral Health. “When our students are supported emotionally and mentally, they gain the confidence and resilience to thrive—not only in the classroom but in college, career and life. This is how we bring our promise to life: every student, every day.”

There are several ways to access these mental health services. Families can find more information and request services on United Way’s website at www.unitedwaynefl.org/full-service-schools. Additionally, students and parents can contact their school’s guidance office to learn more about the mental health services provided through Full Service Schools.

Families can also access these services by calling the United Way 211 information and referral hotline to find their nearest Full Service Schools site by dialing 2-1-1 on a cell phone or landline or texting “Hello” to 211904. If you or your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts or any other mental health crisis, please call the 988 Florida Lifeline, available 24/7/365, to get immediate support. Simply dial or text 9-8-8.

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About Full Service Schools
Full Service Schools, administered by United Way of Northeast Florida, recognizes achievement is fostered in and out of the classroom. The initiative brings together community resources, neighbors and schools to promote the health and well-being of Duval County students, their families and neighborhood residents. Full Service Schools connects thousands of students and families to a critical range of therapeutic, health and social services and address non-academic barriers to success in school. Operating from eight neighborhood-based resource centers, Full Service Schools services are provided at no cost to students and their families. For more information, visit unitedwaynefl.org/full-service-schools or dial 2-1-1.

About United Way of Northeast Florida
For more than a century, United Way of Northeast Florida has walked alongside individuals and families, helping them move through today’s challenges and realize tomorrow’s possibilities. We deliver services, provide funds and mobilize volunteers where they’re needed most to strengthen financial security, create youth opportunity and build a healthy community. As a respected and trusted philanthropic organization, we have a long tradition of helping families thrive across Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties. Our work is made possible thanks to the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners. To learn more and get involved, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Kids Hope Alliance
With the vision that every child and youth will reach their academic, career, and civic potential, Kids Hope Alliance: The Jacksonville Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families (KHA), a fiscal agency of the City of Jacksonville, is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of children and youth programs, services, and activities, accomplished through third-party service providers. Through these partnerships and local providers, KHA is a vehicle to improving the lives of children, youth, and families in Jacksonville. For more information, please visit www.kidshopealliance.org.

About Duval County Public Schools
 Duval County Public Schools is the 18th largest school district in the nation, educating more than 128,000 students in over 190 schools. Its mission is to provide educational excellence for every student, every day. Visit www.duvalschools.org to learn more.