Shepherd Community Center has received a grant from the Valinhos Foundation to connect families in Indianapolis with comprehensive mental health services for youth who are struggling with problem behaviors at home, in school and in the community.

With the grant, Shepherd staff will refer families for help through Multisystemic Therapy (MST) at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. MST pairs therapists with youth ages 12 to 17 and their families to address the causes of delinquent and antisocial behavior.

“We are thankful for the generous help that the Valinhos Foundation is providing our neighbors,” Jay Height, executive director of Shepherd Community Center, said. “We know that many of our young people are struggling with the pain of past trauma and with stress and anxiety. We are excited to partner with Riley to ensure that help is available for our youth and their families.

Therapists with MST work with youth in their homes, schools and neighborhoods. Team members are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that help is available when families need support.

MST’s primary goals are to ensure that youth are able to live safely at home and remain in school, to reduce criminal and antisocial behavior, and to deliver successful treatment at a cost savings.

In 2021, the U.S. surgeon general reported that America’s youth are facing “devastating” mental health challenges, including significant increases in depression, anxiety and emergency room visits associated with a mental health crisis.

The Valinhos Foundation works to make a lasting difference in Indiana by funding mental health initiatives that help children, young adults and families.

Shepherd Community serves hundreds of families on the near Eastside of Indianapolis through services that include education, job training, housing, and mental and physical health support.