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Nonprofit Hillgrove Thrive pitches one-stop mental-health and social-services hub for Opa-locka
Summary
Hillgrove Thrive representatives outlined a proposed partnership to bring pediatric mental-health services, DCF access services, job-readiness programs and a one-stop social services model to Opa-locka. Staff said they will follow up on possible space and coordination with city social services.
Representatives from Hillgrove Thrive and partner organizations presented to the Opa-locka commission on March 26 offering to expand mental-health and social services in the city through a one-stop model that would include pediatric care, mental-health programming for children and young adults, and DCF access services.
Rachel Badia, executive director of Hillgrove Thrive, said the organization currently operates centers in Liberty City and other nearby communities and has expanded services after meeting with city staff. "We currently have a center in Liberty City...we service over a hundred children right now...we offer them an after-school program, a Saturday program, and a summer camp," Badia said, describing a program that combines psychosocial rehabilitation, life skills, and family engagement.
Speakers described partnerships with a pediatric practice (a long-standing local pediatrics practice), New Life Resources and others. Lawrence Hall of New Life Resources told commissioners the organization can serve as a DCF access partner to help families apply for Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance and said approvals can be done within 24 to 48 hours in their model.
Badia and partners said they have experience working with juvenile-detention partners for reentry and community service hours, and requested city assistance finding suitable space and coordination with the planned city social services office. Commissioners expressed support and requested follow-up meetings between staff and the presenters to discuss needs and facility options.
Commissioner Bass asked that job-readiness (resume writing, interview skills and workplace etiquette) be included in programming; Badia said their existing keystone program includes life skills, nutrition education and anger-management components and can be tailored to community needs.
Next steps: staff said they will follow up with the presenters about possible city space and will coordinate with the interim city manager and social services staff. Presenters left their contact information and requested a meeting to structure a pilot program.
