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Marshmallows Hope outlines free youth mental-health programs to Loves Park council
Summary
Representatives of Marshmallows Hope told the council their pro-bono youth programs — including an eight-week intensive outpatient program, mentorship and one-on-one counseling — aim to reduce stigma and expand access; they said funding is from grants and they are pursuing Medicaid billing.
Jamie Cuny, director of operations for Marshmallows Hope, told the Loves Park City Council on March 17 that the nonprofit offers free youth mental-health services and is working to expand access through grants and Medicaid billing.
"What we do at Marshmallows Hope is we are trying to remove the stigma from mental health and suicide ideation," Cuny said, identifying herself and describing the group's services as pro bono. She said the nonprofit operates an intensive outpatient (IOP) program that runs eight weeks for people ages 14 to 18, a mentorship program that connects youth with mentors for activities outside the home, one-on-one counseling for individuals in need, and a peer-support program for parents.
Cuny said program delivery is currently funded by grants and that Marshmallows Hope recently began building Medicaid billing for its programs. She explained that mentors like Brendan Hullinger work directly with young people while another mentor supports parents through paperwork and other stresses, and that many of the group's staff and volunteers have personal experience with loss to suicide.
Council members did not request follow-up questions during the public comment period; staff noted the organization had approached the council to share information and offered to answer inquiries and provide materials for public outreach.
The presentation concluded with thanks from the nonprofit representatives. No action or executive session resulted from the public comment; the council adjourned following routine closing procedures.
