Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation briefs council on school mental-health services and senior meals

Tammy Verhus, interim executive director of the Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation, presented to the Eden Plus City Council on July 13 about the foundation’s school-based mental-health services and its senior hot-meals program.

"As many of you probably know, Sarah Stratton, our director, has stepped down... I am a board member and I am the interim executive director right now," Verhus said, explaining the staffing transition. She said the foundation’s mental-health program has ‘‘served a total of 82 students,’’ adding that ‘‘62 [are] at Enumclaw High School, 9 at Enumclaw Middle School, and 11 at Thunder Mountain.’’ Verhus said six of the high-school students have "graduated from therapy," which she described as a major success for the program.

Verhus also reviewed the foundation’s senior hot-meals operations: "Senior hot meals, we currently have 66 seniors... they received 6 meals weekly via 3 deliveries," she said, adding there are about "400 meals prepared from scratch each week" and roughly "87 current volunteers" who prepare, shop for and deliver meals.

Verhus highlighted small improvements in student outcomes presented by the foundation’s data. She called the changes "a huge improvement" and thanked the council for its support and for continued partnership as the foundation searches for a permanent executive director.

Council reaction was limited to thanks and an invitation to follow up; Verhus encouraged councilors to contact Sarah or herself with further questions.

What comes next: The foundation will continue recruitment for its permanent director and the council may be asked to consider continued or additional support in future budget discussions.