ELSMERE, Ky. — Elsmere City Council has allocated $100,000 in federal funding to the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky
Elsmere’s contribution came through funding the city received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that Congress enacted in March 2021 for COVID relief.
City Council said that local governments are permitted to spend its ARPA funding “for the purpose of responding to the public health emergency through the provision of behavioral health care … and behavioral health facilities.”
“This is money that will be tremendously well-spent,” said Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof. “As a retired teacher, I recognize the need for behavioral and mental health services in our schools, and I know what outstanding services the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky provides to our schools and throughout the broader Northern Kentucky community.”
Rick Wurth, the chief executive officer of the children's home, said they're eternally grateful for the council's leadership and generosity.
"Elsmere's investment of $100,000 is critically important to our movement forward in expending mental health services to Northern Kentucky youth and families," Wurth said.
Wurth said the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky's behavioral healthcare program impact more than 3,000 individuals each year through treatment services, therapeutic day school and other school-based services.
Elsmere City Administrator Matt Dowling said the council recognized one of the primary focuses of the ARPA funding is directly trying to assist residents who have been experiencing mental health issues due to the COVID pandemic.
Dowling said he believes there's a growing need for the services the children's home provides.
“Unfortunately, there are some gaps in services and coverage when it comes to behavioral and mental health, and the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky does a great job filling those gaps,” Dowling said.
Wurth also said the extended pandemic has exacerbated the need for addiction treatment and mental health support.
He also said public school superintendents have asked for a high number of students to be referred for screenings and assessments, as well as therapeutic interventions.
Other than Elsmere's contribution, the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky also received funds from the City of Covington ($500,000) and the City of Union ($100,000).
“We hope other communities across Northern Kentucky step up with funding for the Children’s Home,” Mayor Lenhof said. “After all, we are all in this together.”
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