Anna Maria College has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Reliant Foundation to expand its Job Opportunities in Behavioral Services (JOBS) II Project, a program that builds a diverse pipeline of qualified professionals in mental and behavioral health fields. This funding will directly support initiatives to train and equip students for careers in high-demand areas of mental health, addiction counseling, and social work.
The JOBS II Project aims to address critical workforce shortages in Central Massachusetts while empowering students from historically underserved backgrounds, including first-generation college students and students from BIPOC communities. Reliant Foundation’s grant will provide financial support for internship stipends, harm reduction training, and educational resources, including Narcan training for students and staff. These resources are essential as Anna Maria continues to respond to the increased demand for qualified mental health providers after the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing mental health crises.
Anna Maria College is grateful for the generosity of Reliant Foundation. The Foundation recognizes the community impact and importance of Anna Maria’s programs year-after-year and continually provides support through their partnership.
“This support from Reliant Foundation strengthens our ability to address the urgent need for mental health professionals in our communities,” said Mary Lou Retelle, President of Anna Maria College. “Our students are committed to making a positive impact, and these resources will help them gain critical skills and hands-on experience to succeed in the mental health workforce.”
Through the JOBS II Project, Anna Maria will expand internship opportunities with local organizations and enhance training in addiction studies, social work, and mental health, helping students make a lasting difference in their communities.
