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The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board awarded 11 mini-grants to local organizations for the period of July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. The Mental Health and Recovery Board plans, funds, and monitors mental health and addiction services locally. The grants will fund programs that enhance mental health and/or prevent addiction in Clermont County. The grant applications were initially reviewed by a three-member committee. A total of $30,000 was allocated, with maximum funding per project of $4,000. 

The organizations selected for a mini-grant are:

Cathy Barney, Artsy Fartsy Saturdays:  To host a book launch event and reunion for past Artsy Fartsy students who have found their voices and creativity, built confidence and self-esteem, and received encouragement throughout the history of the program. The students will each receive a copy of the book, which includes their own stories, words, art, and photographs and will be a tangible reminder they are a vital and valuable part of their community.  

Goshen Middle School, ReDo Day/The ID Project: The ID Project is specially designed to provide 7th and 8th grade students a forum where each can safely discuss and dialogue with others this radical period of mental, emotional, physical and social growth and change. As students traverse this extreme fast-forward internally and externally, graceful peer interactions are often the last to develop. The ID Project helps each student connect with her/his spot in the journey, and how to positively view their peers on their journeys.

Inter Parish Ministry, Food Pantry Summer Picnic: To provide summer picnics, freshly prepared hot meals, and “pop-up” picnics in various Clermont County communities for clients who are in need and to provide community mental health resource information and empowerment items. IPM’s Summer Community Picnic Program fosters a sense of well-being among food-insecure families and individuals who use the agency as a food resource.

Milford Boyd E. Smith Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS):  To enhance the current PBIS framework by developing and implementing a checklist system that identifies students who need additional support and guidance with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs outside of the typical framework.

Milford Meadowview Elementary, ReSet Room/Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS program by incorporating a ReSet Room. The ReSet Room is an intervention strategy that is used as a safe space where students can retreat to de-escalate, problem-solve, and refocus on appropriate behaviors so they can avoid classroom or school removal. ReSet Rooms are supervised by trained educational assistants and specifically focus on restorative and progress practices.

Milford Mulberry Elementary School, ReSet Room/Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): The purpose of the Reset Room is to provide a space for students who are having difficulty in the general classroom setting to step away from that environment and re-regulate by using sensory tools, guided reflection, and restorative practices so that they can repair harm and return to learning in a way that is acceptable to all parties. The space will be supervised and guided by an educational assistant trained in restorative practices who can teach and practice appropriate coping skills.

New Richmond High School, Speak Love Program: The Speak Love Program explores a three-step process with students to deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion. New Richmond High School will use the program to improve the mental wellness of its staff and students. The training will be an opportunity to foster character and leadership skills and allow students to connect with the entire student body.

Safe Harbor of Hope, Short Term Refuge: The Safe Harbor of Hope will use this grant to set up a short-term refuge for women who battle addiction and mental illness in Clermont County. The refuge, with the help of area treatment agencies, will provide detox and dual diagnosis treatment and will be staffed by volunteers with medical backgrounds.

West Clermont Clough Pike Elementary, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS):  Clough Pike Elementary School is implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs which support students through an evidence based Multi-tiered Intervention approach. The grant will be used to fund the relationship building training and to host parent night.

West Clermont Holly Hill Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): To enhance the current PBIS program, which supports students through an evidence based Multi-tiered Intervention approach, by transitioning into tier 3 of the program and providing training for a staff of 40 teachers and paraprofessionals. The grant will fund the virtual workshop and refresher training throughout the year for school staff.

West Clermont Willowville Elementary School, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS): Willowville Elementary School is implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs which support students through an evidence based Multi-tiered Intervention approach. The grant will be used to fund the strategy training and to host parent night. 

BATAVIA, OH -- At their monthly meeting on June 8, the Board of Directors of the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board (CCMHRB) selected Lee Ann Watson, Ph.D. as the Board’s next Executive Director.  At their July 18 meeting, the Board approved a three-year contract with Watson, effective Aug. 1.  She has served as the Board’s Associate Director for 15 years.  

“After a six-month, national search, I am delighted that Lee Ann Watson will be taking the helm at CCMHRB,” said Patty Lawrence, Chair of the CCMHRB Chair.  “Dr. Watson is dedicated to the Clermont community and has developed strong relationships with providers, law enforcement, and community leaders in Clermont throughout her career. More importantly, Lee Ann understands the Mental Health Board and community needs in the coming years. I am excited about the direction of the board and the important work she will accomplish.” 

The CCMHRB’s previous Executive Director, Karen Scherra retired as of July 31.  Scherra had worked for the board for over 33 years, the last 25 years at the helm of the organization. While leaving the board after so many years is bittersweet, according to Scherra, she added “Lee Ann and I have always worked as a team and I believe she will maintain the foundation I established at the board, but also bring a fresh perspective and implement new ideas, and I am excited about the future of our behavioral system under her leadership.”  

The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board is responsible for planning, monitoring, evaluating and funding all publicly funded prevention and treatment services and recovery supports in the county. The board does not provide any direct services for mental illness and addiction, but contracts with local non-profit agencies – Child Focus, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health and Hope Community Center – to provide needed services. It is governed by a 14-member, volunteer Board of Directors, appointed by Clermont’s Board of County Commissioners and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS).