Beaver County schools receive mental health education grants
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Two Beaver County school districts and the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit will each receive a $3,500 grant from the Chuckie F. Mahoney Memorial Foundation to provide mental health resources for their students during the 2025-26 school year.
The Big Beaver Falls Area School District and the Blackhawk School District, along with the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit, were among eight school districts and intermediate units in Pennsylvania to be selected for the foundation’s most recent grant awards, announced on Aug. 18.
This year, the foundation increased its school grants from $3,000 to $3,500 and the range of eligible applicants was extended beyond western Pennsylvania to “help more schools serve more students in the wake of federal budget cuts,” according to the grant announcement.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing our work bring needed resources to classrooms and directly benefit students and school personnel,” said Charles Mahoney, the foundation’s president.
“We’re pleased to open this program to all school districts in Pennsylvania this year to help kids across the state build confidence and learn coping strategies to improve their mental health.”
Mahoney and his wife, Debi, created the Chuckie F. Mahoney Memorial Foundation in memory of their son, who died by suicide in 2002, to “provide resources, education and training on suicide prevention and depression to parents, teachers and those who work with the teen and young adult population,” according to the foundation’s website.
How will the funds be used?
Beaver Valley IU plans to use the grant “to provide resources for students, teachers and parents that address the growing mental health needs and challenges faced by students today,” said Michael Kroner, clinical director-outpatient services at Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit.
“By investing in student wellness, we aim to create a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We are grateful for this opportunity to strengthen our commitment to student success and look forward to expanding services that foster resilience, self-care and positive mental health outcomes for our school community.”
The Blackhawk School District “seeks to continue its partnership with The Prevention Network through the support of a dedicated prevention specialist,” said Trisha Huston, director of student services.
“These funds will also be used to expand mental health and substance awareness training opportunities for our staff, ensuring that we are better equipped to meet the needs of our students and community.”
The Big Beaver Falls Area School District did not respond to a request from The Times for information about its grant award.
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