New fund at Tanager Place to remove barriers to mental health access for children

A new fund aimed at remove barriers to mental health access started this month at Tanager Place.

The Cedar Rapids not-for-profit organization, which provides mental health services to children, created its equity fund following a $30,000 donation from GreenState Credit Union.

“This is something that we’ve been wanting to do for quite a while,” said Melissa Walker, Tanager Place’s director of philanthropy. “We know that a lack of financial resources is a huge barrier to treatment for mental health.”

While GreenState provided the initial donation, Tanager Place is hoping this ignites philanthropic activity for the fund.

“Our goal is that we will never have to turn anybody away due to an inability to pay,” Walker said.

Walker said Tanager Place is noticing an uptick in the need for mental health services among children because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She hopes the start of the equity fund means money won’t keep those children from receiving the Tanager Place support they need.

“There are many low- and middle-class families that just don’t come because they know that it’s expensive,” Walker said.

Tanager Place officially launched the fund on July 1 with the focus on current families receiving support from the not-for-profit organization.

“Our clinicians will identify families that may be experiencing barriers to accessing treatment and provide support as those needs arise,” Walker said.

As more funding comes in, Tanager Place will expand the fund to help more families.

GreenState spokeswoman Tara Wachendorf described Tanager Place as a “long-standing provider and supporter of the mental health needs of our Corridor kids and families.”

“The past 18 months have shown us all that caring for our mental health needs is important and services are something everyone should be able to gain access to when needed,” Wachendorf said in a news release.

North Liberty-based GreenState Credit Union has $7.5 billion in total assets, according to the U.S. National Credit Union Association, which is more than any other credit union or bank headquartered in Iowa.

To donate, visit tanagerplace.org/donate.

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