The John Deere Foundation is proudly supporting youth mental health via a gift to the University of Iowa’s nationally leading Scanlan Center for School Mental Health.
"There is an urgent need for social, emotional, and behavioral health interventions for youth facing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, discrimination, and other forms of trauma. This gift helps advance research efforts and support educators, students, and their families—specifically underserved and underrepresented youth—throughout Iowa and Illinois," commented Nate Clark, Global Director for Corporate Social Responsibility, & President of the John Deere Foundation.
Ensuring equitable access to critical resources
The John Deere Foundation has committed to investing $200 million over 10 years — $100 million of which will directly benefit families and youth who live, work, and learn in home communities to ensure equitable access to critical resources like mental health care.
Bolstering crucial work to advance research efforts
Kari Vogelgesang has spent the better part of two years leading teams of University of Iowa researchers, educators, and trainers who are addressing the mental health crisis within Iowa’s K–12 schools. While she is inspired by the work of America’s teachers, she is also worried about the ever-growing needs of our youth and their educators.
In Iowa—and throughout the United States—the statistics surrounding mental health and suicide are dire. According to the Iowa Department of Education and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the number one problem facing schools is mental health, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death amongst Iowa youth.
Teachers throughout the state and nation lack training and support to help students, and that’s where the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health has stepped in and created a comprehensive, one-of-kind approach to address the mental health crisis.
The recent gift from the John Deere Foundation will bolster the crucial work being done by Kari and her Iowa colleagues. The foundation has committed $525,000 to advance research efforts and support educators, students, and their families—specifically underserved and underrepresented youth—in John Deere communities throughout Iowa and Illinois.
“I’m impressed with the level of commitment and passion that educators in our state have for our students,” says Kari. “It’s powerful, heartwarming, and makes me tear up because our educators are suffering with their own personal issues and worrying about their students.”
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.