Aliento, a nonprofit supporting immigrant youth and mixed-status families, has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement. The 2024 Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant will help Aliento expand its mental health services through its Cultiva program, supporting families impacted by immigration-related stress and trauma.
“With the ongoing mental health crisis, the support from this grant is critical for Aliento to continue its Cultiva program,” said Reyna Montoya, Founder and CEO of Aliento. “Cultiva empowers young people to take an active role in their mental health journey, providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive despite the challenges they face.”
The Cultiva program offers:
- Arts & Healing Workshops
- Group & Individual Therapy
- Open Mic Nights: Safe spaces to share personal stories.
- Trauma-Informed School Trainings: Resources and workshops to support mental health.
Impact:
Arizona is home to over 24,000 recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and many immigrant families who experience stress and fear due to their legal status, often leading to anxiety, trauma, and isolation. This funding will allow Aliento to extend mental health support to more families who might otherwise feel unsafe seeking help.
Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant:
The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant was established to inspire new ideas and solutions to improve mental health in Arizona. Each year, the grant focuses on a specific issue related to mental health. This year, the focus was to reduce loneliness and build social connections. The grant supports organizations that address these challenges in unique ways, like Aliento.
For more information on Aliento and Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant, visit: https://www.azbluefoundation.org/grants/thiru-family-trust-momentum-maker-grant