Mar 31, 2026 – Clark Family Foundation, Inc. (Clark Family Foundation) has awarded Kids’ Minds Matter a $150,000 grant to support and expand pediatric mental and behavioral health programs within Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital.
The grant with help advanced Kids’ Minds Matter’s efforts to connect families with care, expand critical programs, and address the growing demand for pediatric mental health services throughout Southwest Florida. Clark Family Foundation supports organizations dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of children, with a focus on meaningful community impact.
Since its launch in 2016, Kids’ Minds Matter has worked alongside healthcare providers, educators, and community partners to strengthen the system of care for children facing mental and behavioral health challenges. Programs such as the Mental Health Navigator Program help families navigate complex care systems, connect providers, and access essential services.
Recent impact highlights demonstrate both the progress being made and the continued need for investment in children’s mental health. Through community education and outreach, Kids’ Minds Matter has hosted more than 86 community events and presentations, connecting thousands of individuals with information and resources related to youth mental and behavioral health.
Despite these efforts, families in Southwest Florida continue to face significant barriers to accessing mental and behavioral health services. More than 300 children remain on waitlists for care, with wait times averaging six to nine months for a psychology appointment and up to 18 months for play therapy.
“Support from partners like Clark Family Foundation, Inc. helps make it possible for Kids’ Minds Matter to expand access to vital mental health services for children and families,” said Anne Frazier, system director of development at Lee Health Foundation. “This investment helps ensure more young people receive the care, support and hope they deserve.”
Mental health concerns among children and adolescents continue to rise nationwide, increasing the need for accessible, community-based resources. Investments such as this grant help strengthen the regional network of care and ensure more children can receive timely support when they need it most.
To learn more about Kids’ Minds Matter and to become an advocate for children’s mental health, visit KidsMindsMatter.com.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Founded in 2016, Kids’ Minds Matter is Southwest Florida’s strategic solution to addressing our region’s mental health epidemic and advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services. With a focus on developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter fosters collaboration with mental health providers and child advocates, social workers and care navigators, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations to improve access to care and meet the needs of the community. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through Lee Health Foundation and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-343-6950 for more information.
