Goodwill launches new program to strengthen behavioral health services in New England

Goodwill Northern New England has launched Healthy Communities AmeriCorps (HCA), a new program designed to expand access to substance use recovery and youth mental health services in rural communities and communities experiencing concentrated poverty across Maine and New Hampshire.

Through the program, 40 AmeriCorps members will serve with public agencies and community-based organizations, helping increase access to evidence-based behavioral health interventions for underserved populations while strengthening the capacity of local organizations.

"Healthy Communities AmeriCorps is about strengthening communities today while building the behavioral health workforce of tomorrow," said Steve Niles, Director of AmeriCorps Programs at Goodwill Northern New England. "Our members will help expand access to substance use recovery and youth mental health services in communities that need them most while gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in behavioral health.”

The Healthy Communities AmeriCorps program builds on the success of Goodwill NNE's Public Health AmeriCorps program and focuses specifically on improving behavioral health outcomes through partnerships with substance use recovery providers, youth-serving organizations, after-school programs, rural behavioral health providers, and other community organizations.

"Healthy Communities AmeriCorps represents an important investment in the health and well-being of our communities," Niles said. "By placing AmeriCorps members with organizations already doing vital work, we’re helping expand services for people who need them most while preparing the next generation of behavioral health professionals.”

Over the first year of the program, AmeriCorps members will implement evidence-based behavioral health interventions designed to improve substance use recovery and youth mental health outcomes. Members will serve with 15 partner organizations, helping those agencies increase their capacity to provide critical services and support to vulnerable populations.

In addition to direct service, Healthy Communities AmeriCorps members will recruit and engage 75 volunteers who will support the implementation of evidence-based behavioral health interventions across participating communities.

Members will gain valuable hands-on experience and training in behavioral health services throughout their terms of service, helping prepare them for careers in the behavioral health workforce upon completion of the program.

Healthy Communities AmeriCorps is supported by a federal AmeriCorps investment of $507,250, along with $15,218 in public funding and $60,873 in private funding to support program operations and community impact.

The program reflects Goodwill NNE's ongoing commitment to strengthening communities through service, workforce development, and partnerships that address critical local needs. By expanding the capacity of organizations working in substance use recovery and youth mental health, Healthy Communities AmeriCorps aims to improve long-term health outcomes in communities that often face barriers to accessing behavioral health services.

To learn more about Goodwill NNE AmeriCorps programs, visit goodwillnne.org/programs/americorps or visit linktr.ee/goodwillamericorps <