Local Jewish News

Yesh Tikvah is expanding its reach with two new programs designed to help more people pay for mental health services.

The first, made possible by a grant from the Community Fund Management Foundation (CFMF), offers free subsidies to help 17 adults and teenagers of the Jewish community meet the cost of outpatient psychiatric care. According to Yesh Tikvah Board Member Mrs. Chavi (Jessica) Cohen, “We’ve had many requests to cover psychiatric care, but until now we were limited to funding therapeutic interventions. Now, with a generous grant from the Community Fund Management Foundation, we are launching a pilot program to help individuals in the community see a psychiatrist or purchase psychotropic medication.”

CFMF Executive Director Amanda Buzo commented, “That the organization is pleased to award Yesh Tikvah a grant to expand its services to include psychiatric care for clients. CFMF’s purpose, both through its Endowment Program and special needs trust administration services, is to improve the quality of life of Ohio residents with disabilities and we are proud to support nonprofits with similar missions like Yesh Tikvah.”

In a separate move, Yesh Tikvah’s board of directors recently voted to expand the organization’s service area, making limited funds available to Jews residing anywhere in Cuyahoga County. Until now distribution was limited to specific communities.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health only about half of the adults in the U.S. with a serious mental illness receive treatment. Cost is one significant barrier to care. Rabbi Joseph noted that when Yesh Tikvah started, “We served only adults, just this year; we were able to expand service to children and teens. The need is great and we’re growing to meet the demand.”

While Yesh Tikvah’s professional intake committee considers each case on an individual basis, applicants must demonstrate financial need. Yesh Tikvah is strictly a source of supplementary funding for situations where insurance does not fully cover the cost of care. The organization does not make referrals.

Individuals can learn more about the application process at www.ytforhope.org or call 216 403 2726. All applications are held in strict confidence.

Cleveland Clinic and CareSource have extended their contract through the end of November. Read more information here.