A grant program available to social service agencies has expanded eligibility to include a new priority area, mental health. The additional funding category will help support the needs of vulnerable populations in Lexington.
“Our support of local social service agencies is important to helping those most in need in our community,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “It’s important to include mental health concerns, which affect many people in our city.”
The “Extended Social Resource” grants, also known as ESR, fund community-based initiatives that provide services in the following priority areas: community wellness & safety; childhood & youth development; food insecurity & nutritional access; and mental health.
“We want to fund innovative programs that utilize best practices and evidence-based models to address the mental health issue,” said Kacy Allen-Bryant, Commissioner of Social Services.
These grants for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years are managed by the City’s Department of Social Services. They are in addition to the Emergency Shelter Priority Area funding managed by the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention.
Community agencies interested in learning more information about the upcoming ESR grant program can take part in an informational workshop webinar at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. Individuals must register in advance.
