05 Dec John W. and Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust Awards $60,000 Grant to KidsTLC, Inc.

KidsTLC, Inc. was recently awarded a $60,000 grant from the John W. and Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust to grow and improve our current technology infrastructure that will help us provide better care for our low income/underserved young clients.

The grant funds will directly support a portion of our 2020 Technology Improvement project, which includes replacing/upgrading staff laptops and desktop computers, a facility management solution software, security cameras, and a payroll/HRS system.  Use of up-to-date laptops, enhanced technology and upgraded cameras will give these staff the flexibility and mobility they need to document client information on the spot and ease their administrative burden. This also gives all staff the option to work and document at home or anywhere they desire, so they can be more focused on direct services to clients while they are on the floor. Moreover, this capability will also give supervisors more access to real-time data on clients, so they can address issues faster, have more insight and information during treatment meetings, and coach staff appropriately.

Nonprofit mental health and social service agencies are constantly challenged to balance revenue streams and work “leaner.” Agencies are regularly stretching their operating dollars to build capacity and keep up with technology while trying to maintain efficient and quality services for their clients. As our programs continue to grow (750 youth served in 2013, compared with 2,025 in 2018) and as we fill in gaps in services to meet the needs, KidsTLC must keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology required to provide the most effective and efficient services possible. These funds will support the agency’s bottom line as we continue to grow. It will alleviate gaps and free up operating revenue to ensure we are providing children with the best possible care.

Since 1972, KidsTLC has provided a safe, accessible, and healing community for kids and families. The agency has seen tremendous growth and transformation over the years. Today, KidsTLC’s largest program is the 61 bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Phoenix Program serving youth ages 6–18 who have been victims of intense traumatic experiences and are diagnosed with one or more mental illnesses. The agency also provides other levels of mental health care through the Lotus Outpatient Clinic, an Intensive Evening Outpatient program, and the Sanctuary, a residential respite program. KidsTLC also operates a highly successful Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Autism Clinic. Programs are accredited through 2021 by the Council on Accreditation (COA).  In addition, KidsTLC recently announced it is the only mental health provider in the world to be fully certified in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP).