Mental Health Matters: A Year of Action and Transformation

2025 is off to a strong start but we are taking the time to reflect on 2024. We have immense gratitude and pride for the incredible strides made across Jefferson County in 2024. It is a true testament to the transformative power of community, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more resilient future for everyone. 

Through the dedication of our partners and supporters, we provided $5,037,645 in grant funding to initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen the fabric of our community. These numbers represent far more than dollars; they reflect lives changed, families supported, and futures shaped for the better.

Watch our 2024 Year-in-Review Video to see how, together, we’re making a lasting impact and transforming lives across Jefferson County.

Turning Challenges into Solutions

One of the most significant challenges we face is  Jefferson County’s designation as a “mental health desert” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This critical shortage of mental health professionals has left many of our neighbors without the care they need.

In response, we launched the Mental Health Matters movement, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving access to mental health services. This effort has underscored how powerful we can be when we unite to address urgent community needs. Together, we’ve transformed obstacles into opportunities, laying the groundwork for lasting solutions.

2024 Impact Highlights

Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our community and partners, we supported numerous transformative projects this year, including:

• Empowering Girls: Girls Inc. of Jefferson County now has a dedicated Mental Health Advocate, providing young girls with the guidance and support they need to navigate mental wellness.
• Recovery and Healing: We supported three pivotal recovery organizations—Madison Recovery Cafe, Ruth Haven, and Jefferson House—to continue their vital work empowering individuals to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Their efforts spread hope and healing throughout our community.
• Infants in BLOOM: Substance-exposed infants are receiving the best start in life through ‘in-place’ pediatric care. This initiative ensures that vulnerable children thrive during their earliest and most critical stages of development.
• Supporting Students: In partnership with Madison Consolidated Schools, resources for students were expanded by funding ongoing education for school counselors and adding two new guidance staff members.
• Trauma Screening in Healthcare: With support from the Life Choices Clinic, patients are now being screened for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This innovative approach helps healthcare providers address the long-term impacts of trauma more effectively.
• Recovery for the Incarcerated: The Jail Chemical Addiction Program (JCAP) will provide individuals in incarceration with tools and support to overcome addiction, paving the way for healing and reintegration into the community.

A Year to Celebrate, A Mission to Continue

These highlights are just a glimpse into the transformative work accomplished in 2024. Each grant, each initiative, and each success story is a reflection of our shared commitment to building a brighter future for Jefferson County.

We invite you to explore our 2024 End-of-Year Report to see the full scope of this year’s impact. Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories, project milestones, and a closer look at the lives we’ve touched together.

Read the Report 

As we celebrate all we accomplished in 2024, we remain deeply aware that our work is far from over. The challenges we face are complex, but with the ongoing support of our community and partners, we are confident in our ability to create meaningful, lasting change.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Bethany Legacy Foundation’s mission. Together, we’re creating a healthier future for everyone in Jefferson County. Let’s continue this important work in 2025 and beyond.