WHAT WE DO

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Research supports the need for effective and evidence-based informal mental health supports that both fill existing gaps in the local mental health system of care and enhance existing systems to meet and treat the trauma and mental health needs of children and youth, K-12, in the most underserved and marginalized communities in Escambia County, FL. In partnership with The Escambia Children’s Trust, Escambia Connects tackles the challenge of stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues in children, youth, and families through a community-led model providing informal mental health support systems. Integrating Twin Oaks’ highly successful Project Connect model, Escambia Connects utilizes a specially designed, four-tiered approach to this endeavor by meeting children and youth in the local communities, at street level, providing the right level of service, at the right time, and in the right dosage appropriate for them based on a succinct needs assessment survey and, if necessary, facilitating a discrete connection to the appropriate formal mental health provider.