Human Service

Human Services Funding

Jessica Rinehart

Kaplan University

Human Services Agencies refer to legally constituted organizations formed by either natural or legal persons with no direct participation in the government. Generally these organizations may receive their funding from government or from other external sources.  Although these agencies do not have legal definitions, many jurisdictions represent them as “Non- governmental Organizations” or “Civil society organizations”. (Ian & Minear, 2004)

The Mental Health Association promotes mental wellness and supports those with mental illnesses.  They provide advocacy, education, and direct service programs.  They have served the needs of the community since 1965. The MHA is a non-profit agency.  They have serviced an estimated 41,000 residents in 2010 alone. Today, as the population grows in Frederick County, Maryland, so does the needs of MHA. Their mission is to build a good foundation of “emotional wellness” by providing the following services and programs. They have 15 programs for children, youth, families, and senior adults. They have counseling programs, child care choices, building strong families programs, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), counseling services for both the young and old, empowering youth, a hotline and mentors, public education and advocacy. The MHA is always accessible and responsive. It has a 24-hour information and service hotline to help with the community’s needs. As we move into the future, times change and so does the mission of MHA. As new technology arises, MHA tries to fulfill the needs too with new technology in order for the community to grow, expand, and to help provide good mental health and values regardless of ones problems and/or disabilities.

Funding used to help the Mental Health Association of Frederick County (MHA) comes from a variety of places and sources. Some of these sources include: public grants, private contracts, program...