Our Work

Driving Results Through Evidence-Based Practice and Partnership

The Valinhos Foundation invests in culturally-responsive, scalable, and evidence-based solutions that are grounded in community voice. We empower innovative projects and change strategies that challenge the status quo and expand access to high-quality mental health care and well-being support for Indiana’s youth and families—especially those in historically underserved communities.

We create community connections and foster collaboration among mental health providers and community-based organizations. Recognizing that care must extend beyond clinical settings, we support initiatives in schools, universities, places of worship, community centers, primary care offices, recreational leagues, pre-school and after-school programs, and within other youth-serving organizations. By coordinating across these diverse access points, we work to reduce duplication of services and promote a unified, community-wide approach to mental health.

The Valinhos Foundation believes that lasting progress for youth and families requires systems change. We are committed to advancing improved mental health policy at both the local and state level, and we unite funders and stakeholders to innovate, redesign, and transform Indiana’s mental health landscape.

Our Priorities

Prevention

Prevention is central to our approach. By supporting programs that promote well-being and reduce the risk of mental health challenges, we aim to ease pressure on an overburdened system and positively shift outcomes for Hoosier youth and families. We invest in initiatives that foster mentorship, build resilience and emotional intelligence, strengthen community connections, reduce stigma, and support overall mental well-being.

Early Detection

Timely intervention is essential to improving mental health outcomes. We support efforts that expand access to early-stage care for youth and families by strengthening coordination among schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. By fostering these partnerships and enhancing frontline resources, we help ensure that mental health challenges are recognized and addressed as early as possible.

Access & Connectivity

We are committed to increasing the availability, quality, and coordination of mental health services—especially for youth and families in historically underserved communities. We focus on strengthening systems of care so that individuals can access the right support at the right time. We also work through non-traditional access points—including schools, college campuses, primary care offices, places of worship, after-school programs, athletic leagues, and local businesses—to ensure care is accessible where families live, learn, and gather.

Workforce Development

The shortage of mental health professionals is a major barrier to care. We support efforts to grow and diversify the mental health workforce by training a new generation of providers and peers—especially those equipped to deliver culturally responsive care. We also strengthen the capacity of existing professionals and expand mental health training to trusted helpers across community settings, including workplaces, places of worship, barber shops, first responder networks, schools, and other everyday points of connection.

Crisis Response

Mental health crises demand urgent, coordinated responses that prioritize care over punishment. We support the development of comprehensive crisis response systems that offer immediate intervention alongside pathways to long-term support. This includes expanding mobile crisis units, crisis stabilization centers, and community-based resources, as well as training first responders to recognize and respond effectively to mental health emergencies. We also champion diversion efforts that connect youth and families to appropriate care—reducing reliance on emergency rooms and preventing unnecessary involvement with the justice system.

Role as a Thought Leader, Connector, and Convener

In addition to funding, the Valinhos Foundation plays a key role as a thought leader, connector, and convener in the mental health space. We bring together stakeholders from different sectors—mental health providers, educators, school administrators, community organizations, first responders, physical healthcare providers, business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and other funders —to coordinate on a community-wide approach to mental health and well-being and to collaborate on solutions that drive systemic change. By fostering partnerships, coordinating services, and collectively creating a shared vision for mental health and well-being, we aim to amplify the impact of our work and ensure long-term success.