In a recent article for Grantmakers in Health, Rick Ybarra, senior program officer at the Hogg Foundation, explores how philanthropy can contribute to supporting and building a stronger, more robust, and durable nonprofit sector.   

Philanthropy has forever espoused the term “sustainability.” We ask in grant applications and in our conversations with grant partners: “What’s your sustainability plan?” and “How do you plan to sustain your program once the grant ends?” Read more…

Rick Ybarra

The Mental Health Workforce Crisis

Texas has a serious mental health workforce crisis. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Methodist Healthcare Ministries collaborated to develop Crisis Point: Mental Health Workforce Shortages in Texas. This document offers important information on the shortage...

Safe Zones Project Promotes Mental Health in GLBTQ Community

It is not uncommon for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth to feel unsafe in school and experience anxiety or depression as a result of their sexual orientation. In 2009 Montrose Counseling Center in Houston received a three-year grant from the...

Investing in a Stronger Mental Health Workforce

May is mental health month and many state and national agencies and organizations are highlighting important mental health topics. In my opinion, among the most critical mental health issues facing Texas today is a mental health workforce shortage that affects both...

The Words We Use Do Matter

Two bills have been filed this session addressing the use of respectful language when referring to people with disabilities – SB 26 by Senator Zaffirini and HB 1481 by Rep. Truitt.  These are important bills as the language we use reflects our values and influences...

Don’t Let Your Voice Go Unheard

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is still allowing for public comment on the draft revisions of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders scheduled for publication in 2013. During an open period for public comment...