Life’s Choices Now Accepting Grant Proposals

Lihue, Kauai — The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has announced the commencement of its grant proposal acceptance period for Adult and Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Community Program Grants for the Fiscal Year 2024-25. This initiative, part of the Life’s Choices program, aims to significantly bolster community support systems for mental health and substance abuse treatment on the island of Kauai.

Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like emphasized the critical focus of this year’s funding, stating, “Priority consideration will be given to programs serving adolescents and young adults on Kauai. Evidence continues to show that engaging youth in pro-social activities leads to better outcomes as adults.” This strategic emphasis on youth engagement highlights the program’s commitment to fostering resilience and improving life trajectories for young residents, which ultimately benefits the broader community.

Organizations interested in applying for these grants can access the Request for Proposal and application details on the Life’s Choices website. Applications must be submitted via email to opagrants@kauai.gov by 4 p.m. on February 14, 2024. It is important to note that applications submitted through postal mail, fax, or in-person will not be accepted, and those received after the deadline will also be disqualified. Successful candidates can expect notification of funding decisions during the week of February 24, 2024, with project funding being available from March 15, 2025, through March 14, 2026.

The grant program is designed to fund eligible community initiatives that focus on providing a range of services. Eligible proposals may include programs that enhance the accessibility and quality of clinical treatment services for both adolescents and adults. Furthermore, initiatives that offer certified substance abuse counseling, based on proven evidence-based practices, are encouraged. Collaboration with various community agencies to establish a continuum of care is also a key aspect of successful proposals.

A total of million in grant funding has been allocated for this initiative, reflecting a substantial investment in the mental health and substance abuse treatment landscape of Kauai. Organizations that qualify—including nonprofits dedicated to supporting youth—are strongly urged to participate in this opportunity, which aims to strengthen community resources and improve mental health outcomes for residents.

As the landscape of mental health and substance abuse continues to evolve, initiatives like these play a vital role in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and fostering healthier communities. For more information about the application process and to access the necessary documents, interested parties can visit the Life’s Choices website at https://tgilinks.com/3DSuu3t.