We are proud to announce that Educational Enhancement was awarded one of 43 nationwide grants funded through the HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Paraprofessionals.

Press Release from  A.Maria Mendez, CEO of Felmari, Inc d/b/a Educational Enhancement. We are proud to announce that Educational Enhancement was awarded one of 43 national grants funded through the HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Paraprofessionals.  Educational Enhancement will apply the HRSA BHWET grant award to develop and expand community-based experiential training to increase the supply of students preparing to become behavioral health professionals such as a CASAC – Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors throughout the five boroughs that are New York City over the next four year. Educational Enhancement is an addiction counselor certificate program Educational Enhancement is an OASAS-approved CASAC education and training provider (0415).

The BHWET grant award aims to increase the supply of behavioral health professionals while also improving the distribution of a quality behavioral health workforce, thereby increasing access to behavioral health services. A. Maria Mendez, CEO said,

The 6-month didactic technology-based program will encourage, educate, and empower specifically trained new professionals to deliver quality counseling services to those at risk for developing a substance use disorder and other behavioral health challenges.

Eligible students chosen for the BHWET grant program will receive an integrated approach of education and training geared towards obtaining CASAC credentials and addressing behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery services, including but not limited to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), for Transitional Age Youth (TAY), 16-24.  Along with tuition, training materials, technical assistance, payment for initial CASAC application, and fee for the CASAC exam, students will receive all the necessary tools needed to actualize the objective of the BHWET Program for Professionals.

Applicants for the BHWET grant program must meet the minimum set of academic standards and commit to serving their 90-day internship in the underserved geographic areas in NYC’s five boroughs – Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens. Our students will receive weekly supervision and coaching from the project director and the field placement supervisor. 

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