Grant helps fund Cardinal school’s mental health supports

ELDON -- Cardinal Community School District recently was awarded a $56,000 grant for the 2019-2020 school year from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation.

The grant will help fund an elementary counselor and a district social worker. The added support will allow Cardinal to provide mental health therapy on site for children of all ages.

Cardinal Community School District will be adding an elementary counselor and two social workers next school year. Partnerships with Pekin Community School District, Great Prairie Area Education Agency and River Hills Community Health Center will allow these services to be offered while the costs are shared.

'These partnerships are another great example of how you can offer more services for children and make the costs work within the budget,” said Cardinal Superintendent Joel Pedersen.

'The Legacy Foundation has been a longtime strategic partner with Cardinal Community School District,” said Pedersen. 'Our school is adding several mental health supports in place for the next school year. This grant allows us to add resources sooner and also provide the appropriate therapy on campus.”

The Legacy Foundation has prioritized education throughout the lifespan of the organization and has funded many initiatives at Cardinal schools. Previous grants include awards for technology, a 21st century classroom and the GPS program.

'We are especially interested in providing supports to students that will enhance their ability to learn and attain the skills necessary for life after graduation – whether that be additional education and training or joining the workforce, stated Kelly Genners, vice president of programs for Legacy.