Grace Church in Northwest Reno has made a significant contribution to mental health initiatives in Northern Nevada, donating $500,000 to the University of Nevada to expand mental health services in the region. The donation was formalized on January 27, 2024, during a signing ceremony at Morrill Hall, with the funds directed to programs, scholarships, and mental health services across several University departments.
The church’s fundraising initiative, called “For the One,” has been underway since November 2023, with congregants coming together to support mental health resources for the local community. The initiative was a collaboration between Pastor Durst and Dr. Kwon, a professor and clinical training director in the University’s clinical psychology program.
Pastor Durst emphasized the critical need for increased mental health services, particularly in Nevada, which he noted is lagging behind other states in addressing mental health issues. “We knew God was calling us to lead the way and think outside the box to support those in need of mental health services,” he said. “It’s been a joy to work with University professionals to create solutions.”
The $500,000 donation was split between the University’s College of Science and other departments. The College of Science’s graduate clinical psychology program received $250,000 to fund externships at local institutions, including Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, Northern Nevada HOPES, and the Community Health Alliance. These externships will provide services to underserved populations, including individuals recovering from neurological disorders and those lacking the financial resources for care.
Dr. Kwon expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting the importance of providing mental health services to underserved groups. “These externships will provide vital services to the community,” he said. “It’s a heartwarming example of how the religious and secular communities can collaborate to improve well-being.”
The remaining $250,000 was distributed across several other University programs, including the Orvis School of Nursing, the School of Social Work, and the College of Education and Human Development. Each department will use the funds to support education and scholarships for students pursuing careers in mental health.
The College of Education and Human Development will use its portion to provide scholarships for students in the counseling master’s degree program. Dean Donald Easton-Brooks expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it would help train the next generation of mental health professionals. “We’re excited to partner with Grace Church to provide quality mental health services to our community,” he said.
The School of Social Work will use its share of the funds to offer scholarships to graduate students focusing on mental health. “Grace Church’s generosity will allow our students to complete their degrees and launch impactful careers serving our community,” said Dean Lillian Wichinsky.
The Orvis School of Nursing will allocate its funds toward scholarships for students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. This donation will provide support for eight students, helping to address the significant shortage of mental health care providers in the region.
The congregation’s generosity was particularly noted for its sacrificial nature. Leigh Fitzpatrick, College of Science Development Director, praised the church members’ dedication to the cause. “Many members made personal sacrifices, postponing major purchases or forgoing immediate needs to make this gift possible,” he said. “The level of generosity demonstrated by Grace Church is truly humbling.”
Pastor Durst shared that some members even put off purchasing homes to contribute at a sacrificial level. “People at Grace are very generous, and many were particularly moved by the focus on mental health. We’ve all seen how mental health struggles have affected lives, especially post-COVID,” he said. “Being able to give to help those in need is incredibly rewarding.”
Over the past 15 months, 2,340 households have contributed to the “For the One” initiative. In addition to the donation to the University, Grace Church also partnered with the Empowerment Center to open “For the One Counseling” in July 2023, further supporting mental health resources in the community.
This landmark donation from Grace Church is a pivotal step in addressing mental health needs in Northern Nevada, providing lasting support for both current and future mental health professionals, as well as the underserved populations in the region.
