An initiative of the North Georgia Community Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Gainesville Police Department's Mental Health Clinician Program.
The grant is the first to be awarded by the NGCF's The Oak Society, which was established in 2024 and officially launched earlier this year. The society is made up of 25 founders "engaged in programs designed to deepen their understanding of philanthropy and community leadership," according to a statement from NGCF.
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish thanked the society for its grant.
"I continue to be humbled and amazed by how our community comes together to support people in need," Parrish said. "We are truly honored that our Mental Health Clinician Program was chosen for this inaugural grant, which will provide additional resources to help our clinicians serve those struggling with mental health challenges."
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at NGCF Abi Carter added that The Oak Society has already been making an impact in the Gainesville and Hall County community.
"The Oak Society began as a grassroots idea, and it quickly evolved into something much bigger than we imagined," Carter said. "This inaugural grant is proof of what can happen when people come together with a shared passion to give back - and it will only grow from here."
