The 2025 Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Heroes: James Ebaugh, Kalimah Johnson, Lenora Hardy-Foster and Vincent Tilford received their award from the Flinn Foundation on December 9, 2025.

Honoring the 2025 Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Heroes

Each year, the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation recognizes mental health leaders whose work strengthens the well being of individuals, families and communities across southeast Michigan.

Read More
MiSide Health executive director James Ebaugh receives the 2025 Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation.

How Mental Health Hero James Ebaugh Connects Housing, Healing and Hope

MiSide Health executive director James Ebaugh reflects on his path from teaching to behavioral health, the importance of coordinated care and how time away will strengthen his leadership.

Read More
Kalimah Johnson, Founder and Executive Director, SASHA Center, receives a 2025 Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation.

How Mental Health Hero Kalimah Johnson Supports Survivors With Courage and Care

SASHA Center founder and executive director Kalimah Johnson shares how culturally specific healing, literary arts and rest are transforming her work with survivors and shaping her next chapter as a Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero.

Read More
Lenora Hardy-Foster, CEO of the Judson Center, is honored as a Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero by the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation.

Mental Health Hero Lenora Hardy-Foster Leads With Compassion and Vision

With more than 40 years of leadership in the nonprofit sector, Judson Center CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster reflects on her journey, her commitment to integrated care, and what receiving the Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero Award means for her life and work.

Read More
Vincent Tilford, CEO of Hannan Center in Detroit, is honored as Leonard W. Smith Mental Health Hero in 2025 from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation.

Honoring Community and Connection With Mental Health Hero Vincent Tilford

Hannan Center president and CEO Vincent Tilford shares how connection, dignity and community shaped his work with older adults, why aging is a social justice issue and what time away will mean for his next chapter of leadership.

Read More
A blue and white outdoor sign with a photo of a phone, an arrow and the words "Emergency Phone"

Transforming Crisis Response for A Behavioral Health Approach

An initiative from the Wayne State University School of Social Work Center for Behavioral Health and Justice is reshaping how Michigan communities respond to behavioral health crises, starting at the moment of the 911 call.

Read More
Grant announcement graphic for 2025 featuring the logo for the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation and the words 2025 Grants Award in orange and blue.

Ethel and James Flinn Foundation Awards 2025 Grants

The Flinn Foundation awards $3 million in 60 grants to strengthen mental health services, resources and awareness for communities in southeast Michigan.

Read More
Hands of teens coming together to show solidarity and support, promoting the Hope Empowerment Coalition efforts.

Hope Empowerment Coalition Elevates Student Voice in Suicide Prevention

The newly named Hope Empowerment Coalition is making progress — launching student leadership, strengthening crisis response, and expanding its regional and statewide impact. We share an update on this important suicide-prevention initiative.

Read More