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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Flinn Foundation Board Trustees visit Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility during annual retreat on August 4, 2025.

Flinn Foundation Trustees Tour Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility

The Flinn Foundation’s annual retreat included an inside look at Wayne BEYOND, a growing initiative to strengthen youth justice systems and support families.

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A Black couple receive support from a mental health professional, illustrating support provided to diverse populations in southeast Michigan.

In a Tougher 2025, Black Communities Are Fighting for Mental Health Access

How funding cuts, systemic inequities, and grassroots resilience are shaping mental health care in metro Detroit.

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