We are pleased to announce that our Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Moody Foundation. This grant supports mental healthcare opportunities for our students. 

β€œThis grant award from The Moody Foundation is important to us because the mental health of each member of our LISD family is a priority,” said LEEF Executive Director Kristen Huguley. β€œThis grant allows LEEF to expand the district’s mental health efforts in a time when the need is magnified. We look forward to this grant being put into action and impacting lives within our community.”

In Leander ISD, we have a plethora of highly-skilled professional counselors and social workers on staff to assist our students on an as-needed basis. A long-term goal of Leander ISD Counseling Services is to bridge the gap in the mental health needs within our district by expanding opportunities for free mental health services currently offered to Leander ISD students and families. This model would not replace the campus-based services currently offered in Leander ISD, but would supplement these services for long-term care, the involvement of other family members and after-hour or weekend hours.Β Β 

There are costs associated with any new program such as personnel, equipment and supplies. Thanks to LEEF and the Moody Foundation, this grant will help cover the expense of these needs, getting the district one large step closer to its goal of meeting the needs of each and every student in their program.

β€œThe benevolence of the Moody Foundation will go a long way to meet the needs of our Leander ISD community,” said Director of Counseling Services Steve Clark. β€œWe want to use this as a building block to launch and increase our services to students and families.”

In addition to the support and services provided by Leander ISD employees, the district also has memorandums of understanding with the two local mental health authorities serving Leander ISD students: 

  • Bluebonnet Trails Community Services (Williamson County residents), and 
  • Integral Care (Travis County residents) 

The Moody Foundation is well-known in Austin for providing funds and supporting nonprofits that provide mental health services. They have ongoing opportunities throughout the year for nonprofit organizations to apply for grants. To date, they have awarded Texans over 4,000 grants and continue to serve the community in many ways. Learn more about the Moody Foundation