In December, ARROW Project sounded the alarm that without a significant injection of funds, the mental health nonprofit may have to close its doors.
With grant funding drying up, the organization was at a crossroads — facing the difficult decision to significantly reduce capacity or shut down altogether.
“Seeing the desperation in the eyes of clients, the raw fear of what might happen if ARROW Project can no longer provide the support that community members so desperately need can be overwhelming too, like at times even more than the financial concerns,” said Sabrina Burress, executive director of ARROW Project. “Our clients’ struggles are not abstract numbers on a spreadsheet; they are the faces of mothers who are struggling to support the mental health of their children, the stories of adults that feel they have no real safe haven in the world, the underrepresented among us finding and feeling representation, affirmation and support.”
Almost nine months later, the Staunton-based Augusta Resources for Resilience Opportunity and Wellness is celebrating a powerful turnaround after securing more than $300,000 in grants including the Jeffress Trust Award, Virginia Healthcare Foundation’s “It Takes a Village” program and Farm Credit’s Charitable Contributions Fund.
“These new grants, combined with community support and the resilience of our staff, represent hope and stability not only for ARROW, but for every child, family, individual, and community partner who relies on us for care,” said Burress. “Our team showed up every day, even when the future was uncertain, and their commitment made this climb back to stability possible.”
With the additional funding, ARROW will:
- Expand clinical services to meet growing demand for affordable mental health care
- Strengthen family-focused programs that help parents and caregivers support their children’s well-being
- Invest in staff sustainability and compensation, ensuring that ARROW’s dedicated team can continue offering life-changing care
- Build stronger community partnerships with schools, health systems and grassroots organizations
“These grants and gifts give us room to breathe and plan for the future, but the demand for services continues to rise,” Burress said.
The Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro community also rallied around ARROW Project providing direct support, donations and opportunities for ARROW to share its story.
“From coffee sales to cleaning supplies, every single act of support has reminded us that ARROW is not standing alone in this work,” she said.
In July, ARROW welcomed a new cohort of 15 students and clinicians, including five residents — two in social work and three in counseling — all excited to get started or return to the work in the community.
“ARROW has always been about resilience — about showing up for people when the world feels uncertain,” said Burress. “This moment, where staff, funders, students and community members have all joined together, proves that resilience is not just something we teach, it’s something we live.
“We are stronger than ever and ready to keep building hope, stability and wellness for years to come.”
Video: Sabrina Burress, ARROW Project
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Crystal Graham
