A new grant program will support therapy for 30 Marin families dealing with mental health issues for youths 11 to 18 years old.
Marin Charitable, a nonprofit organization in Greenbrae, said it awarded the $25,000 to the Community Institute for Psychotherapy in San Rafael in response to the growing needs of local youths.
Marin Charitable said the grant is the largest gift in its 65-year history. It comes from a new fund established by a bequest from John Wilhelm, a Tiburon philanthropist and entrepreneur who died in 2023.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to honor John Wilhelm’s legacy through a partnership that will change lives for years to come,” said Sherene Chen, president of Marin Charitable.
Robin Joy Berenson, the executive and clinical director of the Community Institute for Psychotherapy, and its staff and board were “deeply honored” to receive the first Wilhelm grant.
“Marin Charitable’s investment recognizes something we see every day: When families receive support together, youth have a stronger foundation for healing, resilience and growth,” Berenson said.
Each of the families selected to benefit from the grant is expected to receive an average of 18 therapy sessions.
“This gift is both a tribute to John Wilhelm’s quiet, thoughtful generosity and a powerful investment in the well-being of Marin families,” said John Dillon Riley, a board member for the Community Institute for Psychotherapy. “We hope it will inspire others to join us in expanding access to care for families who need support now.”
According the center, the youths need more psychological support. It cited a 2024 youth-led survey from AIM Youth Mental Health in which nearly 90% of local teens reported anxiety among their peers. In addition, more than 86% of the respondents reported high stress or burnout, and more than 70% identified depression or low self-esteem as major concerns.
Earlier this year, Marin Charitable awarded more than $306,000 to 58 Marin nonprofits and organizations that serve youths.