Strengthening Youth Mental Health and Access to Care

The Risa Fund partners with organizations across Greater Washington to improve youth mental health and well-being, strengthen suicide prevention efforts, and expand access to care and support in underserved communities.

EXPLORE OUR WORK
WHAT GUIDES US

Our Approach to Youth Mental Health

We partner with organizations that understand the communities they serve and find meaningful ways to support young people and their mental health.

Expand Access to Mental Health Care

We partner with organizations making high-quality, trauma-informed mental healthcare and resources more accessible to young people and families—especially those who face barriers to care.

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Recognize Needs and Prevent Crisis

Early intervention and suicide prevention are central to our commitment to youth mental health. We invest in programs that help young people and the adults around them recognize warning signs and respond to risk.

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Reduce Stigma and Build Understanding

Open conversations about mental health help young people, families, and communities better understand when and how to seek support.

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Build Connection and Well-being

We support community-based approaches that help young people develop emotional skills, resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

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Our Legacy

A Life Remembered Through Service

The Risa Fund was created in memory of Marisa Schonfeld, whose generosity, determination, compassion, and joy shaped the way she lived.

Marisa strove to use her talents and privileges to improve the lives of others, providing a shining example of service and commitment.

The Risa Fund is one way Marisa’s spirit continues to live on—through the young people, families, and communities touched by the organizations we support.

MEET MARISA
FEATURED PARTNERSHIPS

Meaningful Work. Stronger Communities.

Our partners are expanding access to mental health care, strengthening the people who support young people, and creating opportunities for connection, healing, and well-being.

EXPLORE OUR PARTNERS
Bringing mental health support into the community
THEARC

Supporting community-based mental health services, education, and programming that make care more accessible to residents east of the Anacostia River.

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Empowering young people to support one another
OUR MINDS MATTER

Helping students build supportive school communities through peer-led mental health clubs that encourage connection, reduce stigma, and make it easier to ask for help.

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Building a stronger mental health workforce
momentum Residency

Training the next generation of school-based mental health professionals to provide thoughtful, culturally responsive care to DC students.

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TURNING REMEMBRANCE INTO ACTION

Your support helps make our work possible.

Every contribution helps the Risa Fund continue Marisa’s legacy by supporting organizations working to improve mental health and access to care for underserved young people across Greater Washington.

Support the Risa Fund