The YMCA and Heritage University: A Collaborative Impact on Community Health Through Higher Education

The higher the education, the more privilege, the more privilege, the less diversity

Higher education often focuses on the individual: personal growth, increased earning potential, and generational benefits. However, the community impact of college attainment is equally significant. This fall, Heritage University, in collaboration with the YMCA, launched a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, addressing the urgent need for diverse practitioners in schools and community health agencies. 

Addressing a Growing Crisis 

The Seattle region, like many areas in the U.S., is facing a social crisis marked by rising drug addiction and homelessness. Overdose rates have more than doubled since 2020, and homelessness has surged by 23% in just two years. With over 1.2 million adults in Washington experiencing mental health conditions—many without access to care—there’s a critical need for qualified service providers. 

The lack of diversity among mental health professionals further complicates this issue. Nationally, only 12% of mental health counselors and less than 20% of psychologists identify as people of color. This representation gap can hinder trust between clients and providers. As Genell Hennings from the YMCA notes, “People seeking therapy want to see providers who look like them.” Building that trust is essential for effective treatment. 

A Collaborative Response 

Three years ago, the YMCA and Heritage University began collaborating on a program aimed at encouraging individuals from marginalized groups—particularly BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities—to pursue master's degrees in mental health. The program covers tuition costs for participants, who commit to working in their community for at least four years post-graduation. 

Heritage received a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to design a program tailored for working professionals. Classes are held online, making it accessible for those already serving their communities. 

Stories of Impact 

Among the first cohort of 23 students are Deidre Smith, Kenny Smith, and Jung Won Yoon, each driven by a desire to serve their communities more effectively and compassionately. 

Deidre Smith is a substance use counselor at the YMCA Social Impact Center, where she provides wraparound services to youth and young adults, including counseling, job training, and educational support. She works with a caseload of 30-45 clients, many of whom struggle with dual diagnoses of mental health and substance use disorders.

“I decided to enroll in the master’s program to get the credentials I need to serve my clients better,” Deidre explains. “When I have to refer them to someone else for mental health treatment, it creates an additional barrier. Trust is not easy in this field, and every time I pass them off, they have to build that trust all over again.” By obtaining her degree, Deidre hopes to provide integrated care that meets her clients’ needs without the additional challenges of transitioning between providers. “I want to be the person they can turn to for all their needs—mental health, addiction, everything,” she emphasizes. 

Kenny Smith, a clinician at Catholic Family Charities, has a deep personal connection to his work. He serves homeless individuals and those in supportive housing, often drawing from his own experiences of overcoming adversity.

“I tell my clients, ‘I was where you are. If I can do this, you can too,’” he shares. His transparency fosters a unique bond with his clients, many of whom struggle to trust others. “I know what it’s like to feel lost and hopeless. I want them to see that change is possible.” Kenny is passionate about hands-on, community-based work and plans to remain in the field after graduation. “I’m not looking to become a manager. I want to stay on the ground, working directly with those who need help the most,” he explains, underscoring the importance of genuine connections in mental health care. 

Jung Won Yoon, a clinical manager at the Matt Talbott Center, sees her role as a facilitator of community and connection. The center provides recovery services to individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges. “For us, it’s not just about getting clients to stop using drugs; it’s about helping them thrive,” she states. Jung believes that the center serves as more than a treatment facility; it’s a place where clients find belonging and support. “During times of unrest, our clients protected this space because it’s their community,” she recalls. Her goal is to move into a leadership position where she can influence policies and practices that promote holistic care. “I want to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors knows they are valued and capable of recovery,” she says passionately. 

A Broader Impact 

These three individuals represent just a fraction of the program's potential. With additional cohorts forming and more students expected in the coming years, Heritage is poised to produce 66 new mental health practitioners equipped to serve vulnerable populations across King County. 

This initiative not only addresses immediate community needs but also contributes to a more diverse and effective mental health workforce. The ripple effects of this program will extend far beyond the classroom, positively impacting countless lives in the community. 

In summary, the story of higher education is not just about personal success; it’s about the collective uplift of communities. The partnership between Heritage University and the YMCA exemplifies how targeted education can create lasting change, fostering a healthier society for all. 

Learn more about the Masters in Mental Health Counseling Program >>

Article written by Bonnie Huges in partnership with Amy Nusbaum, Genell Hennings, and program students. 

Quote by Donnie Goodman: The higher the education, the more privilege, the more privilege, the less diversity