MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A mental health awareness foundation is working to bridge the gap between the black community and treatment services, starting in Milwaukee.

“In terms of the black/white achievement gap, at a lot of the universities in Milwaukee, it being historically a segregated city, one of the most segregated cities in the United States, I mean I could go through the list in terms of why it makes sense, not just for us to be starting in Milwaukee but Milwaukee’s black community specifically,” said Mary Ellen Strong Foundation Director, Dr. Stacey Jones.

The Mary Ellen Strong Foundation works to promote mental health in underserved communities.

Saturday served as their inaugural event where they announced plans to launch a professional development program.