UM’s Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic Receives $50K Grant from T-Mobile

October 2, 2024

The University of Montevallo Foundation has received a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant, which will go toward the University’s Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic. The funding will be used for leveling and paving for accessible community parking, as well as sensory-rich playground equipment for community residents being treated at the clinic.

“It is an honor for UM to receive the T-Mobile Hometown Grant,” said Dr. Latofia Parker, director of the clinic and associate professor of graduate counseling. “It will help us continue our mission of providing quality services to our clients at the Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic.”

T-Mobile representatives presented the check to Parker at the Falcons’ Pack the SAC volleyball game against Mississippi College on Oct. 1.

“We are thankful to see T-Mobile come alongside us and assist with improving our community,” said Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins.

The clinic, established in 2023, is the University’s counselor training clinic that provides counseling and wellness services at no cost to its clients in rural central Alabama. These services include general therapy, group therapy, play therapy for children and virtual telemental health counseling.

“The Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic has been an invaluable resource to the families we serve,” said Shelby Emergency Assistance Executive Director Brooke McKinley. “We’re so excited to know that with this funding, they’ll be able to serve clients with special needs even better.”

T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant Program has been active since 2021. In partnership with Main Street America, the company has made a five-year commitment to invest $25M in 500 rural towns to help jumpstart projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts and community centers.

City of Montevallo Mayor Rusty Nix said the T-Mobile Hometown Grant “is perfect for Montevallo because it touches on so many of our focus areas, including health care, education and community development.”

The clinic, located in Sims House at 1045 Middle St. in Montevallo, is open to anyone who makes an appointment Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more or to schedule an appointment online, visit montevallo.edu/community-counseling-clinic.