Taking Science to the streets
Direct Action
Accessibility and implementation of evidence-based psychological principles faces major challenges, especially in communities and populations experiencing crises, discrimination, and lack of resources.
APF Direct Action moves high-quality psychological research out of journals and into real-world use, because communities need care now. We’re bridging the gap between research and reality, because care in action moves the world forward.
APF Initiatives
APF Direct Action encompasses a number of different programs and initiatives. These APF initiatives are programs and projects directly overseen and guided by the APF Board of Trustees in service of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
Direct Action Visionary Grants
The Direct Action Advisory Committee oversees the APF Direct Action Visionary Grants (DAVGs). Members of the Advisory Committee are responsible for quarterly review of submitted letters of intent (LOIs) and biannual application reviews. In addition, the committee provides feedback on the review process and assists with identifying potential improvements for the program and application process.
Franklyn Springfield Awareness Fund
The Franklyn Springfield Awareness Fund is dedicated to funding efforts to disseminate information to combat stigma and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ Community. Upon his passing, Dr. Springfield left a generous bequest to APF to fulfill this goal.
Mental Health Parity Index
APF is proud to have partnered on the launch of the Mental Health Parity Index as a Direct Action Partnership Initiative. The Mental Health Parity Index raises the potential of widespread issues for patient access and clinician pay, which can mean longer wait times, higher out-of-pocket costs, and increased reliance on out-of-network care for individuals seeking treatment.
Direct Action Programs
APF’s Direct Action Programs offer a unique opportunity for organizations and individuals to leverage the power of APF’s team of experts to bring innovative interventions to the communities that need them. These programs take existing organizations, projects, and groups of volunteers and provides them the infrastructure and support to continue their work directly.
Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI)
The Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI) was created by and for the Jewish community in response to urgent mental health needs. JCMHI offers free clinician-led support groups to Jewish adults, simultaneously conducting research into the mental health impacts of antisemitism and creating resources for the community.
GPS Group Peer Support
GPS Group Peer Support utilizes an evidence-informed and strength-based support group model which is trauma-informed and replicable with diverse populations. GPS has been successfully utilized and adapted to serve numerous populations, including first generation college students, people living with addiction, activists and organizers, parents of all types including teen mothers, parents with perinatal emotional complications, incarcerated mothers, and non-binary parents. The GPS Direct Action Program supports additional adaptations of the model for communities in dire need of support.