Main St. Counseling Nets $25,000 Grant

received a $25,000 grant to support its "Defeating Childhood Depression" initiative, officials announced this month.

The West Orange-based center was one of 19 organizations that were awarded more than $2 million by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. According to a release, Horizon supports organizations aimed at improving health and the arts in the state.

The center's childhood depression program provides depression screening, treatment and referral for economically disadvantaged, at-risk children in the area.  Some programs are school-based. They hope to expand the program to include obesity prevention and trauma counseling.

"This is the third year we have received this grant," said director Steve Margeotes. "It will help to pay for some of our staff salaries to conduct more in-class programs at local schools."

Last month, the organization received an of $25,000, to help expand their counseling space and services.

"It has been a very good year for us," said Margeotes.

For 25 years, Main St. Counseling Center has provided effective, affordable counseling services to area residents.  They serve roughly 220 clients each week.