About Us

History

Ground Work is a nonprofit organization in Arizona that is dedicated to promoting optimal health and emotional well-being for children through supportive relationships, strong families, and connection to their community.  Ground Work aims to increase the capacity of high quality mental health services available for young children. Groundwork was founded by 2 Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Genett Tomko and Heather Wall who specialize in counseling services for young children.  

Mission 

Promote the well-being of children and families by increasing access to  high quality mental health services.

Vision 

Where all children and families have access to mental healthcare and a connection to their community.

Values

We advocate for equity, inclusion and social justice.  We work toward optimal health for all children through strong families, nurturing relationships, and community connections.  

Urgent Need: Children's Mental Health in Arizona

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Yet, too many children and families in Arizona struggle to access the mental health support they need.

Children's mental health is a growing concern across Arizona, and access to timely, affordable, developmentally appropriate care remains a significant challenge. According to Mental Health America's state rankings, Arizona ranks 49th in the nation for youth mental health. Nationally, nearly 1 in 5 children ages 3–17 had ever been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition as of 2021, underscoring the importance of early identification and support.

For families seeking help, finding care can be difficult. In 2024, nearly 6 in 10 Arizona children whose families sought mental health care experienced difficulty obtaining services. Financial hardship, inadequate insurance coverage, provider shortages, and other barriers can prevent families from accessing the support they need.

Mental health challenges can affect a child's emotional well-being, behavior, relationships, learning, and development. Stressors such as trauma, grief, family transitions, and economic instability can also place significant strain on children and their caregivers. For infants, toddlers, and young children, early support that strengthens the relationship between a child and their caregiver can be especially important.

Ground Work is committed to helping close this gap. We provide mental health services for children from birth through age 12 and their caregivers. We believe every family deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their financial circumstances. By investing in children and supporting the caregivers who nurture them, we can build stronger relationships, promote emotional well-being, and lay the foundation for healthier futures.