NEWS RELEASE
October 26, 2026
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
[email protected]
Center for Child Counseling Wins 2026 Hats Off Nonprofit Innovation Award for its Mobile HOPE Unit
Center for Child Counseling has been honored with the 2026 Hats Off Nonprofit Innovation Award for its groundbreaking Mobile HOPE Unit, recognized at the 10th Annual Hats Off Nonprofits Awards hosted by Nonprofits First on October 15, 2026.
The Innovation Award celebrates organizations that bring creative solutions to community challenges. The Center’s Mobile HOPE Unit stands out for transforming how children’s mental health services are delivered: meeting families where they are and breaking down barriers like long waitlists, transportation, and stigma.
As children’s mental health needs reach record highs, Center for Child Counseling realized that simply expanding clinical capacity wasn’t enough. Over the past 18 months, the organization launched a data-driven public health model, combining a real-time Data Dashboard with the Mobile HOPE Unit. Every child served helps build a living map of behavioral health needs across Palm Beach County. This allows the Center to spot emerging trends, prioritize urgent cases, and deploy the Mobile HOPE Unit to neighborhoods, schools, and community spaces where support is needed most.
“Innovation isn’t just about taking services on the road—it’s about turning live community data into action,” said Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling. “By blending predictive analytics, geographic mapping, and mobile outreach, we’re delivering the right care to the right children at the right time, while strengthening community partnerships.”
The results are powerful: Each year, Center for Child Counseling serves over 7,500 children and families and equips more than 15,000 adults with trauma-informed tools. After launching the Data Dashboard, CFCC reduced its waitlist from 865 to 350 children in just two weeks, ensuring faster access to care and more targeted support.
“Families get help sooner, children receive care before concerns escalate, and community partners become active in prevention,” added Layman. “This is a more equitable, efficient, and resilient system, one that can be replicated nationwide.”
Jessica Cecere, who nominated the Center for the award, shared, “Center for Child Counseling shows that true innovation is about using technology to create healthier families and stronger communities. They’re redefining children’s mental health and offering a scalable blueprint for others.”
For the full list of 2026 Hats Off Nonprofit Awards honorees, visit nonprofitsfirst.org/hats-off-awards.
To learn more about Center for Child Counseling and its innovative approach to children’s mental health, visit centerforchildcounseling.org.
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