Project I.N.T.E.R.F.A.C.E. is a two-year grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to the Newton Public Schools— one of only twenty such grants nationwide. Its goal is the creation of an enduring school/community system that will increase awareness of mental health issues and improve access to appropriate services. Project I.N.T.E.R.F.A.C.E. includes a Web site and database, professional development for mental health clinicians and educators, and parent training.

When Margaret Hannah, M. Ed., was selected to oversee Project I.N.T.E.R.F.A.C.E., she knew just where to turn for the database design. “I chose WarmLines to be the database consultant,” Margaret says. “This is one of the most important aspects of Project I.N.T.E.R.F.A.C.E. What does not exist right now is a system where, if school personnel needs a mental health referral for a child, they can go to one place to access information on professionals and agencies which can help.

“Because I am so familiar with WarmLines services after many years of involvement with the organization, I knew about the outstanding system it had created for child care resource and referral. We realized how great the need is for just such a system for mental health referrals. In these early stages, we’ll tailor it for use by educators— making sure that they have the information they need. Eventually it will become an extremely important resource for parents and the entire community.”

For information about Project I.N.T.E.R.F.A.C.E or upcoming parent and educator workshops, please visit www.projectinterface.org.