From Action to Impact: A Conversation with Dr. Kiara Álvarez
Psychological research has the power to transform lives, but only when it reaches the people and communities who need it most.
APF hosted a webinar featuring our inaugural Direct Action Visionary Grant recipient, Dr. Kiara Álvarez. Led by APF Program Officer Dr. Rebecca Pasillas, this conversation explores how evidence-based psychological interventions can be effectively and meaningfully translated into real-world impact.
Dr. Álvarez discusses her APF-funded Direct Action Visionary Grant project, Enhancing Mental Health Support for Latine Families Facing Immigration Stress. This work expands access to culturally responsive mental health support for Spanish-speaking caregivers of youth experiencing suicidal ideation and behavior. By equipping community health workers with evidence-based tools and training, her work bridges a critical gap between psychological science and community care.
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.
Topics: Direct Action Recipient Update Webinar
Discover More
The Next Chapter for APF: The Official Launch of Direct Action
In this blog post, APF’s CEO Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder and Head of Philanthropy Faith Anderson reflect on the evolution of our newest Philanthropic Initiative, Direct Action. They explore how this effort is helping accelerate the journey from discovery to impact, creating new pathways for evidence-based approaches to improve lives, strengthen communities, and address pressing societal challenges.
Psychological science has the power to improve lives. Researchers, practitioners, and community leaders are constantly developing evidence-based solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges, but these solutions can only create impact when it reaches the people and communities they were designed to serve. As communities face increasingly complex challenges, the Direct Action Philanthropic Initiative represents our long-term commitment to moving proven solutions beyond research settings, and into the hands of those who need them most.
American Psychological Foundation Launches Philanthropic Initiative Bringing Psychology to Communities in Need
American Psychological Foundation Launches Philanthropic Initiative Bringing Psychology to Communities in NeedAPF Direct Action leverages evidence-based interventions and programs to help communities thrive today WASHINGTON, …
Psychology & Philanthropy In Action with Dr. Amy Hyoeun Lee: Community-Partnered Implementation
We’re catching up with Dr. Amy Hyoeun Lee, who received a Direct Action Visionary Grant for the project: Task-Shifting for Equitable Trauma-Focused Care: Community-Partnered Implementation of STAIR with Caregivers. This work builds on an established community partnership with Dr. Lee’s Lab for Youth Trauma Recovery and S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, a local organization in Long Island specializing in youth gun and gang violence prevention.