18 Apr Stories from Impact Investing: Carrie Brock
Dec. 2000, Manhattan, KS –
A young Carrie Brock walked into Kedzie hall apprehensive at the conversation she needed to have. Brock, a native of Topeka, KS came to Kansas State University fully set on the idea of becoming a broadcast journalist, but after one semester and a less than fulfilling experience in her Intro to Mass Communications class, Brock realized she needed to make a change.
“Are there any classes that you’ve liked?” Brock’s advisor asked.
Brock immediately returned an answer of sociology, a general education class she had taken. After some discussion, Brock and her advisor came to the decision that she should transition to the Department of Social Work. Brock never looked back.
Graduating from Kansas State with a degree in Social Work in 2004, Brock eventually returned to Topeka for work and received her Master’s in Social Work from Washburn University in 2008 shortly after. In 2018, Brock transitioned to a role at the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative.
Brock established roots in our community, but she has always had greater plans in mind.
“I really wanted to experience the clinical setting and put to use my additional training in play therapy.” Brock said, “Working for myself, while keeping my full time job, seemed like the best way to go about doing that.”
Jul. 2022, McPherson, KS –
The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) board of directors and staff are meeting for their annual board retreat. Among the many topics of discussion, they would be voting on the implementation of a new program. Impact Investing.
The initiative balances the Foundation’s goal of generating financial returns with social impact. This fund focuses on investing in high-impact solutions to community challenges. These loans can provide more flexibility for the borrower while also generating a financial return for the Foundation.
The first loan released from the program was to help acquire a home for Oxford house a group home for men. The second went to the McPherson Housing Coalition to purchase a piece of land. The third was released to Carrie Brock.
Brock, still a social worker in the public school system, had dreamed of opening her own practice for years. With the need for mental health services at an all-time high, Brock was ready to take the jump, all she needed was funding.
After reaching out to many funding sources and finding not only higher interest rates than what she was expecting, but tons of red tape around the application process, Brock turned to the Foundation.
“(Their) process was much simpler and less intensive than the rest.” Brock said, “It was a bonus that the interest rate was much lower too!”
In January, after presenting her vision to the Foundation, Brock submitted her application for a loan. After review from the Impact Investing Committee and the MCCF Board of Directors, Brock was approved for the loan in February.
The loan helped Brock acquire an office for visits and some furnishings, including play materials, for her therapeutic sessions.
“You have to have a physical address to establish a private practice.” Brock said, “I wouldn’t have been able to open as quickly without the Foundation.”
Carrie Brock Clinical Therapy Services, LLC opened in Early March, a quick turnaround that Brock credits entirely to the loan and the Foundation’s quick processing. Focusing on play therapy, Brock had all of her sessions booked within two weeks after opening and now has a wait list.
“Shortly before opening, I posted in the McPherson Community (Facebook) Group, (and) almost immediately I was contacted by multiple clients.” Brock said, “Play therapy doesn’t just focus on kids, adults can benefit from the process as well.”
Currently, Brock is able to see five to six clients a week in a part-time capacity. The plan however, is to add more availability as she settles into the role.
“There is a huge need, especially with the adolescent population with anxiety and depression.” Brock said, “Thankfully, there have been efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental health care. People feel comfortable reaching out for support.”
As for how the Foundation feels about Carrie Brock’s success, it’s a feeling of confirmation.
“Carrie’s business is the perfect model for an impact investment loan. Her expertise helps fill a huge community need, and the Foundation is thrilled to partner with her.” Michelle Huddle, CFO at MCCF, said/
Brock is set to already make her first payment back to the Foundation, and with no penalty for early repayment, she says she’s excited to complete her loan as soon as possible. Brock says that working with the Foundation has been a comfortable process.
“It’s been really nice to be able to call the Foundation and talk to Michelle.” Brock said,
And to the donors and partners that have helped jumpstart the program?
‘Thank you for your willingness to provide (dollars) towards the program.” Brock said, “Thank you for your belief in increasing access to care.”
The Foundation is currently working to expand the amount that they can make available to Impact Investing.
“The current size of the fund has impeded our ability to move forward with the number of applications we receive.” Huddle said.
Interested in collaborating with Foundation? Please reach out to MCCF CFO Michelle Huddle. 620-245-9070 or Michelle@McPhersonfoundaiton.org
For more information, or to contact Carrie Brock: https://carrie-brock.clientsecure.me/