Brookside CDC and Mental Health
Nearly 50 million American adults experienced a mental illness in 2019, and this number has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even more troubling, more than half of struggling adults do not receive treatment largely due to social stigma and lack of access. Community organizations and nonprofits work tirelessly to provide necessary support and resources to those in their community. However, many find themselves overwhelmed by the mental health issues they encounter.
Because of these unsettling realities, it has become increasingly clear that there is a great need for mental health services within organizations that serve those experiencing poverty. At Brookside CDC, our team has always recognized the need for greater mental health support in our community. This summer, Brookside CDC was awarded a $250,000 grant to integrate mental and behavioral health solutions into the culture of our community. Now, we are excited to be provided with the resources to expand our services to include a greater focus on mental health.
Many people believe mental health issues are primarily treated by professional licensed practitioners who provide individual or group counseling. But effectively treating mental health involves more than counseling. According to mental health professionals, there are four common factors associated with recovery from mental and behavioral health:
40% of recovery is based on social support and life experiences outside of counseling, a person’s community, housing, employment, and free time.
30% is from the empathy, acceptance, and encouragement of people who care about you and accept your position in life.
15% is associated with the client’s belief that they will receive the help needed to make progress.
15% of recovery is associated with counseling theory and techniques administered by professionals.
From the beginning, Brookside CDC has worked to be a different kind of nonprofit. Basic needs like affordable housing, food access, and other resources are necessary and important to provide to those who are struggling. However, more assistance is needed for individuals to effectively defy the challenges they face. As outlined above, social connections and community support are also essential for individuals and families who are struggling. That is why Brookside CDC is more than a nonprofit, we are a community. Not only can individuals find access to safe housing, employment, and other needed resources, they are invited into a community that is committed to supporting them no matter what. That is why Brookside CDC is uniquely positioned to help individuals defy the odds of their circumstances and achieve lasting stability. We already present the most significant factors that affect mental health and now have the available resources to incorporate counseling and other professional practices designed to support mental health.
The $250,000 Elevation Grant, awarded by Central Indiana Community Foundation, allows Brookside CDC to hire a mental health licensed practitioner to integrate one-on-one counseling and group therapy for those struggling with their mental and behavioral health. These integrated solutions will assist in helping individuals overcome the past trauma and emotional roadblocks impacting their lives. These integrated solutions will provide needed support to our neighbors and facilitate positive outcomes within our community. We are so excited to further expand our care to our community, continuing our mission of creating opportunities for renewal and transformation in our community.
Source: Mental Health America. The State of Mental Health in America. https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america