When you walk into Mental Health America of Lake County’s office in Hammond, there is one glaring detail that stands out; it’s nearly empty. This may seem unconventional at first, but once you understand the organization’s mission and community impact, one thing is clear; MHALC is changing the community for the better.
“The dedicated professionals of Mental Health America of Lake County provide connection,” said CEO Renae Vania-Tomczak. “For some, that’s defined as connecting to needed community resources; for others, it’s defined as the ability to connect in offering support where no support exists.”
MHALC, a non-profit organization specializing in the prevention and early intervention of mental illness, is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. Although their focus has shifted since the organization’s founding in 1957, their impact on families throughout the community is only becoming more prevalent.
“Celebrating 60 years of success with these programs is a proud achievement and allows us to continue to engage families and financial supporters in furthering our efforts,” said Board Chair John Freyek.
When founded, the organization’s mission was to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. However, in late 1990s, they decided to shift gears, and take their efforts into the living rooms of Northwest Indiana.
“We work with families to educate and empower them to make positive choices and changes in their lives, which directly impacts future generations of children growing up in Lake County,” said Freyek.
Since this change, MHALC has become a premier prevention agency in Lake County. They have also grown into the areas largest home visiting parent education agency, providing more than 12,000 home visits to 1,200 families in 2016.
Along with in-home visits, the organization offers a multitude of programs aimed at promoting positive mental health and overall well-being for children and families.
“Knowledge is fundamental to reshaping lives, and by working hard, in-home with families, we head off otherwise poor choices through education,” Freyek said.
In order to keep up with such a high volume of visits, MHALC employs more than 50 field professionals, with that number set to grow this year.
They were recently awarded a $1.1 million grant by the state to fund their new program Best Beginnings, aimed at combating Lake County’s alarmingly high infant mortality rate.
Reflecting on six decades of service, MHALC is more dedicated than ever to provide families with the help they need.
“It’s an opportunity to recommit to what should never change,” Vania-Tomczak said. “Our mission to transform our communities by empowering vulnerable families to create meaningful impact in their lives.”