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Gary, IN – Gary, IN – Mayor Eddie Melton and city officials today announced the successful launch of the Gary Health Department's new Behavioral Health Division, funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The funding was used to award ten (10) local organizations dedicated to addressing mental health and addiction challenges within the community. The partner organizations will provide a range of behavioral health services to residents, including emergency housing, youth addiction programs, and crisis intervention.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Interfaith Action Network (IAN), which has been advocating tirelessly for investment in mental health resources for over three years. The Melton administration partnered with IAN to identify funding and key partners.
"At a time when we're seeing reduced access to health care and cuts in funding due to federal and state policy changes, Gary is making a different choice." said Mayor Melton, "We're choosing to invest in expanding mental health care access for our residents, with the resources we have available. This investment reflects our belief that Gary's recovery must include mental, emotional and spiritual healing, not just economic development.”
The funded organizations include:
Sojourner Truth House - $88,000 - Will expand addiction and case management services while working to de-stigmatize mental health services by meeting people where they are in the community.
City Life - $100,000 - Will implement the "Leading with the Heart" project to detect, intervene, and prevent issues impacting youth and families in Gary.
Butterfly Dreamz - $50,000 - Will deploy two wellness coaches to provide conflict resolution, social media resilience building, and peer support services in schools and the community.
Crisis Center Inc. - $124,000 - Will implement the H.O.P.E Initiative to support families experiencing traumatic loss from suicide or homicide through resource packages and coping assistance.
Faith Community Center - $150,000 - Will continue providing emergency housing for women 18+ with children, along with case management and soft skills training to help families achieve independence.
Flourish Community Hub - $50,000 - Will hire two part-time therapists to provide free therapy sessions, mental health support and resources through their community hub located in the church.
For the Love of the Arts Summer Camp - $30,000 - Will address mental health topics with youth through a 6-week summer camp focusing on suicide prevention, violence prevention, and healthy relationships.
Edgewater Youth Addictions - $181,866 - Added substance abuse counselor and addictions therapist to their team, both focused on providing services to youth in the community.
Compassion Care Community - $150,000 - Will implement a hybrid text-based support network for youth and families, including 24/7 mental health access and monthly "Dinner with a Therapist" sessions.
All Things Autism - $50,000 – A day program for youth diagnosed with Autism as well as support for families of the youth.
The Gary Health Department conducted three listening sessions in January and February 2025 to inform potential providers on the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The department has used tracking systems for payment and transparent documentation throughout the grant funding process.
"In times of change and uncertainty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed while juggling finances, family responsibilities, and personal growth,” said Dr. Janet Seabrook, Gary Health Commissioner, "Seeking mental health support isn't a sign of weakness – it's an act of strength and self-care. You deserve to nourish your mind just as you would your body or spirit. Our partners have created safe places where patients can access mental health resources without stigma."
The Gary Health Department's Behavioral Health Division will continue to monitor community impact as these organizations implement their programs throughout 2025.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, individuals are encouraged to reach out for help and support:
Suicide Crisis Hotline: 988
Mobile Mental Health Crisis Line: (219) 806-3472
Behavioral Health Manager, Chakara Gunn: (219) 239-2322
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
eblackwell@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489
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