The topic of mental health care has been a big topic of discussion in the Bloomington-Normal area. (WJBC File Photo)
By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – Members of the community who are seeking counseling and other outreach services but lack the money are in luck. A local nonprofit agency is doing their part to provide assistance without any barriers.
INtegRIty Counseling was started by Don and Luella Mahannah in March of 2014 in hopes of helping disadvantaged members of the community get the help they need without the expensive costs. Luella said she started to see the need while working as a volunteer counselor at Home Sweet Home Ministries.
“We serve people that are just slightly above being homeless, people who are struggling to pay their bills,” Mahannah said. “Sometimes they can’t afford their rent or to keep their cell phone service on. So even if they need to cancel, they can’t because they can’t afford to keep their phone working.”
Don Mahannah said addressing the large community issue of mental health awareness and suicide prevention is another reason they started the agency.
“Most of us know someone who has been affected by mental illness or suicide,” said Mahannah. “That’s why it’s so important to have mental illness as a piece of awareness for all of us. We need to be our brother’s keeper in that sense, looking out for those around us to guide them in the right direction to get the help when they need it.”
The agency relies entirely on support from community groups and organizations, as well as volunteer counselors and client contributions.
More information on the agency and how you can help can be found on their website, integrityhelps.org.
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
