Mental Illness Navigator & Support (MINS) Program
As of 2016, The Chas Foundation has been providing support to families and referring individuals seeking mental health treatment to effective resources in the Hampton Roads Community. The Chas Foundation began developing the Mental Illness Navigator and Support (MINS) program that addresses challenges faced when a family or individual is in a mental health crisis or feels they have nowhere to turn. The MINS program aims to provide a non-clinical, person-centered, strengths based, and trauma-informed support to individuals and families at No Cost. We are here to support you and get you connected to the best services possible.
Who Do We Help?
- Adults and youth who are seeking treatment but have yet to be diagnosed
- Adults and youth who have been diagnosed but have not been able to obtain effective continuity of care
- Family members and caregivers who have been impacted by mental illness
What Do We Do?
- Connect individuals/family members/caregivers to resources in the community to support their mental and behavioral health
- Provide psychoeducational material to help families better understand a mental health diagnosis
- Support in navigating the medical, legal, occupational, and educational system
- Meet one-on-one with individuals/family members/caregivers to come up with a person-centered action plan to reach independence and wellness
How To Reach Us
- Call 757-489-CHAS (2427) from 9am to 5pm
Where?
- Our office is located at 7400 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23505 in the administration building of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Office Hours: M-F, 9 am – 5 pm by Appt. Only
The family or individual facing a mental health crisis does not have time for a learning curve
— Tucker Corprew
2023 Statistics
- Ages range from 7-77 years old
- 72% of calls came from family/friend/caretaker
- 24% of calls came from person needing help
- 4% of calls came health provider/agency
- 87% have health insurance
- 66% of individuals are willing to receive treatment
Mindfulness/Wellness Room
Mindfulness is awareness of thoughts, feelings, and emotions in the present moment without harsh judgment. At its essence, mindfulness can be a tool for mental wellness and has proven to improve mental health. CHAS has created a Mindfulness & Wellness Room, a place where community members can go to practice and learn about mindful meditation and mindful movement. This room helps provide a sanctuary of calm for people that may need to de-stress or have a quiet space for self-reflection.
Crisis Intervention
The Chas Foundation was instrumental in getting the Norfolk CIT implemented and also refurnished the assessment area of the Crisis Stabilization Center. Executive Director, Beau Kirkwood is an instructor with the Norfolk Crisis Intervention Team an received an award from the city honoring his dedication to the training and the community.
Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) are programs that bring together local stakeholders, including law enforcement officers, emergency dispatchers, mental health treatment providers, consumers of mental health services and others (such as hospitals, emergency medical care facilities, non-law enforcement first responders, and family advocates), in order to improve multi-systems’ response to persons experiencing behavioral health crises who come into contact with law enforcement first responders.
CIT programs enhance community collaboration, develop effective infrastructure and provide outstanding training to improve criminal justice and mental health system response to individuals with mental health issues.
The CIT shall assist law-enforcement officers in responding to crisis situations involving persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems, or both.
