Mental Illness Navigation & Support (MINS) Program
The Mental Illness Navigation & Support (MINS) program provides non-clinical, family-centered, mental health navigation and support to individuals, families, and caretakers seeking information and access to mental health services in Hampton Roads. We are here to support you in your darkest and most challenging of times.
Who Do We Help?
- Adults and youth who are seeking treatment but have yet to be diagnosed
- Adults who are seeking treatment but are encountering barriers such as cost, insurance, proximity, provider availability, lack of referral, family member unwilling to receive treatment, etc.
- Family members and caregivers who are unsure how to help a loved one
- Adults who have insurance but are unsure of what providers are in their network
What Do We Do?
- Educate people on resources, hotlines, crisis intervention TDO's, ECO's, lifelines such as 988, estate planning, etc.
- Connect individuals/family members/caregivers to resources, providers, and healers in the community to support their mental and behavioral health
- Support in navigating the broken mental health system. Support looks different to everyone so reach out to see how we can help today.
- Meet one-on-one with individuals/family members/caregivers to come up with a person-centered action plan
Where and When?
- 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 – 4 pm by Appt. Only
How To Reach Us
- Call 757-489-CHAS (2427)
9am to 4pm, Monday - Friday
The family or individual facing a mental health crisis does not have time for a learning curve
— Tucker Corprew
2024 STATS
- 612 Peer-Family-Support Connections/Referrals Made
- 58% of Calls Came From Family/Friend/Caretaker
- 39% of Calls Came From The Person Needing Help
- 3% of Calls Came From a Health Provider/Agency
- 80% Have Health Insurance
- 69% of Individuals Are Willing To Receive Treatment
- Ages Range From 13-75 Years Old
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.
