Chicago, Illinois – Edgewater raises funds for mental health awareness through a gala with a Speak-easy theme.
Edgewater is an organization that provides mental and behavioral health services within Northwest Indiana. Recently, it celebrated its 40th year anniversary through a speak-easy themed gala. The event was participated by almost 250 attendees. There were award presentations, live music, casino games, raffle draw, dinner, cocktails, as well as a silent auction.
Edgewater Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Danita Hughes said the celebration was a major part of fund-raising, and friend development for its organization in Gary. However, she thought of the festival as a whole because Edgewater has been a significant part in the community. The organization has brought vital services, as no other agencies have provided mental health services as extensive as Edgewater. It has served as an urgent care clinic to patients with wide-ranges of conditions.
The organization has also filled in the gaps for those who need urgent care and treatment regarding their mental health issues, but do not have enough resources to carry corresponding costs.
Representative Charlie Brown said he was there decades ago, serving the original board, when it was still the Gary Community Health Facility. Brown said the beginning was only a small office on Broadway. From its humble beginnings, Edgewater has grown exponentially, and has served over 3,000 patients from the start, 40 years ago. He added that Edgewater was not only dedicated to mental health awareness, but also to actually serve those people who are in need.
Calumet College of Saint Joseph, President Dan Lowery was awarded with two prestigious awards during the ceremony. Lowery claimed that mental health in Northwest Indiana is a vital issue.
A 2005 study indicated that one out of 4 Northwest Indiana adults had at least two years wherein they experienced depression. Thus, Edgewater has been a key pillar of strength within the area, Lowery added. It has served as an urgent care near me facility for those with mental and behavioral issues, raising mental health awareness and providing necessary services simultaneously.
Sojourner Truth House executive director Sister Peg Splinder also pointed out the importance of mental health, saying that it could be a reason for homelessness issues. Compared to other urgent care clinics, Edgewater has helped countless of individuals and families, said Armelia Johnson, Edgewater finance coordinator. Johnson emphasized that it’s all about mental health awareness, the reality of it that should be discussed in order to help people overcome such crisis.
