The Chas Foundation

“Expenses advertising 7,436 office supplies 1,410 conferences/meetings 2,406 travel 446 taxes and license 77 bank fee 664 program services 49,496 website 4,404 telephone & internet 654 donations 1,250 non-investment depreciation 307 total 68,550”

“Equipment, furniture & fixtures 1,534 1,534 less accumulated depreciation 895 1,202 total 639 332”

“Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,503 1,425”

“The mission of the chas foundation is to streamline access to effective treatment for the mentally ill in the hampton roads region. Mental illness is a disease that has had a stigma for far too long and our organization plans to advocate for not only those suffering from mental illness, but also their families and caretakers.”

“Community outreach/partnerships in order to increase access to mental healthcare and services, the chas foundation has collaborated and partnered with numerous hospitals and organizations. The chas foundation made a large donation to the children's hospital of the king's daughters to fund education and training for their behavioral/mental health staff members. Also in 2016, the chas foundation partnered with bon secours health system to provide furniture, artwork, and supplies to improve the surroundings for individuals in the maryview behavioral health center inpatient wing which serves as a therapeutic center. The foundation has also continued to work closely with and alongside the norfolk community services board, the eastern virginia medical school (evms), and the national alliance for the mentally ill (nami). Clothing and toiletries are also provided to the norfolk crisis stabilization center.”

“Public awareness the chas foundation launched a mental health awareness campaign in the month of may because it is mental health awareness month. Unlike many physical conditions and/or diseases, individuals often hide their systems or mask emotional problems early on. Treatment by early mental illness diagnosis can many times increase the chances of recovery. Our anti-stigma message was blanketed across billboards throughout norfolk to reach out to those who may be struggling. The chas foundation also partnered with local nbc affiliate wavy tv 10 and nissan of norfolk & chesapeake to produce a more you know segment that addresses the nations most pressing social issues. Finally, in partnership with the local abc affiliate, 13 news now, the chas foundation produced and aired a public service announcement portraying varying individuals who suffer from mental illness and served as a catalyst to let individuals know that they are not alone and there is hope for those struggling with mental illness.”

“Family resource -the chas foundation implemented the individualized family support (ifs) program that provides support for families in crisis and a continuum of care through referrals (treatment providers, housing, police, court, jails). The mental health system can be a maze for individuals and families that do not know where to start or how to navigate the system and feel they have run out of options in finding effective treatment. Additional support is given by meeting with individuals at their choice of location, providing transportation for those in need, medication cost assistance, and making doctors appointments.”

“Advocacy - the chas foundation has continued their important work by educating legislators in the commonwealth of virginia through quarterly meetings in richmond as well as sub-committee hearings that have taken place throughout the state. As a participate in senator creigh deeds subcommittee on mental health services in the 21st century, representatives have advocated for better access to mental health through examining the many challenges within the current system. Meetings to discuss improving the mental healthcare system, in particular families finding themselves in a crisis situation,have also been held with the following representatives: senator emmett hanger, delegate peter farrell, delegate chris jones, and delegate scott garrett. In addition, through our partnership with the treatment advocacy center, we continue to push for more effective laws and an emergency protocol that will better assist those experiencing a mental health crisis. Expenses - 10,461 education/training - the chas foundation has been instrumental in the development of the crisis intervention team in norfolk, va. Crisis intervention teams (cit) are programs that bring together local stakeholders, including law enforcement,emergency dispatchers, mental health providers, consumers of mental health services, and family advocates in order to improve multi-systems' response to persons experiencing behavioral health crisis who come into contact with law enforcement or other first responders. The executive director has been designated as an instructor for the norfolk police department's crisis intervention team and has trained over 400 officers. In addition, the executive director attends mental health fairs as well as conferences addressing issues surrounding mental health such as homelessness, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. Expenses 6,545”