ANKENY, Iowa — Nonprofit organization FOCUSS launched its second mobile crisis unit equipped with mental health resources last week.
FOCUSS founder Darnell Lotman says he always asks himself, "How do we invest back into the community?" With a second unit, Lotman hopes FOCUSS can meet community members where they are and help them during hard times.
Lotman has seen other community leaders rallying behind the cause, including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, who is also the founder of Creative Visions.
"Mental health is a very serious issue in the community, especially in marginalized communities. . ." Abdul-Samad said. "This is a first. This is history being made."
Partnerships are crucial to these mobile units, and so is the input from law enforcement. Iowa State Trooper Jason Goldsberry serves FOCUSS as a law enforcement liaison as well as an advisor.
"Our objective is to get the community the need or resource that they want. . . so if a nonprofit like FOCUSS can provide that, then we meet the same goal and same mission," Goldsberry said.
As Des Moines leaders like Mayor Connie Boesen have helped usher in the initiative's growth, FOCUSS hopes the community will come on board and learn about what the organization has to offer.
"The thing is, we recognize how important it is to light the torch," Abdul-Samad said.
Lotman said it's been a long time coming to get these mobile units up and running. He's thankful for all the groups and leaders who helped, including:
- Mothers Against Violance (MAV)
- Urban Dreams
- Creative Visions
- Hip-Hope Inc
- Polk County Juvenile Court System
- Innovative Counseling & Consulting Inc. (ICC)
- Steps of Hope Iowa
If you'd like to volunteer or learn more about FOCUSS and the mobile crisis unit, click here.