Welcome,
Our Mission
It is to enhance the quality of life, promote independent functioning, and facilitate personal growth for adults with a history of mental illness. Independence Center provides ongoing social, educational, vocational, and housing opportunities to achieve this.
Help Our Dreams Come True
As a dedicated advocate for mental illness, the Independence Center is reaching out to you today to request your support in fulfilling our critical needs through our current wish list. Your generosity will make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for considering our request.
THE CAUSE
Founded in 1987
We are dedicated to promoting and supporting our community's mental health and substance use treatment needs.
Independence Center started accepting individuals in 1989 after a two-year fundraising and planning effort by Lake County residents seeking assistance for mentally ill family members. It became evident that the resources needed by those with chronic mental illness were not readily available. If these family members and other afflicted community members ever had a chance at living satisfying, healthy, and productive lives, we would support them on their recovery journey. As our name implies, we help individuals gain, maintain, and retain the skills needed to remain independent.
To date, we have served over 4,000 individuals. The most common disorders among them include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders.
An Unbiased Struggle
Members come to us from all over Lake County. Their ailments don't care about their skin color, religious affiliation, or household income. Regardless of their differences, they are the same in their struggles to rise above their mental illness.
1 in Every 5 Adults are Affected
- 1 in 5 adults in America experiences a mental illness, amounting to 140,000 in Lake County.
- 90% of suicide victims have an underlying mental illness.
- About 26% of homeless adults live with a severe mental illness.
- Adults with mental illness die an average of 25 yrs earlier, primarily due to treatable conditions.
- 17% of Northern Lake County adults reported a mental disorder last year.
- Among the 20 million adults battling addiction, 50% of them have a co-occurring mental illness
- 56% of American adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment.
- Each day an estimated 18-22 veterans die by suicide based on PTSD-related illness.
Special Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners
Donate Now
Your generous gift will help us fund our mission. Thank you for giving the gift of independence.
