FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Eleven years ago, Aaron Lane and his wife, Janell, established Courageous Healing in response to the pressing need for mental health resources in southeast Fort Wayne.

Expanding Mental Health Services

Located on South Anthony Boulevard, their counseling center offers a range of services for clients. However, Lane envisioned a more extensive initiative that could reach a wider array of individuals in need.

The Launch of a Mobile Crisis Unit

Recently, Lane was awarded a substantial $1 million grant from the consulting firm Black Onyx. With these funds, he aims to establish a mobile crisis unit designed specifically to assist individuals facing mental health crises.

Meeting People in Their Time of Need

“What that allows us to do is to go into high needs neighborhoods and meet people where they are,” Lane stated. This mobile unit will provide essential care in various settings, such as homes, schools, and workplaces.

“We’ll typically be called out when emergency services and ambulatory support are needed,” Lane added.

Collaboration with First Responders

The planned mobile crisis unit will collaborate closely with first responders. This initiative aims to enhance the de-escalation of emergencies and deliver crucial mental health support to individuals in acute distress.

Personal Experiences and Impact

Dexter Rogers, a client of Courageous Healing for the past two and a half years, expressed optimism about the new initiative. He feels this outreach will extend the vital support he received to many others in the community.

Advocating for Mental Health Resources

“I’ve referred people here because accessing mental health resources is necessary,” Rogers said. He believes that without the help he received, he might not have been in a good place today. “I’d probably be somewhere else, or not here at all.”

A Vision for a Healthier Fort Wayne

Rogers emphasized that everyone can benefit from accessible mental health care. He sees the establishment of the mobile crisis unit as a positive step towards making Fort Wayne a better and more supportive environment. “The services here are crucial. They’ve helped save my life, and I believe this place will continue to do tremendous things now and into the future.”

Copyright 2025 WPTA. All rights reserved.

Courageous Healing: Transforming Mental Health Support in Fort Wayne

In southeast Fort Wayne, mental health resources have long been in short supply. Recognizing this critical need, Aaron Lane, alongside his wife Janell, established Courageous Healing a decade ago. Their counseling center on South Anthony Boulevard aims to provide essential services to those struggling with mental health challenges.

A Vision for Mobile Mental Health Services

Recently, Lane received a significant boost in his mission with a $1 million grant from the consulting firm Black Onyx. With these funds, he aims to launch a mobile crisis unit. This initiative is designed to deliver immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, addressing a gap in the current mental health care system.

Meeting People Where They Are

“This project allows us to go into high-needs neighborhoods and meet people where they are,” Lane stated. The mobile crisis unit aims to provide care at home, in schools, and workplaces. Typically, it will be dispatched in response to situations where emergency services are needed, offering a crucial layer of mental health support.

Partnership with First Responders

The new initiative will collaborate closely with first responders to effectively de-escalate emergencies and ensure that individuals receive the mental health support they need during crises. By working in tandem with emergency services, the mobile unit aims to foster a holistic approach to emergency situations, addressing mental well-being alongside physical care.

Personal Testimony: A Beacon of Hope

Clients like Dexter Rogers are already seeing the positive impact of Courageous Healing. Having utilized the counseling services for over two years, he expresses optimism about the upcoming mobile unit. “I’ve referred others here because it’s necessary,” he explained. “Without the help I received, I likely wouldn’t be in a good place today.”

The Need for Mental Health Resources

Rogers emphasizes that mental health resources are essential for everyone. He believes that the new outreach program has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne. “The services offered at Courageous Healing are needed,” he reiterated, adding that they have been life-saving for him and can be transformative for others in the community.

A Promising Future for Fort Wayne’s Mental Health Landscape

As Courageous Healing continues to evolve, the organization is set to make a lasting impact on mental health care in the region. With initiatives like the mobile crisis unit, Fort Wayne is poised to become a model for community-based mental health support, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive timely and compassionate care. The future looks bright, and with continued support, Courageous Healing aims to reach even more individuals in need.

Copyright 2025 WPTA. All rights reserved.