Columbia Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on August 18.
Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI) is a social rehabilitation program that provides valuable resources and programs to support individuals in recovery who struggle with mental health challenges. MIRCI provides housing, benefits assistance and behavioral healthcare to help those in recovery get back on their feet. The organization’s homeless outreach and youth programs serve at-risk individuals and youth by acting as a “homebase” that provides access to critical resources.
While MIRCI offers robust services for adults, the organization wanted to expand and enhance their youth program offerings, which the Leadership Columbia Class of 2018 decided to tackle head-on.
“Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI) was thrilled to be chosen by the Leadership Columbia Class of 2018 for their class project. Project HEAT: Housing Engagement, Access and Transition represented the hopes of so many youth in the Midlands lacking access to safe, stable housing; and the project focused on finishing and furnishing a new, 10-bedroom home for youth identifying as male,” said Daniel M. “Mac” Caldwell, Youth Services Director for MIRCI.
“The Leadership Columbia Class of 2018 raised more than $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations to furnish and equip the home; completed more than 100 project hours; served as MIRCI’s allies and cheerleaders in the community; hosted housewarming parties; and tirelessly, enthusiastically and passionately represented the project. More than 125 individual donors and sponsors were involved with the project, the most for any single development project in MIRCI’s 61-year history,” said Caldwell.
The Leadership Columbia program and the Columbia Chamber are excited to hear that the class’s efforts have had a long-lasting impact on the organization and has enabled MIRCI to continue fulfilling their mission.
Mr. Caldwell added, “Three years later, the home has housed 37 youth. 86% have exited to safe and stable housing; 96% have made progress on individualized plans of care; 84% have obtained their high school diplomas or GEDs; and 89% were working or looking for work.”
To read a testimonial from Mr. Caldwell about the success of one of MIRCI’s past residents, click here.
To learn more about MIRCI, visit their website.
For more information or questions about Leadership Columbia, please contact Hilary Bell at leadershipcolumbia@columbiachamber.com.
Original source can be found here.
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