A new mobile unit from the Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) will provide essential mental health services directly to local children.
The bus debuted during a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17. The 25-foot mental health mobile unit will enable children to have easier access to the tools they need to navigate the tough world we live in today. The bus itself is spacious, with vibrant colors, couches, and a TV to provide a safe space for children. CEO Renee Layman shares that the new mental health mobile bus service will impact the community by offering “a different type of space, but similar type of service.”
The idea for the mobile unit originated when Layman saw a huge rise in mental health needs among children and teens after the pandemic. On top of that, in 2019, The CFCC started using a data dashboard to see realtime data and assess the needs of children in the community. Now, Layman says, “we have almost 12,000 kids within the data dashboard, and we’re able to see presenting issues, concerns and trends in areas that need more support. So it was really a data informed decision to get this mobile unit.”
One of the main goals of the mobile unit is to bring services like support groups, prevention education, and overall support directly to the doorsteps of busy parents, providing critical aid to those with limited access to mental health resources. Layman shares that the new bus will “absolutely” eliminate barriers and increase access to care.
Layman, who has been in the mental health field for 30 years, explains that she has “never seen such a crisis with youth mental health, and mitigating the impact of adversity, trauma, adverse childhood experiences is critical.” And the need to reach more communities is dire.
The CFCC recently received a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 South Palm Beach County, which will allow the organization to provide their services to more areas in Boca Raton. Layman said the CFCC has a strong relationship with the Fuller Center and has long been providing their services to the local nonprofit. Layman hopes to connect with more schools and partners in the area and eventually host pop-up events and mental health screenings.
This year, the CFCC will really be testing the mobile unit but they are hoping to have more units on the road to “offer more to the community in the coming years,” says Layman.
To learn more about the CFCC, click here.
