Darnell Rotman is furthering his mission of reaching out to the community during difficult times and meeting people where they are.
ANKENY, Iowa — FOCUSS, a nonprofit that responds to incidents in the Des Moines area, has launched its second mobile crisis response unit with mental health resources. This second unit launched last week.
Darnell Lotman, founder of FOCUSS, focuses on asking questions when considering what’s best for an organization.
“To me, it’s more a question of, ‘How do we invest in our community?'” Rotman said.
This second unit will be the second mobile crisis unit launched in the past year, and Rotman hopes it can reach communities and meet people where they are during difficult times.
With an emphasis on teamwork, Rotman has seen other community leaders buy into the movement.
Rep. Ako Abdul Samad, founder of Creative Visions, voiced his support for the group. “Mental health is a very real issue for the community, especially marginalized communities. This is a first. History is being made,” he said.
Partnerships are crucial for these mobile units, as is law enforcement input and bridging the gap, said Jason Goldsberry of the Iowa State Police, who serves as a law enforcement liaison and advisor for FOCUSS.
“Our goal is to provide the needs and resources that the community needs, so if a nonprofit like FOCUSS can provide that, we can accomplish the same goal, the same mission,” Goldsberry said.
With leaders like Des Moines Mayor Connie Bozen spearheading the effort’s growth and handling the ribbon-cutting honors, FOCUSS hopes the community will also get involved and learn about the initiative.
With leaders like Des Moines Mayor Connie Bozen spearheading the organization’s growth and even delivering opening remarks, FOCUSS hopes the community will get involved and learn about the effort.
“The important thing is we know how important it is to light the torch,” Abdul Samad said.
Rotman said it has been a long time coming to get these mobile units up and running, and he is grateful to all the organizations and leaders who have helped.
These include organizations such as Mothers Against Violence (MAV), Urban Dreams, Creative Visions, Hip-Hope Inc, Polk County Juvenile Court System, Innovative Counseling & Consulting Inc. (ICC) and Steps of Hope Iowa.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more about FOCUSS and the Mobile Crisis Unit, click here
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