Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana (MHANI) has been awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500 by the Community Foundation of Noble County.

This grant from the Community Foundation of Noble County will support the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) guardianship program in Noble County. MHANI offers adult guardianship services for seniors and at-risk adults, including those with dementias, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities. MHANI’s professional guardians are nationally certified to provide advocacy and protective care for adults who are not able to make sound decisions on their own.

The grant will support the expansion of VASIA into Noble County. Since the program’s start in 2015, VASIA has only served individuals living in Allen County. Due to needs identified in surrounding, rural counties, MHANI has secured funding to expand VASIA services into Noble, Adams, DeKalb, and Wells counties.

“MHANI is pleased to have the support of the Community Foundation of Noble County to expand VASIA services into Noble,” Lisa Smith, Executive Director, commented. “Buy-in from the local community is integral to the success of the program. Our guardians are excited to begin receiving referrals to serve Noble County residents in need of guardianship.”