Mental health matters. Life is too short to live depressed, anxious, or with other mental health concerns. Enter Nurtured Roots. This local organization in Maumee, founded by Dr. Christine Fair, a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor, improves the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by mental health through education, support, and advocacy. Christine serves as board president of Nurtured Roots.

 

Christine is also the owner of The Ironwood Center, which provides outpatient psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, and adults. Through evidence-based treatment, successful outcomes can be achieved. As their website states, “By offering caring, skilled, and thoughtfully planned assistance of sufficient depth and length, we can work together to overcome challenges, solve problems, and achieve balance.”

 

Christine resides on Quarry Road with her husband Ford Bennett. Originally from California, Christine and Ford have lived in the neighborhood for about 1 ½ years. They enjoy the constant companionship of their two dogs, Lily and Harley.

 

In today’s culture, many people have struggled with the pandemic. Fear runs rampant and mental health concerns are starting to be addressed. Nurtured Roots is based on the belief that we are all seeking growth and balance in our lives and that our mental wellbeing is essential for that growth and balance.

 

Christine comments, “Many are experiencing mental health challenges and barriers, including stigma, lack of resources, and financial strain. All of these obstacles reduce the likelihood of receiving needed mental health services.”

 

The reality is, mental health services can be costly, which can deter people from seeking treatment. Christine explains, “With high deductibles and financial hardships, costs associated with mental health services may become a barrier for receiving treatment. Individuals and families may fall through the cracks, either not seeking services or dropping out of services due to the high costs associated with treatment.”

 

This is where Nurtured Roots helps. Through funding scholarships to individuals and families who can’t afford them, mental health care is accessible and affordable. Christine adds, “We also provide education and resources for families, individuals, consumers, providers, students, community organizations, and the local community at large.”

 

Through participating in, sponsoring, and hosting local community events that promote mental health awareness, Nurtured Roots is decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health. They also raise funds to support programs and activities at Nurtured Roots.

 

“We provide support in various aspects of clinical training of mental health providers through financial support, supervision, internship opportunities, advanced training, etc.,” says Christine.

 

 

“As I began this journey, a colleague lost her grandmother, Christine Feldcamp, to COVID. I learned that she had also struggled with a mental health diagnosis throughout most of her life. In her passing, many of her friends and family members donated funds to assist others with receiving treatment for mental health as a tribute to her,” shares Christine. Every dollar made a difference. With these heartfelt gifts of generosity, Nurtured Roots was able to assist individuals with deductibles and copays for their treatment services.

 

On May 20, 2021, The Ironwood Center held a tree-planting ceremony to honor Christine Feldcamp and her family and to symbolize the beginning of Nurtured Roots. “We were honored to have Maumee Mayor Richard Carr in attendance as a supporter,” comments Christine.

 

When it comes to finding quality mental health services, it’s often challenging to know where to turn, but the Nurtured Roots program is reducing the barriers to receiving quality mental health services. With financial support to individuals through treatment scholarships, people can get the help that they need to fight depression, anxiety, or whatever mental health concerns they have.

 

Nurtured Roots also engages in community outreach projects to support positive mental health. Life is too short to suffer from mental health concerns. Christine shares, “A few community programs we are proud to have hosted to date include Mental Health Awareness Day, Winter Wellness, and The Resilient Roots workshop series. In addition, we have sponsored Toledo NAMI Walks your way and have raised over $2500 for the National Alliance for Mental Illness.”

 

Looking to bring hope to others? Get involved! Nurtured Roots is currently growing and is looking to bring others on board to help the community. It only takes one person to make a difference. You can reduce barriers and improve the lives of those impacted by mental illness.

 

If you are interested in learning how you can make a difference in your community through involvement with Nurtured Roots or to make a donation, please contact 567-694-8313 or visit www.nurturedroots419.org.