Annual Report FY25 Released
Member Impact Story
People come to Heartland carrying far more than a diagnosis. They bring isolation, disrupted lives, and the impacts of systems that have not always treated them with dignity. They also bring unique perspectives, the hard-won expertise of lived experience, and, often, a desire to support others who share their experience. What Heartland offers is not just services. We offer community, reciprocity, and the belief that people with serious mental illness belong at the center of their own recovery.
Purpose Through Employment
Joe* shares that when he arrived at Heartland, he was in rough shape. Through consistent therapy and clinical care, he established stability and routine. As his health improved, work became possible. Heartland hired Joe and trained him to work at the reception desk.
Today Joe comes to work with pride and energy. He has organized food and clothing giveaways, decorated for holidays, created a suggestion box, and more. What started as treatment became belonging, leadership, and purpose.
* Identifying details and photo changed to protect privacy.
Reach & Results
In a demanding year, Heartland’s impact remained strong. Together in FY25, we supported:
225 members,
welcomed 1,791 visits to our Drop-In Center,
led 15 member-centered groups each month,
shared 959 meals.
All this, alongside countless moments of peer connection, creativity, and care. These numbers are a snapshot of something bigger: a community that continues to show up for one another.
Perhaps even more meaningful than our reach, we track what changes in people’s lives. These outcomes reflect the power of peer-led, relationship-based care.
100% of core Drop-In members* reported increased trust, safety, and comfort with their mental health care
87% of core Drop-In members reported stronger social connections and reduced loneliness
88% of clinical participants improved or maintained their mental health
99% of Speakers’ Bureau participants gained a greater understanding of mental health and treatment options
* We define “core Drop-In members” as individuals who participate in three or more activities each month. In FY25, 35 members met this criterion.
Margie Carlin Retires
In the fall of 2025, 23 celebrated the remarkable legacy of our Program Director, and her 35 years of service.
Overview
This past year and a half at Heartland Mental Health was one of transition, resilience, and deep community care. Like many organizations in community mental health, we navigated staffing changes, leadership transitions, and a challenging financial landscape.
This included a fiscal year loss that required us to consolidate programs and focus resources more intentionally. These decisions were not easy, but they were guided by our commitment to protect what matters most: choice, dignity, and belonging for members of our community.
We strengthened internal systems and laid the groundwork for what comes next: the search for Heartland’s next Executive Director, expanding access to our model through satellite services, and imagining new ways to gather, create, and grow together in the year ahead.
This annual report reflects not just what we weathered, but what we’re building.
Where We Are Today
Our position on June 30, 2025 (end of FY25), reflected the financial challenges we’ve faced. Fortunately, the efforts of the first six months of FY26 are beginning to produce results. We are in a much stronger position as of December 31, 2025 (midpoint of FY26).
How You Can Help
Your continued partnership helps make healing, connection, and hope possible across our community. Please consider making a gift to support this work using the button below.