Grassroots Crisis Intervention provides free, 24-hour lifesaving support and services to adults, children and families in Central Maryland to help them cope with a wide variety mental health and substance use related crises. The agency offers 24-hour crisis intervention, mental health, substance use disorder, emergency shelter and suicide prevention services. Individuals are able to contact Grassroots anytime on our crisis line at 410-531-6677 or 988 via phone, text or chat. We also provide free walk-in counseling, Mobile Crisis Response, crisis stabilization, Peer Recovery Specialist services, emergency shelter for families and individuals, access to resources, outreach and education and more. These services are vital in helping those who are at-risk in our community.
During the past year, Grassroots’ 24-hour crisis services included 72,949 calls answered on the Grassroots Crisis Line, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and 211 Maryland. There were 3,165 face-to-face contacts, 1,278 community responses by the Mobile Crisis Team, and 62 clients enrolled in the Substance Use Disorder Crisis Stabilization Program. A total of 586 people were served in its shelter programs, and 1,159 were assisted at the Day Resource Center.
We are proud to have changed so many lives:
* Fourteen-year-old “Nia” walked into Grassroots with a family member after experiencing a panic attack at school. Nia has been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nia also expressed recent thoughts of suicide. A crisis line counselor and Mobile Crisis Team clinician assessed Nia for safety, provided brief therapy, helped with strategies to alleviate her anxiety, and provided referrals for longer-term therapy. We are so glad that Nia is doing better and are here for her and anyone else who need support!
* A client came to us from living in their car, reporting that it was impossible to access nutritious food and medical care. After seeking emergency shelter and receiving assistance with participating in job readiness activities, getting and keeping a job, finding permanent housing and accessing social services, they achieved all of their goals and moved into their own an apartment: “My case manager was very helpful and always made 100% efforts to assist in everything. I said and will always say that Grassroots has made a huge improvement in my goals to become stable and has given me a second chance to live with a positive outlook in life. I believe there is no other shelter like Grassroots. Resources are always given and staff is amazing and 100% sincerely help with everything. This organization has never failed in my eyes and experience. This organization is Heaven sent. No other organization has offered so many resources, mental health and access to financial help. Staff goes far and beyond to help all residents.”
* A client came to us who was pregnant and had a young child. She was living house-to-house and found it difficult to find food for herself and her child. Grassroots helped her meet her goals, including moving her newborn and child into her first apartment, where she will work from home at a new job: “I was shown the most support I’ve ever gotten which has put me in a great mindset of, ‘I can do this.’ I really appreciate all of the love and support I was given. My case manager held my hand until I could stand on my own. I can now be myself fully.”
