Mobile Crisis Team: Unbreakable Bond

FrontLine’s Mobile Crisis Team is available 24/7 to anyone in Cuyahoga County who is in crisis or contemplating suicide. That is how Janice found us. Janice’s 28-year-old daughter, Maria, was homeless for 60 days in the previous year. While in crisis, Maria had given up her apartment for the streets, and Janice had no idea how to find or help her. Her daughter simply notified the landlord and started sleeping in her car on the street. Then she just disappeared.

Janice called the only resource she knew who could help: FrontLine Service’s Mobile Crisis Team. She first learned about the Mobile Crisis Team when a police officer called them to assist Maria when she was in crisis. Janice watched as the team gently convinced Maria to get help at the hospital. Unfortunately, Maria left treatment early and abandoned her apartment.

After Maria disappeared, Janice frantically called every member of the Mobile Crisis Team for advice. Each time she called, the Crisis Team comforted Janice, educated her about her role as a family member, and guided her to alert the police—who located her daughter and brought her home. Although Janice worried that her family had grown tired of her calls, she never felt that way when she called the Mobile Crisis Team. After the police found Maria and she returned home, Maria continued to have multiple mental health crises. Janice returned again to the emergency room to be with her daughter, but she didn’t know how to help her. The Mobile Crisis Team arrived at the hospital and supported and educated Maria on her illness. Maria agreed to treatment.

Maria’s mental health has improved significantly over the last year. She is learning about her illness and the benefits of treatment. Now Janice feels like a helpful, loving parent, instead of a terrified mom, alone. Her daughter is back on track for a brighter future.

This story is based on true events with names, images, and identifying information changed to protect the identity of the individual.