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Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region (MHA-WVR) proudly celebrated the 75th anniversary of its longstanding Gift Lift program—one of Howard County’s most enduring traditions of compassion and community support for individuals living with mental illness.
What began more than seven decades ago as a small, volunteer-led initiative has grown into a vital annual effort serving hundreds of residents across the county. The last time Gift Lift was highlighted in local news coverage in 2019, MHA-WVR provided 470 gifts to individuals in need. This year, the program reached a record 953 gifts, marking its largest distribution to date and reflecting the continuing rise in mental health needs throughout Howard County.
MHA-WVR extends sincere appreciation to We Care Kokomo, whose support has played a meaningful role in sustaining this program over its long history. Institutions such as Bona Vista, 4C Health, Aperion Care Kokomo, and Northwoods Village also rely on MHAWVR’s Gift Lift program to help ensure their residents receive thoughtful holiday gifts. Several of these facilities have experienced year-over-year increases in need, further underscoring the importance and impact of Gift Lift within the mental health community.
“As the number of individuals needing mental health support continues to grow, Gift Lift remains one of the clearest expressions of our mission to bring dignity and connection to those who often feel forgotten,” said Brandi Christiansen, President & CEO of MHA-WVR. “But our work extends far beyond the holidays. Our certified peer support professionals meet people where they are—on the Kokomo Trolley, Kokomo Rescue Mission, Center Township Trustees, and across Howard County—providing ongoing support, suicide-prevention education, crisis navigation, and access to services.”
Programs like Gift Lift are one expression of Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region’s long-standing commitment to the community. At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful mission: Connecting, communicating, and collaborating to achieve better mental health for all in the Wabash Valley Region of North Central Indiana.
Mental Health America Wabash Valley Region also extends its sincere gratitude to We Care Kokomo, which presented MHA-WVR with a $30,000 contribution this week in support of mental health services across Howard County. These funds strengthen not only the Gift Lift program, but also the organization’s year-round work—ensuring individuals have access to peer support, crisis navigation, suicide prevention education, and community-based mental health resources when they are needed most.
“We are deeply grateful for We Care’s continued partnership and for the increased investment in mental health this year,” said Christiansen. “This support allows us to respond to growing needs in our community and to serve individuals with dignity, compassion, and consistency—during the holidays and every day of the year.”
MHA-WVR also recognizes the volunteers and corporate partners who make the Gift Lift program possible. Each year, dedicated groups return to wrap, organize, and prepare gifts for delivery. Long-time supporters such as Bucheri, McCarty & Metz, LLC, along with other community partners, including the Community Foundation of Howard County, have generously contributed their time and hands for many years, helping ensure nearly a thousand gifts reach those who need them most. Their commitment reflects the spirit that has sustained this program for 75 years.
Christiansen emphasized the importance of continued collaboration across county agencies.
“As we celebrate this historic milestone, we look forward to strengthening partnerships and increasing visibility around the full range of services we provide,” she said.
As Gift Lift enters its next 75 years, MHA-WVR remains committed to honoring the program’s legacy while expanding mental health services, peer support, and advocacy throughout Howard County and the Wabash Valley Region. For more information about MHA-WVR or to support the Gift Lift program with a donation, visit www.mhawv.org.