We’re proud of our accomplishments, both in business and the lives of our program members. Here are some of highlights of fiscal year 2009.

Building Futures Campaign (BFC) raised another $335,000 to build out the Wellness and Fine Arts Centers.  Total BFC gifts and pledges to date are $3,256,000 with AIM contributing $721,000 for a total project investment of $4 million.

The Line of Credit was paid off meaning that AIM has no debt on the property and renovations.

Another $1.35 million must be raised to complete the building enhancements.

United Way allocations increased 9.5% due to designated gifts for AIM; the County allocations were flat; and we faired well in the State’s budget cuts whereas we are receiving full funding for our housing program and 88% funding for the Creating Jobs Initiative.

Revenues from the Friends Drive met the goal at $29,000, the Phantom Creativity & Courage raised $21,000, and “Shelter From the Storm”, a concert at Loose Cannon raised $4,000.

January 1 contracts with Blue Care and United Health were implemented with new rates negotiated at a 148% increase.

The total number of members served all programs is 1,068 with the average monthly attendance at 215.

The total number of referrals approved for membership is 232 with 192 (83%) participating in the program.

The Housing Center served 201 individuals with mental illnesses many of which were diverted from homelessness by securing Emergency Shelter Grants and Shelter Plus Care vouchers for them.  Two consumers became home owners through our collaboration with Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, and Lyndhurst Foundation.

Housing properties managed by AIM include six (6) apartment complexes all subsidized by HUD which supports 68 tenants.

The SOAR Initiative to expedite approval of social security benefits applications served 15 people with the average approval time of 111 days versus the national average of two to three years.  In addition, our Consumer Housing Specialist conducted trainings throughout the state to teach over 100 providers this new approach to securing rapid social security benefits.

Our Regional Housing Facilitator serving 23 counties achieved record numbers with 1,154 housing opportunities added since 2001 valued at $32.7 million

The Wellness Program is being further expanded with exercise equipment donated by Baylor students.  Negotiations are in process with Blue Care and the U T College of Medicine to have internal medicine residents rotate through a mini clinic at AIM.  This project will facilitate an integrated general health and mental health approach for our members healthcare. UTC will be involved by providing a Professor and Masters-level student to conduct the project evaluation.

The Education Center had huge student success with 1) 83 participating in adult basic education and 33 making Grade Equivalency Gains; 2) 12 college students were served; and 3) 183 attended Wellness and Recovery classes with 52 of those receiving certificates for completion of all sessions.

Employment Resource Center (ERC) placed 57 consumers in jobs while 133 worked on their vocational goals.  Sixteen (16) consumers graduated from classes called the Wellness Recovery Action Plan for Work.  ERC is currently converting to a Unit where members may work with staff on all aspects of the employment program.

ERC is in the process of becoming an Employment Network for the Social Security’s Ticket-To-Work Program, which will ultimately increase funding for AIM.  In addition, we are adding a Transitional Employment Program again to meet Clubhouse certification.

In February a part-time coordinator was hired for the Fine Arts Program enabled by the $9,100 raised through donations and Unique Glimpses fund raisers at Frances McDonald’s and Diane & John Marek’s homes.  A decision was reached in terms of the philosophy regarding acceptable mediums for arts versus crafts activities.  It was determined that the goal for activities is for the teaching to be non-directive, creative, person centered, and engaging versus the focus on materials or methods used.  A broader definition is desired to engage more participants, as well as enhance the creativity and therapeutic value of the artist.

The Federal Center for Medicaid Services Outcomes Measurement Instrument was implemented to measure members’ quality of life improvements after joining AIM.

AIM has become the central location for local and regional mental health meetings and trainings with 124 events held.

Public Relation activities included presentations to 2,447 individuals which comprised 28 events in addition to 2 newspaper articles, 3 radio interviews, 2 TV interviews, and numerous trips to Nashville to meet with legislators.

Efforts to improve services for the mentally ill who are incarcerated or at risk of becoming incarcerated include:  1) work with the County on the Crisis Intervention Team Program and we will begin training City and County law enforcement officers this week;  2) Several AIM staff serves on a regional Criminal Justice Committee which includes the area Public Defenders Office; and 3) AIM has just been awarded a HUD grant to fund a part-time case manager to serve this population with another $48,000 to provide temporary housing assistance.

The Strategic Plan was completed in totality.