Community Corner
Mental Health Association in Waukesha County Folding
The organization cited lack of funding as the primary reason.
The Mental Health Association in Waukesha County voted Monday to dissolve due to a lack of money.
Organized in 1963, the MHA developed several programs that included a 24/7 blended helpline, counseling center, outreach programs in non-traditional settings, education, suicide prevention and crisis response.
Crisis services are being turned over to Waukesha County's Department of Health and Human Services.
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According to a press release, decreased funding from the United Way of Waukesha County, Waukesha County government and the community made it impossible for the organization to fund 211 services and a 24-hour call center.
According to Form 990 documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service, the MHA has posted an operating loss each of the last four years, as far back as data is available. Revenues each of those years has been:
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- 2009: $605,088
- 2010: $684,826
- 2011: $648,618
- 2012: $560,645
Lisa McLean, the organization’s executive director, retired earlier this year after 14 years leading the organization.
“Lisa did an incredible job of sustaining the agency for many years and was paid very little to do a lot. She wore many hats beyond those of executive director,” Board President Lori Fabian said. “The agency had been underfunded for many years. We made the decision to dissolve with heavy hearts in order to hold to the integrity of the mission and protect the services, to the extent possible for our community.”Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
