CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There was a grand opening ceremony Tuesday for a new mental health center on the West Side and advocates said it's badly needed.
In 2016, more than 86 percent of voters on the West Side agreed to have their property taxes increased in order to build The Encompassing Center in the 3100 block of West Harrison.
"It means a great deal. We have a community where families are so impacted by a trauma," said Fr. Larry Dowling of St. Agatha Catholic Church.
Janice Oda-Gray, chairman of the board of The Encompassing Center says that, "when you hear the West Side, East and West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, what do you think about? You think about crime and social ills. This will mitigate that. Early intervention? This is what we need."
Jennifer Smith is the program director of The Encompassing Center and hopes the facility is able to serve about 400 people a year.
The Encompassing Center has contracted with Catholic Charities to provide its services.
