Local Church in Michigan Launches Mobile Mental Wellness Ministry

Two years ago Karen Allen and Ramona Minisee sat down to write a grant for something they believed their town desperately needed—a mobile mental health ministry that could take hope directly to the streets of Niles, Michigan, United States.

Unbeknownst to them, around the same time, Ann Young was beginning her new role as the City of Niles Community Development director with a similar concern rising in her mind. It wasn’t until the church sought approval from the city and connected with Young that the three realized just how closely their visions aligned. Young told Allen she had spoken with the chief of police about the community’s urgent need for mental health support but “had no idea how to bring those resources there.” For all of them, it felt like confirmation that the Holy Spirit had planted this vision long before they met. 

A Ministry Born From Crisis 

Mental health issues have exploded around the world, but especially in the United States, and were heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was in 2023, during the beginnings of the aftermath of this devastating time, that the North American Division (NAD) communicated to the unions that they were looking to provide funding for unique and relevant outreach programs. 

This prompted a call for proposals from the Lake Union Conference to its constituent conference leaders, who disseminated this information to their key stakeholders. Hearing about this opportunity, Minisee and Allen, members of the Niles Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church in Niles, Michigan, developed a program focused on providing mobile mental health support, along with spiritual connection to citizens in Niles. 

Their dream materialized into the NPSDA Mobile Mental Wellness Ministry, a 25-foot (7.6-meter) recreational vehicle approved by the City of Niles Community Development officer Ann Young and the Niles City Council. It was dedicated by the Lake Union and Lake Region officials during a service on December 6. 

What Happens Inside the RV 

Starting in spring 2026, NPSDA Mobile Mental Wellness Ministry will be out in the community multiple times during the week. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) will be provided by licensed social workers, psychologists, and nurses, all trained and certified as MHFA counselors through a state program. Each client will also receive information on the eight natural laws of health using the CREATION health model; either one of the Ellen White books Steps to Christ or The Great Controversy; community resource listings; and, if they choose, personal prayer with the pastors. 

Funding the Vision 

The project’s US$80,000 cost was made possible through collective generosity. The church thanks the following organizations and private individuals for donating US$20,000: the NAD, the Lake Union, the Lake Region Conference, and Wilbur and Ramona Minisee. 

During the dedication Ken Denslow preached a sermon about our role as “innkeepers” in the good Samaritan story, stressing the value of showing love through such ministries as the Mobile Mental Wellness outreach. A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed. 

According to Carmelo Mercado, general vice president of the Lake Union, this ministry is the first of its kind in the Lake Union. He is working with Allen on future visioning for how it can serve immigrant populations. 

The original version of this story was posted on the Lake Union Herald.