Madison, IN – Mental health care is a necessity, not a luxury. Yet, for many individuals seeking therapy, there are significant barriers. The Freedom Center was founded to change that.

What started as a vision by Liz Cooper, the Freedom Center’s Executive Director, has now become a vital resource for Jefferson County residents in need of mental health support. Recognizing the multiple obstacles that prevented people from accessing care, Cooper took action. She reached out to experts, gathered resources, and sought 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to secure grant funding that would make therapy more accessible.

Her dedication led her to Bethany Legacy Foundation just as the foundation was beginning its own journey in supporting community-driven initiatives. The partnership between Bethany Legacy Foundation and The Freedom Center exemplifies trust-based philanthropy—providing resources and faith in visionary leaders to drive real, meaningful change.

Funding Mental Health Solutions

Since its inception, The Freedom Center has received several grants from Bethany Legacy to expand its mission, including:

• 2022: $56,865 initial renovations to the facility.
• 2023: $300,000 in a multi-year unrestricted grant to support its programs.
• 2024: $101,000 for construction and upgrades to their space including seven new offices to support their continued growth.

Additionally, Bethany Legacy Foundation has supported other Jefferson County organizations working with The Freedom Center, including:

• City of Madison (2023): $100,000 for Law Enforcement Mental Health Support.
• Jefferson County Youth Shelter for staff mental health support.
• Children’s Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana for staff mental health support
• Citizens of Jefferson County for Suicide Prevention (2023): $28,365 for essential supplies to serve residents. This initiative sparked a deeper awareness of community needs, leading Deana Andrews to join The Freedom Center as the leader of the Hub of Hope.

The Hub of Hope: A Lifeline for Jefferson County

One of The Freedom Center’s many impactful initiatives is the Hub of Hope, which serves as a suicide prevention and mental health support program. Led by Deana Andrews, a passionate advocate for mental wellness and recipient of the 2023 Mental Health of America Consumer Advocate Award, the Hub of Hope provides Jefferson County residents with essential mental health resources, including:

• The HopeLine – A phone line (812-818-2527) available daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, offering support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or seeking guidance for a loved one.
• The Hub – A welcoming space within The Freedom Center where individuals can receive immediate support or telehealth mental assessments.
• Suicide Prevention Training – QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training workshops that equip participants to recognize and respond to signs of suicidal ideation.
• Support Groups – Weekly meetings on the second and fourth Mondays from 6–7:30 PM, providing a safe space for those who need guidance before starting therapy or additional emotional support.

The Hub of Hope represents a crucial step forward in addressing Jefferson County’s mental health crisis. Through proactive intervention and accessible resources, The Freedom Center is fostering a culture where mental health care is prioritized, stigma is broken, and no one has to face their struggles alone.

A Bold Vision, A Lasting Impact

Liz Cooper and The Freedom Center have set a new standard for mental health care accessibility in Jefferson County. Their work proves that no one should have to choose between financial stability and mental well-being. Through trust, courage, and action, The Freedom Center is changing lives—and Bethany Legacy Foundation is proud to be part of this movement.

For more information about The Freedom Center, visit www.thefreedomcenter.org or follow them on Facebook.

About Bethany Legacy Foundation

Bethany Legacy Foundation is a private health foundation in Madison, Indiana, established through the change of ownership from the local hospital, King’s Daughters Health, to Norton Healthcare. The proceeds from the partnership were used to establish the foundation in 2022. The organization’s mission is to put faith into action and serve Jefferson County by bringing the community together, creating and funding solutions for social issues affecting health. Learn more at bethanylegacy.org.