Mississippi’s largest nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health has expanded its psychiatric treatment center with $25 million in state and federal investments.
Canopy Children’s Solutions celebrated the opening of its CARES Center on Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The center’s opening marks a major public-private partnership between Canopy, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, and the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.
The CARES Center prioritizes trauma-focused care for children ages 6 to 17. It is Mississippi’s only nonprofit psychiatric residential treatment facility and emphasizes serving children with severe emotional and behavioral health needs.
“The most horrific and incomprehensible and traumatic backstories you can imagine will turn the corner up there on Woodrow Wilson, and as they turn the corner onto West Street, they will be greeted by the one thing that will overcome everything — hope,” Canopy CEO Dr. John D. Damon said. “Hope is real. Hope is a science. Hope overcomes. Hope wins. So today, we cut a ribbon. Tomorrow, we begin transforming lives through the unrelenting power of hope. Thank you, and welcome to the new CARES Center.”
The $20 million in state funds and $5 million in federal funds helped expand the CARES Center from 60 beds to 80, renovate the existing facilities, and add five new residential cottages. Additionally, the expansion will allow for enhanced care designed specifically for youth with complex trauma and other behavioral needs.
“The impact of the CARES Center on Mississippi’s children and their families is immeasurable. For a child who has experienced trauma, having a safe place to heal changes the course of their life, and for families, it provides hope when they may not know where else to turn,” Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said. “The Legislature’s investment in the CARES Center is something that cannot be fully comprehended because of the lasting impact this work will have on these children and their families for generations to come.”
Canopy added that while the CARES Center expansion was designed to support clinical healing, they still treat children. The center’s expertise and care are woven into colorful, creative designs inspired by Mississippi’s native trees, animals, and landscapes, creating a comforting environment for the children receiving care.
“This partnership addresses a critical gap in our continuum of care by creating a safe, healing environment for children with significant emotional and behavioral health needs,” Mississippi Department of Mental Health Executive Director Wendy Bailey said.
“What makes this accomplishment especially meaningful is that it could not have happened without partnership. Together, we recognized that the status quo was not good enough for Mississippi’s children, and we chose to do something about it,” she continued. “The opening of this building is not a finish line. It is the beginning of the next chapter. We will continue expanding prevention and early intervention, strengthening families, building capacity, and bringing effective services closer to the children and communities that need them.”
