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About Us
"For 18 years, our Community Mental Health Center has offered free mental health services to meet critical needs in Miami-Dade County. With over 240,000 adults in Miami facing mental illness and fewer than 13% receiving care, we founded a non-profit in 2023 to address these gaps. Officially launched in 2024, Improving Lives US builds on this mission by providing comprehensive care to the community."
Mission
At Improving Lives US, we provide a safety net by connecting individuals with mental illness and their families with services needed.
Vision
With a vision to create a community where all with mental illness have access to and obtain services needed for success.
Our Programs
Mental Health Service Coverage
Adolescent & adult patients diagnosed with mental health conditions are granted financial assistance for mental health services and treatment.
Transportation to Mental Health Services
We offer transportation and pick them from their residence or workplace and transport them to certified mental health facilities for treatment.
Food
Assistance
Provide snacks and meals to mental health patients and provide food to them and/or their families when in need.
Targeted Case Management
Provide Case Management to adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with mental health issues. Providing necessary referrals for them and their families.
Monthly Workshops
We host monthly workshops covering diverse topics beneficial to patients with mental health diagnoses and their families. Click for more information on our upcoming workshops.
Residential Treatment
Program
Our goal is to open a residential treatment program for adolescents and adults who are diagnosed with a mental illness as well as those experience substance misuse/addiction.
Need Help? Check Out These Resources
Con Amor, Tu Mente
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Improving Lives Now
Nami Miami
Our Team
Dr. Ares-Romero
Board Member
Dr. Ares-Romero is double board-certified, a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and a diplomat of the American Board of Preventive Medicine as a specialist in Addiction Medicine. She is an Associate Professor for the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, for the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Anesthesiology - Pain Medicine Fellowship.
Felix Guillermo Sanchez
CEO Improving Lives US
Felix, a five-time Emmy Award recipient, stands as a respected figure in Spanish journalism in the United States. With a background in Economics, Political Science, and Broadcasting Journalism from the University Complutense de Madrid, he has excelled in various TV and radio roles while also making significant contributions in business leadership. Beyond his career, Felix is an advocate for mental health awareness, reflecting his commitment to community well-being.
Simon Cruz
Board Member
Simon Cruz is a highly respected figure in the banking industry, currently providing guidance as Chairman of the Board for Intercredit Bank, N.A., after a successful tenure as President & CEO. Beyond his financial leadership, Cruz actively participates in community affairs, having served as Commissioner in The City of Miami Beach and holding advisory roles in prominent national boards such as the American Bankers Association and the Center for Financial Training at Miami-Dade College, where he contributes to the advancement of banking education and policy.
Celeste Desiano
Board Member
Celeste Desiano is a highly skilled architect and urban planner with a Master of Real Estate Development + Urbanism and a Master of Architecture from the University of Miami. With a strong GPA of 3.85/4.00, she has gained extensive experience studying architecture and urban design in diverse cultural settings such as Rome, Japan, and the Netherlands. Celeste's dedication to sustainable practices and her involvement in prestigious competitions demonstrate her commitment to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities through innovative design and urban planning.
Alfredo Hernandez
Board Member
Alfredo has over 15 years of experience as a therapist, specializing in substance abuse, addiction and mental health conditions. Having personally overcome significant struggles with addiction, Alfredo is deeply committed to helping others on their path to recovery. As the founder of Improving Lives CMHC, a community mental health center, he has dedicated his career to serving thousands of individuals through direct and virtual care. His work has been recognized on radio and international television, reflecting his unwavering dedication to improving lives.
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