Applied Care Services (ACS) is a remarkable business founded by a dynamic mother-daughter duo, LuAnn Hanson and Mara Hanson. Their journey began six years ago, facing the daunting challenge of starting a business with no initial capital. Today, ACS stands tall, offering a range of mental health services. Their commitment to empowering individuals and communities has made them an inspiring success story.
LuAnn and Mara had previously worked together but wanted more from their experiences. They envisioned a company where they could provide both staff and clients with the respect and quality treatment they deserved. With just one practitioner and one client, they embarked on their journey, even hosting counseling sessions in their own home. LuAnn and Mara have built ACS’s reputation on trust and empathy, prioritizing relationships with clients and case managers. They value collaboration and effective communication, ensuring that referrals do not disappear into the void.
However, ACS encountered a significant financial crisis, requiring an infusion of over $270,000 to weather the storm. WomenVenture’s lending team recognized the urgency of ACS’s situation and proposed a solution. While WomenVenture could provide a loan of up to $100,000, the additional funds needed to bridge the financial gap seemed insurmountable. WomenVenture crafted a creative solution and helped them find additional funds through a cash-out refinance on their home. In less than two months, ACS successfully secured both loans, regaining firm financial footing. The partnership with WomenVenture was not just a financial transaction; it was a lifeline that allowed ACS to continue their essential work in the community.
Today, ACS operates four distinct departments, encompassing Adult Mental Health Services (ARMHS), Therapy (accessible in-office, in-home, and via teletherapy), Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment, and the ACS Treatment Center. ACS’s clientele extends to over 400 individuals per month, with an emphasis on serving those facing economic hardships, reliant on Medicaid, and often confronted with homelessness.
At its core, ACS adheres to a mission grounded in respect, healing, resilience-building, and unwavering support, a philosophy that permeates every facet of its operation. This narrative epitomizes an entrepreneurial journey marked by resilience, strengthened by the steadfast support of their community, and driven by the indomitable spirit of LuAnn and Mara Hanson. ACS’s partnership with WomenVenture was pivotal in surmounting financial adversity and facilitating the continuation of its vital mission to provide essential mental health services to the community. LuAnn and Mara echo the sentiments of authors, Carl Taylor and Daniel Taylor-Ide in their book “Just and Lasting Change.” A great read for those who are looking to understand change in health equity and health improvement at a community level. They emphasize that real change comes from altering behaviors at the community level to fit local circumstances. ACS’s commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of its clients sets them apart. To learn more about ACS and the incredible work they do, visit their website Applied Care Services
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Author: Kiara Hollie-Sessions, WomenVenture Marketing Specialist
