EM BRANCH & ASSOCIATES, INC.: HELPING OTHERS TO COPE

E.M. Branch, Inc. office at 1987 W. 111th Street

Throughout our lives, we all are faced with challenges, some mental, some physical and some emotional. In fact, roughly 26% of adult Americans suffer from some form of diagnosable mental disorder each year. Understanding how common mental disorders are is important so that we can measure and understand their impact (i.e., physical, financial and social) and also for people to realize that they are not alone in their struggle.

CCLF’s borrower, E.M. Branch & Associates, Inc. (Branch) specializes in helping its clients cope with behavioral and mental health disorders through their wide-ranging services in their new location at 1987 W. 111th Street in the Morgan Park neighborhood that serves as its main office. CCLF’s $850,000 loan was used to acquire a 7,775 square foot, 2-story commercial building. With this loan, Branch will expand its services to include yoga, acupuncture, therapeutic massages, nutrition counseling and more.

Facts on mental illness from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14

Mental health treatment—therapy, medication, self-care—have made recovery a reality for most people experiencing mental illness. Although taking the first steps can be confusing or difficult, it’s important to start exploring options.

47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021
65.4% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2021
50.6% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 with a mental health disorder received treatment in 2016
The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.

Aerial view of E. M. Branch, Inc. in Morgan Park
Interior of E.M. Branch, Inc.

“CCLF understands the important work Branch is doing to address mental illness and recognizes the critical need for expansion of its services,” said Wendell Harris, VP of Lending Operations. “Our loan will advance their mission and help save lives.”