While struggling to find mental health resources for their loved ones, a group of five ladies realized there was a need for an efficient mental health resource hub in Montgomery.
In 2017, the group decided to take it upon themselves to fill the gap in the lack of mental health guidance with Mosaics of Mercy, a nonprofit that helps the community navigate mental health and substance use recovery resources.
“Having someone that understands the mental health system and getting them to the right providers can be really life-changing for people who’ve been struggling,” Executive Director Jamie Freels-Runey said.
How it works
Runey said Mosaics of Mercy started with a notebook filled with local mental health providers.
Following COVID-19, Montgomery County found its suicide rate to be among the highest locally and nationally, leading to the formation of the Behavioral and Suicide Prevention Task Force.
After joining forces with the Behavioral and Suicide Prevention Task Force, the county provided the funds Mosaics of Mercy needed to hire a group of licensed technicians and launch a database with over 2,000 verified resources offering a variety of mental health services.
Mosaics of Mercy Gala is made up of a staff of 13 employees and several volunteers. (Courtesy Mosaics of Mercy)Along with a group of 10 licensed clinicians, Mosaics of Mercy works to connect individuals with appropriate services within 40 business hours.
Services range from substance abuse treatment services, adolescent and adult residential treatment services, support groups, psychologists, psychiatrists and grief care groups.
Connected via a phone call, each caller who contacts the nonprofit is provided with three mental health providers that best fit their needs. Further extending a hand, Mosaics of Mercy follows up with each caller 72 hours after they are assisted to ensure efficiency in their search for help.
“Our mission is helping our community navigate mental health and substance use recovery resources, and our goal is really ensuring that people are connected to those resources in a timely manner and [connected to] appropriate resources,” Runey said.
The local impact
In an effort to extend their resources, Runey said Mosaics of Mercy expanded with a partnership with Memorial Hermann Hospital, in which patients who are in need of mental health resources are referred to Mosaics of Mercy.
In addition, due to the increasing rates in juvenile delinquency, the nonprofit works with the county’s juvenile courts, local schools and professionals to help provide mental health resources to those in need.
“If we can intervene sooner, then chances are that juveniles can turn their lives around before they’re 18 and not have this hanging over them,” Runey said.
The 2026 Mosaics of Mercy Gala took place on Jan. 31. (Courtesy Mosaics of Mercy)Funded by Tomball Regional Health Foundation, Mosaics of Mercy Gala and annual Run For Jeev, the nonprofit continues to expand its services and now serves Montgomery, Harris, Walker, Liberty, Grimes and Waller Counties.
The nonprofit also offers a scholarship program, created in early 2024, for families that do not fit the criteria to receive mental health services for free, typically being middle-class insured individuals and are in need of further assistance. With scholarships that cover 12-24 counseling sessions, Mosaics of Mercy has been able to help 21 individuals to date, Runey said.
With relationships built throughout the years and as the operators of The Woodlands Mental Health Professional Group made up of 250 mental health clinicians, Mosaics of Mercy continues to build relationships with the community to provide further resources to communities in need.
“>