AIM Center, Inc.

09/04/2026

For decades, Frances McDonald has used art to create connection, opportunity, and a stronger sense of community for people whose voices are too often overlooked.

Since returning to Chattanooga in 1995, Frances has been an art facilitator for hundreds of children and adults experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and neurodivergent challenges through schools and nonprofit organizations. As the Founder and Executive Director of Mark Making, she continues to create opportunities for people to express themselves, discover their abilities, and make a meaningful mark on their communities.

Her advocacy has also been deeply connected to the AIM Center. Frances has served on the AIM Center Board and, for decades, has provided Members with opportunities to create public art, build connections, and share their creativity with the Chattanooga community.

Through her lifelong commitment to inclusion, creativity, and empowering others, Frances exemplifies what it means to be an Advocacy Hero. Her work reflects the belief at the heart of AIM Center’s mission: that everyone deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to their community.

As Frances says, “Offering what I can everyday is the key to a successful and meaningful life.”

Join us at The Mental Health Hero Awards as we celebrate Frances and honor her decades of advocacy, creativity, and commitment to our community. ✨

To learn more about this event and to purchase your tickets today, click here ➡ https://bit.ly/MentalHealthHeroAwards

09/03/2026

Last week, we had the opportunity to sit down with our friends at Local 3 Plus You to share more about what we do here at the AIM Center.

Many people know that we support individuals living with mental illness, but we offer so much more than that. From meaningful work and employment opportunities to community, connection, and recovery, the AIM Center is a place where Members can build the lives they want to live.

Check out our interview to learn more about who we are, what we do, and what makes the AIM Center different!

For 35 years, the AIM Center has helped people with mental illness find support and creative outlets during their days. This interview is brought to you by the AIM Center.

09/02/2026

This September, you can enjoy a great burger and give back to the AIM Center at the same time. 🧡

Throughout the entire month, visit Jack Browns Beer & Burger Joint Chattanooga at 818 Georgia Ave. and order the Greg Brady Burger. For every Greg Brady sold, $1 will be donated to the AIM Center in honor of National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month.

Every burger is an opportunity to support mental health recovery, build community, and help ensure that people living with serious mental illness have a place where they belong.

So grab a friend, stop by Jack Brown’s, and order a Greg Brady for a good cause! 🍔

All September long at Jack Brown’s
📍 818 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402

09/01/2026

We are honored to officially announce the winners of the inaugural Mental Health Hero Awards! ✨

We were truly blown away by the incredible nominations we received and are grateful for the opportunity to recognize this inaugural group of individuals and organizations who are making a meaningful difference in mental health recovery, advocacy, and community support.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of these heroes, sharing more about the incredible work they’re doing in our community and celebrating the impact they’re making as we look ahead to the event on October 29, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, join us in congratulating our 2026 Mental Health Heroes! 👏

The Advocacy Hero Award - Frances McDonald, Mark Making
The Civic Hero Award - LaDarius Price, PEAK
The Corporate Champion Award - Volunteer Behavioral Health
The Equity in Action Award - Joe Jenkins, The BRAVE Effect
The Healing Hero Award - Jean Cobb, River Valley Health
The Program Partner Award - Ellen Heavilon, Signal Centers / HART Gallery TN
The Recovery Hero Award - Aaron Jonathan Baker, AIM Center, Inc.
The Rising Hero Award - Molly Hampton, Students Organizing Students - SOS
The Voice for Change Award - Marsha Mills, Rhyme N Chatt
The Lifetime Achievement Award - Jean Blackburn, Bowen Theory Education Center

We can’t wait to celebrate these Mental Health Heroes with you this October!

08/31/2026

Today is the last day to secure your Mental Health Hero Award tickets for the lowest price possible!

This evening is shaping up to be something truly special. On October 29, we’ll gather to celebrate the individuals and organizations across Chattanooga making a lasting difference in mental health recovery, advocacy, and community support.

Together, we’ll recognize the people helping create a more inclusive, hopeful, and recovery-focused community while supporting AIM Center’s mission, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

🎫 Dynamic Duo (2 for $200): Save $50 when you purchase two tickets and enjoy an inspiring date night or a meaningful evening with a friend.

🎫 General Admission ($105): Save $20 on an individual ticket.

🎫 Table of 10: Bringing the whole crew? Use code EARLYBIRD to receive 15% off your table, regularly $1,250.

With great food and drinks, live entertainment, meaningful celebration, and an after party to follow, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

Secure your Early Bird tickets today by clicking here ➡ https://bit.ly/MentalHealthHeroAwards

08/28/2026

Looking for a role where your work can make a real difference? 👀

AIM Center is hiring a full-time Connected Care Coordinator to help individuals navigate complex health systems and connect with the resources they need to thrive.

In this role, you’ll build relationships, coordinate care, collaborate with providers, advocate for underserved individuals, and help bridge gaps between people and the mental and physical health services they need.

We’re looking for someone who is self-directed, passionate about recovery, and experienced in community health, care coordination, or social services.

Ready to make an impact? Learn more about the role and apply today by clicking here ➡️ https://aimcenterinc.org/careers/

08/27/2026

We’re proud to recognize Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. as a sponsor of this year’s Mental Health Hero Awards.

For many years, Chambliss has been a valued friend and supporter of AIM Center. Their continued partnership has helped strengthen our mission and support opportunities for adults living with serious mental illness. We’re grateful for their longstanding commitment to AIM Center and to creating a more supportive, recovery-focused community. 🧡

Join us on October 29 as we celebrate the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on mental health in our community. It's shaping up to be a night you won't want to miss!

Interested in learning more about this event? If so, click here ➡ https://bit.ly/MentalHealthHeroAwards

08/26/2026

We love when Members learn skills here and take them out into the community, but it’s even more special when Members can bring their personal expertise back to the Clubhouse.

One of our Members, Ashley, has been very involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee and recently joined their Board of Directors. Today, she helped facilitate a comprehensive seizure first aid training here at the Clubhouse alongside our Clinical Supervisor, Rachel.

We had a great turnout, and our Clubhouse community came with lots of questions. Now, many of us feel even more confident knowing how to assist someone experiencing a seizure, both inside the Clubhouse and out in the community.

Thank you to this incredible duo for putting on such a valuable training today! We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from our own Members and see their expertise make an impact right here at the Clubhouse. 🧡

08/21/2026

Happy Homecoming Week, AIM Center Clubhouse! 🎉

We had such a fun day today celebrating, playing games, eating great food, and probably everyone’s favorite, cheering each other on at the talent show!

Today, and really this whole week, was a wonderful reminder that we can’t work hard all the time. As a community, it’s so important to spend time having fun, remembering our why, and celebrating our wonderful community.

We hope everyone had fun today and takes these good vibes into a wonderful weekend! 🧡

08/20/2026

A good night out, a great cause, and a pretty good deal? We think that’s worth celebrating. ✨

For a limited time, you can grab our Dynamic Duo ticket bundle for just $200 and save $50 on two tickets to the The Mental Health Hero Awards. Bring your partner, a friend, or someone who always makes a good evening even better, and enjoy a night of celebration, inspiration, and community while supporting mental health recovery across Chattanooga.

It’s a date night with a purpose, and we think that’s a pretty good deal. 😎

Early Bird pricing ends August 31, so don’t wait to make your plans. Looking to bring the whole crew? There are other Early Bird ticket deals available online, too!

Join us as we celebrate the mental health heroes who show up every day and make a lasting difference in our community. Secure your tickets now by clicking here ➡️ https://onecau.se/heroawards2026