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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

CULTIVATING LIFE

MINISTRY & CLINIC

Cultivating Life is a non-profit outreach and ministry housed within The Nexus Center. Out of the desire to promote whole-person wellness and address physical and emotional needs, in addition to spiritual ones, Cultivating Life Clinic was born. From the ministry in which it draws its name, Cultivating Life Clinic also draws its faith-informed purpose—to help create parity in delivery and access to health care for underserved communities, with an emphasis on providing mental health services.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or going through a mental health crisis, please know you are not alone—support is available.

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Cultivating Life is an outreach and ministry. Cultivating Life Clinic is a non-profit, faith-informed, charitable clinic.

Cultivating Life Clinic is committed to providing affordable clinical care and other supportive services that promote wellness and healing. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for local residents, with an emphasis on those residing in St. Joe County.

Affordable Mental Health Care

Cultivating Life Clinic provides accessible, faith-based mental health care for adults that is affordable, ensuring support is available to everyone.

Mental Health

Evaluation & Treatment of Common Mental Health Conditions

  1. Please note we do NOT prescribe controlled substances 
  2. Do not replace lost/stolen medications
  3. We do NOT complete evaluations for disability
  4. We are not a crisis center

Therapy & Counseling Services

We provide compassionate therapy and counseling services—including support for depression, anxiety, and grief—through pastoral care, individual and group sessions.

Services for: Depression, Anxiety and Grief (due to trauma, loss of pregnancy; etc) 

  1. Pastoral Counseling & Support
  2. Individual and Group Therapy
  3. Art Therapy (NOTE: This is a contracted service and may incur additional fees separate from the clinic.)

Adult Medical Services

Our medical services offer faith-based, charitable care focused on the physical well-being of our community, providing accessible support for those in need.

  • General health check-ups and wellness visits

  • Preventive care and health education

  • Referrals to specialized care when needed

  • Faith-informed encouragement alongside medical support

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Cultivating Life seeks to address current trends in mental health care

Suicide in Black Youth
< 13 years old is approximately 2X higher compared to white peers
Suicide Deaths
There are approximately 49,000 deaths from suicide annually; over half involve firearms.
11th Leading Cause of Death
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States

About Cultivating Life

Meet the Leadership

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Pastor David Rial Buggs

Director of Operations
      University of Notre Dame Alumnus
      Masters of Theology
      Pastoral Care Consultant – Pastoral Counseling Degree Candidate (Moody Theological Seminary)
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LaRissa Chism Buggs, MD, FAPA

Medical Director
Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist
Board Certified Forensic Psychiatrist
University of Michigan Alumna

FIVE ACTION STEPS

TO HELP SOMEONE IN EMOTIONAL PAIN

1. Ask
"Are you thinking about taking your own life?"
2. Keep Them Safe
Reduce access to lethal items or places.
3. Be There
Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings.
4. Help Them Connect
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Dial 988)
5. Stay Connected
Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

PARTNERS

Information on clinic visit costs

A small fee is assessed for clinic visits and is due at the time of service. If you can’t pay the flat fee, we have a sliding fee scale. To qualify, you need to bring proof of income.

If you have no income for the last three months, we will accept a written statement, signed and dated, explaining your financial hardship.

If you are paid in cash; you may bring a letter from your employer stating your income, or sign a statement verifying your income.

Proof of income includes any of the following that apply to you:

Lab tests, procedures, and medication may be additional costs

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