The Chas Foundation

The Chas Foundation is a foundation in Norfolk, VA, located at 7400 Hampton Blvd. It holds a rating of 4.90 based on 7 reviews.

The organization was established in 2012 in memory of Charles H. Kirkwood (Chas), who suffered from bipolar disorder and died by suicide. Founder Tucker Corprew created the foundation to change the perception of mental illness and enhance the quality of life for those affected. The foundation aims to increase public acceptance, improve access to effective treatment, save lives through collaboration with professionals, and provide educational support for family members.

The Mental Illness Navigation & Support (MINS) program offers non-clinical, family-centered mental health navigation and support to individuals, families, and caretakers in the Hampton Roads region. The program assists adults and youth seeking treatment, those facing barriers such as cost or insurance, and caregivers unsure how to help. Services include education on resources, hotlines, and crisis intervention, as well as connecting individuals to community providers. The office, located in the administration building of the Church of the Good Shepherd, operates Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm by appointment.

The foundation also maintains a Mindfulness & Wellness Room for community members to practice mindful meditation and movement. The Chas Foundation played a role in implementing the Norfolk Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and refurnishing the assessment area of the Crisis Stabilization Center. Executive Director Beau Kirkwood serves as an instructor with the Norfolk CIT and received an award from the city for his dedication. CIT programs collaborate with law enforcement, emergency dispatchers, and mental health providers to improve responses to behavioral health crises. The foundation publishes public 990 forms for fiscal years 2014 through 2024.