“We provide an atmosphere of acceptance where individuals feel needed and grow in self-worth, dignity and self-respect,” said Pat Flynn, Forever Friendship Drop-In director and certified peer support specialist.

The Drop-In, which is in the lower level of River Valley Bank in Iron Mountain, is a peer-run organization with no psychiatrists on site.

“I’m here to offer them help and direct them to the all the right resources,” Flynn explained.

Anyone with a past or current mental illness can come in but must provide some type of proof of treatment. Individuals can show an appointment card from their doctor or have their health care provider sign forms that are available on site. They also require individuals be physically able to take care of themselves.

From left are Robert Losiniecki, Forever Friendship Drop-In director and certified peer support specialist Patrick Flynn, Phebian Sky, Amy Hall and Jessie Pike. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News Photos)

“Those who have been in the court system are welcome,” said Flynn. “We are also open to the transgender, gay or lesbian community — there’s no restrictions.”

A veteran himself, Flynn encourages other veterans with mental illnesses to use the facility.

He stresses they overcome any concerns and see the social support the Drop-In has to offer, saying they all can help each other to grow, even in just sharing experiences.

They can even assist with living issues such as finding jobs, housing, transportation or other accommodations.

“We have a great support system,” Flynn said.

Individuals are welcome to just socialize, too, or take part in activities such as watching movies, playing video or board games, using fitness equipment and doing art projects.

Drop-In attendance has increased, although it does fluctuate, mostly due to individuals becoming more confident in using the site.

They could use donations, however, and are in desperate need of transportation.

“We would like to get a reliable van. We have a lot of members in the outskirts of the city that have hard time getting here,” Flynn said.

The Drop-In also received bikes they would like to use at a variety of parks but lack transportation.

Because the Drop-In doesn’t have money for food, either, they also appreciate donations of meal or gift certificates for pizza, sandwiches or other refreshments.

They have been able to host several potlucks and always have free coffee and bottled water available.

Flynn noted they received a donation last year from Grace Michaud, founder of the Niles Hiltunen Benefit Fund, adding, “We greatly appreciate Grace’s generosity.”

The Drop-In was invited to visit the DeYoung Zoo in Wallace last year for free.

The Iron Mountain center first opened in the Trico building in July 2015 and soon after received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Northpointe pays for rent, utilities and any programming costs.

Michigan has more than 50 Drop-Ins, but all facilities are different, Flynn said.

Wisconsin residents are welcome as well. And Flynn noted individuals do not have to be Northpointe patients to use the site. He encourages anyone in need of support to stop in or call for more information.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the downstairs of 101 W. B St. in Iron Mountain. Visitors should use the door adjacent to the parking lot. Flynn can be contact at the Forever Friendship Drop-In at 906-828-2161.

He plans an open house potluck event July 8 at Cowboy Lake Park in Kingsford.

“Sometimes hosting these types of gatherings helps breaks the ice for people that are unsure of coming down to see what we are all about,” he said.