Mental Health America Aiken County

Making a Difference...Here and Now

Spring 2011

 

The mission of MHA Aiken County is to serve as an advocate and a community resource by promoting positive mental health in Aiken County.

In This Issue
MHA Raises Awareness
Nurture Home captures community attention
Aiken's Cookin'! See you there.
Quick Links
More Than Sad
I didn't know...
May Mental Health Month 
MHAAC Magnet
United Way logo 
Our Board of Directors:
  
  
Liz Neal,
Board Chair
  
Robert Schwartz,
Vice President
  
Traci Carrier,
Secretary-Treasurer
  
Sandra Baxter  
Kathy Crist
Richard Garcia
Weley Hightower
Alton Johnson
Terry Kneece
Chrissa Matthews
Denny Michaelis
Sheila Taylor
  
  
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Contact us at mhaac@gmail.com 

 

May is Mental Health Month

 I'm grateful that more and more people are asking for our help in recognizing the signs of depression as an effort to prevent suicide.  I'm excited to share here some of the outreach we've provided to increase awareness.   I spoke to  a classroom of Midland Valley High School Seniors using the  More Than Sad  curriculum and was reminded of their many pressures. Gracelyn Elmendorf, a Survivor of Suicide following the deaths of her husband and son shared the raw story of this loss at the Rotary Club of Aiken.  Gracelyn has shared with high school students across South Carolina that the feelings they experience are temporary circumstances. Her goal is to use the deaths of her husband and son as an impetus for hope. Donna Moore Wesby has extended an invitation for me to appear as a guest on "Education Matters" on May 18, at 1:00pm to discuss issues realted to children's mental health. We continue to support the Suicide Loss Support Group which meets monthly at 1st Presbyterian Church.  We will be closing out the month of May by hosting  the monthly Community Service Network meeting. I'll provide a demonstration on the Screening for Mental Health Depression Screening and provide critcal resources to partner agencies. As our mission states, we are committed to "promoting positive mental health in Aiken County". For  additional info click on the quick links or for a directory of topics: "Get Info

Nurture Home captures community attention

 
Having worked in the "helping profession" for over 15 years, I've always known that Aiken is a community of giving.  We  appreciate all of those involved with recent fundraising and maintenance efforts to benefit Nurture Home.
  
              Woodside Plantation Festival of Homes

 

WOW Festival of Homes

Over 700 visitors attended the  

event to benefit MHA Aiken's
Nurture Home. Many thanks to
the Women of Woodside and
all involved through Woodside
Plantation.

     

 United Way Project Vision 2011

Volunteers from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions continued their annual projects to improve Nurture Home. The group, led by Charlie Neill, has been an asset to Nurture Home many years. Words cannot express our appreciation for this ongoing support.

 

 Belk Charity Sale  

 In last month's Charity sale at Belk, all of the funds that we were able to raise for the event went directly towards the shelter to offset the costs of housing the residents and their children. We  appreciate all who were able to participate in the event, and hope you were able to take advantage of the special savings offered that day! 

 

Bella MagazineBella Mag

This month's Bella Magazine (May 2011) includes a heartfelt article about Nurture Home, "Nurture Home Offers Hope to Homeless Women". Pick one up at your favorite eateries, shops, Kroger or Downtown area. 

 2011 Aiken's Cookin' with Celebrity Chefs

     

AC Cef Apron

SAVE THE DATE: 

FRIDAY, JUNE 10th

7:00-9:00 PM

AT RYE PATCH

FOR ADDITIOINAL INFORMATION

CALL 803-641-4164 

 

Thank you for your interest in our programs and the differences we strive to make through them!
 
Lisa