Through strategic planning, we redesigned our programs to serve as a "buffer" for life's stressful and often debilitating circumstances.  Our programs are often an individual's only source of support. Other times, our programs complement and strengthen an individual's unique reserve of support.This year, MHA Aiken County served a total of over 1400 individuals.  We provided emotional and physical support to close to 300 adults living with mental illness through 3 separate social events under our Operation Santa program. We supported over 500 new parents through Welcome Baby, providing them with a positive resource to begin the journey of parenthood. Through Nurture Home, we provided a temporary home to 25 homeless, single mothers and 23 children and successfully transitioned 19 of these families into employment and housing. We provided critical information to Aiken County teachers about the incidence of depression and suicide in students. We provided a child-friendly approach to mental health through our Don't Duck Mental Health initiative to elementary school aged children. Our ongoing support to an increasing group of bereaved Survivors of Suicide has become a mainstay for individuals affected by suicide. Just last week, a friend and colleague said to me, "Your agency is just beginning to be back on the forefront. People are really starting to notice the work you do." What a compliment and a fitting statement as we are also seeing this positive trend.

 

I invite you to join with us and become a "Friend of MHA Aiken" as we approach the end of 2012. Your support will enable us to continue our trend towards viability and sustained success. More importantly, it will enable us to continue our critical supports to the community. Please consider making an on-line donation using the link in the left column or by mail to MHA Aiken County, PO Box 1074, Aiken, SC 29802. All donations will be acknowledged with a receipt. 

 

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