MHA Aiken County held its Annual Meeting last month. With members of our Board of Directors, staff, and the Director of SC MHA, we talked about our accomplishments and discussed plans for the future of our agency. The outcomes below reflect the number of individuals served and why are supports are so vitally important.
Education and Advocacy
564 people were supported in 2012.
- Suicide prevention for students
- Referrals and support by phone
- Support to bereaved survivors of suicide
- Depression screening to college students
- Confidential access to self-assessment tools
WHY? Because 1 in 4 people over the age of 18 lives with a diagnosable mental health condition.
Welcome Baby
260 people were supported in 2012.
- Critical information regarding infant care provided
- Local resources and referrals provided
- Basic necessities and special baby gifts provided
- Emphasis on mothers' post-partum mental health
WHY? Because welcoming an infant into the family is an adjustment both physically and emotionally.
Operation Santa
461 people were supported in 2012.
- Christmas meal and gift exchange
- Thanksgiving meal with music and fellowship
- Spring Picnic
WHY? Because social interaction is critical for individuals living with a diagnosed mental disability.
Nurture Home
- 44 homeless people were supported in 2012
- 20 women and 24 children housing
- 6 women delivered healthy babies while in NH
- 14 women found jobs
- 3 enrolled in higher education
- 11 families moved from NH into permanent housing
WHY? Because single mothers represent the highest percentage of homeless in the United States and because children who are homeless have increased health problems, poor academic performance, are more likely to have emotional and behavioral issues and to be exposed to criminal violence.
Years ago, I attended a seminar on fundraising. The speaker, an expert in philanthropy, was emphatic as he shared what most donors feel is most important to know...Why should I care? I hope the information above is helpful in understanding our agency's critical impact. In the coming year, you may be approached by one of our board members advocating on behalf of our agency in an effort to increase our financial stability. I hope you will recall some of the descriptions here and respond by joining us in our efforts to promote positive mental health in Aiken County. You may "Donate Now" by clicking on the link to the left or send donations to MHA Aiken County, PO Box 1074 Aiken, SC 29805