Mental Health Community Centers celebrates Mental Health Month with Matching Campaign.

During the month of May, Mental Health Community Centers, Inc (MHCCI) is celebrating Mental Health Month with a matching campaign. As there is no Giving Challenge this spring, MHCCI has created their own match through their wonderful donors, providing a match up to $6,500. All donations made to MHCCI during May, Mental Health Month, will be matched, up to $6,500. This is a wonderful opportunity to support MHCCI as they work to de-stigmatize mental health.
Download MHCCI’s Mental Health Month selfie page and share why you support mental health. MHCCI’s Executive Director shared that she supports mental health because “together we can break the stigma of mental illness.” New Program Director Sarah Joiner supports mental health because “information and awareness must increase.” Board member Edward James III share he supports mental health because he “wants to remove the stigma” of mental illness and working on your mental health. 
MHCCI’s Mental Health Month campaign invites the public to share why they support mental health. The majority of MHCCI staff and board members are managing their mental health. This is considering anything from visiting a therapist, going to marriage counseling, being diagnosed with a mental illness, or having a family member with mental illness. It is important to destigmatize mental health as mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more so, which is why Program Director Courtney DeFrank supports mental health. 
MHCCI has four Wellness Centers in the area, in Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Arcadia. Each Wellness Center has on average 40 members. Members pay an annual membership of $40 to be able to visit MHCCI and participate in activities that help them manage their mental health. MHCCI also has a Supported Employment program, which helps adults managing mental health learn skills from resume writing to communicating with one’s supervisor and obtain employment. MHCCI’s Peer Assisted Liaison program provides members with a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist who is also managing mental health who provide them with support in the community. To learn more, visit www.mhcci.com.