Proceeds support Catholic Charities and mental health services in Allegany County
BUFFALO, N.Y., April 26, 2022 – In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Catholic Charities and more than two dozen businesses and organizations throughout Allegany County are partnering for Together for Mental Health: A Free Community Event to help raise awareness for and stop the stigma around mental health. Open to the community, the event is Friday, May 20 from 1-6 p.m. at Catholic Charities located at 67 East Pearl St., Wellsville.
“Wellsville High School students Isabelle Tinder and Felicity Morrison have really been at the heart of this event, from the initial idea to planning and fruition, to bring the community together around the central theme that it’s ok to not be ok,” said Anne Miles, Catholic Charities Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties district director. “The Wellsville and greater Allegany County community have really thrown its support around this theme. We thank them for their participation and look forward to a great event focused on one common cause – support for mental health.”
Debra Miller, Catholic Charities counselor in Wellsville, has developed and organized the event with the assistance of the teens.
“These young women have been so supportive and helpful in raising awareness and excitement among their peers for this event and I am grateful,” said Miller. “An art show and silent art auction is planned courtesy of the efforts of our local high school students, and a basket raffle courtesy of local businesses will raise funds to support the mental health services provided here in Allegany County.”
Pre-sale t-shirts are on sale now through May 8 at https://www.whiteimprints.com/store/c302/Wellsville_Catholic_Charities.html, which can be picked up and tie-dyed at the event. Blue Grass Country BBQ Food Truck will also be on-site with food for purchase.
Information and activities, including exercise and youth programs, yoga classes, family fun and a healthy eating presentation, will be offered by various community resources. Among those participating are Bikers Against Child Abuse Buffalo Chapter, Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center, AIM Independent Living Center, ACASA, The Arc Allegany-Steuben, Allegany County Mental Health Association, Ardent Solutions, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Catholic Charities, YMCA, Suicide Prevention Coalition, and Youth and Adult Compeer programs.
Watch the Main Street windows of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce as during the end of April the Chamber invited Catholic Charities to create a display of its services and the Together for Mental Health event. In addition, the Wellsville and Genesee Valley school districts and the Allegany County Department of Social Services have assisted with planning, support and awareness for the event.
If you’re in need of mental health support, Catholic Charities’ team of professional and highly trained counseling experts are available to assist families, children, adults and seniors with day-to-day troubles and serious concerns throughout Western New York. For more information on these or any of Catholic Charities’ programs visit, ccwny.org.
