Empowering People: The Community Foundation & The Spark Mill
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, or MHAfred, had the good fortune to take part in The Community Foundation’s Strategic Planning cohort that was led by The Spark Mill. Over the course of four months, the team met four times. These sessions were commonly four to five hours long, ensuring all information was carefully reviewed. Every meeting had a distinct goal that incorporated feedback from the MHAfred board, in addition to the staff.
Who is The Community Foundation?
The Community Foundation makes giving easy. People can contribute to The Community Foundation, which efficiently channels resources to benefit the community. They have many ways to give and contribute. Such as, Youth in Philanthropy, The Women & Girls Fund, The Community Relief Fund, and more! Building relationships in the community allows us to expand our reach to the people who need it most.
Who is The Spark Mill?
The Spark Mill operates as a consulting firm, specializing in tailored solutions with meticulous attention to detail. They are excellent in cost-effective planning methods that enable organizations to reach their goals and accomplish long-term success. As stated by The Spark Mill,
“We see our role as a guide in a collaborative process, where together we walk through your dreams and visions and turn them into reality.”
What are the next steps?
Together, we began outlining our vision and working with stakeholders to acquire some external data about how Mental Health America of Fredericksburg impacts the community. After that, we set out to gather some internal information so that we could start formulating our strategy to expand the programs offered by Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. We asked questions, got answers, and began implementing our plan to embed MHAfred deeper into the community.
At Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, we cannot wait to achieve our goal of helping more people in the community who require access to behavioral healthcare. We will accomplish this by expanding our outreach, strengthening our community connections, adding more providers to our MHAfred HELPLINE database, and offering peer support services.
Follow MHAfred’s Journey by following us on Facebook & Instagram!
Visit our website to learn about upcoming events!
“Julia Melton: You Are Not Your Diagnosis.”
Julia Melton, United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, stopped by the MHAfred home office to share her story. The staff quickly saw how she stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience in a world where mental health battles often remain behind closed doors. As United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, she is using her platform to spread awareness and end the stigma.
Julia carries a powerful message on her advocacy journey, “You are not your diagnosis, and you are more than the stigma of the mental health battle you are facing.” The United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast is using her platform to make a difference.
The Struggle Within
The journey of USOA Mrs. Southeast has not been an easy one. Julia has personally navigated the complexities that come along with mental health challenges. Her journey has ignited her passion to end the stigma that surrounds mental health.
Julia Melton shares her mental health journey openly, honestly, and candidly on her blog, The Eagles View – The Jewl of the Burg.
Partnering with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg
The United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast is committed to spreading awareness beyond her own healing. This year, she is partnering with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, an affiliate of Mental Health America.
Our nonprofit is dedicated to promoting mental wellness, providing resources through community-based programs, and eradicating the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Together, we aim to create a more compassionate and understanding community; a community where seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage.
Join USOA Mrs. Southeast & Mental Health America of Fredericksburg!
The United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, Julia Melton, is currently campaigning for the title of United States of America’s Mrs. 2024. If you are interested in helping spread the message of destigmatizing the label of mental health diagnoses, consider donating or becoming a sponsor today! Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for mental health awareness.
Become a Sponsor – The Jewl of the Burg
MHAfred’s partnership with the United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast is an example of the power of working together towards a common goal. Follow along as USOA Mrs. Southeast and MHAfred use teamwork to break through the stigma of mental health diagnoses. Follow the journey of USOA Mrs. Southeast, Julia Melton:
Instagram: USOA Mrs. Southeast | Julia Melton (@usoamrssoutheast) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: USOA Mrs. Southeast | Facebook
Website: The Jewl of the Burg
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, crisis, or need immediate assistance, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. To reach a volunteer crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.
To find mental health providers that are tailored to your needs, visit MHAfred HELPLINE to search our online database of providers or call us at (540) 371-2704.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Strategic Supporters Helping At-Risk Teens
Each year, Strong Tower Church donates to MHAfred’s annual campaign to help ensure the continuation of critical services to our community. Over the last two years, their generous support, along with the Fredericksburg City Chapter of the NAACP and Mary Washington Hospital Foundation, has helped at-risk teens attend therapy sessions through Mental Health America of Fredericksburg’s partnership with Youth Life Service (YLS). Most recently, The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region has awarded MHAfred funding in support of after-school therapy sessions for at-risk youth. Keep reading to learn more about how these partnerships are impacting our community.
Would you consider donating to continue these services helping local teens?
Congratulations to Reina – We Miss You Already
Reina is a valued member of our team at MHAfred, starting as an intern she proved her worth over and over again. When she graduated from UMW, with a degree in Psychology, we offered her a part-time position while she searched for her career position. Today, May 9, 2024, is her last day with MHAfred, and she starts her dream job with the Registrar’s Office of the University of Mary Washington tomorrow. We will miss her cheerful and helpful addition to the office but look forward to her continued support as a volunteer.
Reina wanted to share her experience working here with us at MHAfred:
My time at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg has truly made an impact on me professionally and personally. I have learned invaluable skills that cannot be taught in the classroom, which also helped position me for my new job.
One aspect of this internship I genuinely appreciated was that the experience was specifically curated to reach my professional and personal goals, which allowed for truly unique mentorship opportunities. For example, wanting to have more confidence when speaking in public, I was provided with the support and opportunities to enhance that skill, including representing MHAfred at community events outside the office. My favorite event was Chart Your Future hosted by Stafford County Public Schools. I enjoyed sharing with students about the mental health resources available to them and hearing their stories.
It has been a very special experience to see the impact this organization makes on the community, and I am grateful to have been able to witness this personally. It has truly been an honor to be a part of an organization that cares about the community and will go above and beyond to help those in need.