Page 122 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

GIVING BACK healthy thinking
HELPS REBUILD LIVES
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
In response to the presence of stress and mental illness, the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi (MHASM) provides resources and support for those seeking mental wellness and recovery.
“We administer grants provided by federal and state agencies; are the state affiliate of Mental Health America and the State Outreach Partner of the National Institute of Mental Health,” said Kay Daneault, executive director.
The organization’s programs for people with a diagnosed mental illness include:
• A Drop In Center, which is a day program with learning opportunities in a social setting.
• Homeless outreach connecting folks to health services, a variety of resources and housing.
• Supportive housing for chronically homeless with case management and goal setting to independence.
Programs for the general community include:
• Mental Health First Aid to learn how to recognize and respond to people who may have symptoms of mental health issues or be experiencing a crisis, such as suicidal thoughts.
• Wellness Recovery Action Planning that gives people simple, safe and free tools to combat stress and build coping skills.
Daneault shares a recent success story about one of their HUD Supportive Housing participants who recently purchased her own home. “When introduced to us, she had been homeless for over a year. She had developed a mental illness after experiencing a life changing trauma,” she said. “As you can imagine,
she was timid and very worried about becoming homeless again. Through support she received from Supportive Housing Case Manager Nicole, she was empowered to move forward in her recovery and is now living independently and doing well.”
Ocean Springs Ribbon cutting.
The Kindness Rocks Project. Motivational hand painted rocks to be shared for motivation and taken for inspiration.
IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE
Mental Health Association
800-831-1700 of South Mississippi Helping Adults, Adolescents & Children every day
11150 Highway 49 North, Gulfport, MS 39503 | www.gulfportbehavioral.com
122 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2018 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
4803 Harrison Circle, Gulfport 39507 228.864.6274
www.msmentalhealth.org facebook.com/MHASouthMS https://twitter.com/mhasouthms