November 6, Eden Resort, Lancaster
Mental health concerns have become a much-discussed topic that affects individuals, families and even the workplace. It’s become a recognized and vital component of healthy living. In Lancaster, a group of women known as the “Silent Samaritans” has been addressing the subject for more than 30 years.
In 1996, Alta Landis, who was then a therapist at the Samaritan Counseling Center (now known as the Samaritan Center, it will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year) was struck by the disproportionate number of women who were seeking help but lacked the funds or insurance to obtain the center’s services. Even if they had insurance, oftentimes the co-pay was a financial burden.
Alta shared her concerns with Linda Peacock, a longtime volunteer and founding board president. The two decided to do something about the situation and arrived at the idea of hosting a luncheon and see what would transpire. They were convinced women would step up and be willing to help other women.
Calling the effort “Silent Samaritans,” the two planned a fundraising luncheon and invited women they knew to attend. To their delight, what would ultimately become an annual event raised $16,000.
Since then, the Silent Samaritans has only grown in strength and numbers. Over the past 30 years, 1,600 supporters have helped to raise more than $1.7 million, which has enabled other women to receive cost-free counseling and mental health services. Last year, for example, 65 such women benefited from more than 500 counseling sessions.
This year’s luncheon will be held Friday, November 6, at the Eden Resort & Suites. The program, Voices of Hope and Strength, Every Woman’s Story, will include speakers Dara Hager (a therapist for youth, who will discuss mental health needs for young girls and teens); Michelle Rybner (director of Clare House, who will address the holistic impact of mental health access in transitional housing); and Brandy Griffiths (who will share her story of starting as a clinical intern to becoming a resident therapist at Clare House). The event gets underway at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are needed.
Information: Samaritanlancaster.org
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