Mental Health Association in Niagara County, Inc.

Come one, come all!

Compeer Niagara participants gathered at the MHA for a potluck dinner, showcasing their culinary talents. Members enjoyed everything from salads to pies. A delicious way to wrap up summer! 🥗🥧🍽👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

You can see the latest edition of the MHA's "The Many Faces of Mental Health" on LCTV at the link below. Our guests were Larissa and Dan from Pinnacle Community Services.

The Many Faces of Mental Health - Pinnacle Community Services The Many Faces of Mental Health - Pinnacle Community Services

Celebrate the MHA turning 60 years old this year with us! Sponsor opportunities available, as well. Contact Dan Colpoys at [email protected] or 716-433-3780.

Compeer Niagara started the day with Monopoly in the park. 🛳 was the winner!

Which token is your go to?!

I call the top hat 🎩 !

Now through August 23, children and teens aged 18 and under can receive free food at two sites in Lockport.

8 Things to Do in the Moment if You Feel Overwhelmed by the News Cycle *Deep breath,* it's all going to be okay.

Hey, amazing community! 🌟
We’re excited to launch our Sock it to Stigma initiative, and we need your support to make a difference!

For the next TWO MONTHS, we’re collecting socks to donate to individuals in local mental health facilities. These cozy socks will not only provide comfort but also a sense of warmth and connection during challenging times. 💖

How You Can Help:

1️⃣ Donate Socks: Grab a pack of NEW;
white, colorful, fuzzy, or fun socks and drop them off at 36 Pine Street right here in Lockport during regular business hours.
Let’s fill that donation box to the brim! 🥳

OR

2️⃣ Donate via Text: Prefer to support from home? Not a problem! Text "stigmasocks" to 44321 to be sent a link where you can make a quick donation to help us purchase socks for those in need. 📲

Your contributions can help brighten someone’s day and remind them they’re not alone in their journey. Together, we can spread warmth, love, and support! 💞

Let’s kick off this drive with a BIG pour of donations because every sock counts!

Spread the word, tag your friends, and let’s make this a huge success! 🙌

Our Executive Director, Dan Colpoys, had the pleasure of being the guest on WLVL's, "Wake Up Niagara" show yesterday morning. You can hear what Dan had to say at the link below:

Wake Up Niagara - Hometown 1340 AM WLVL Wake Up Niagara - Locally owned WLVL is dedicated to providing Niagara County with programming that keeps residents informed and entertained. Whether you are looking for the most up-to-date local news, discussion of community issues, sports talk with award-winning game coverage, or for great deals f...

Hey, lovely community!

We believe that everyone deserves a little pampering and self-love, and what better way to kickstart that than with a fabulous giveaway! 🎁✨

What You Could Win:
A special self-care package designed to help you relax, recharge, and rejuvenate! 💖

How to Enter:

1️⃣ Like this post to spread the self-care love! ❤️

2️⃣ Subscribe to our mailing list via https://mailchi.mp/f664ac940856/mhainniagaracounty if you haven’t already! 📬

It's that simple!

🗓 Deadline to enter:
8/16!
The lucky winner will be announced the week of 8/19

So, are you ready to treat yourself?
Let’s get those likes and subscriptions rolling!

And remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity! 💪💕

We'll post a picture of the self care basket in the comments.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your community, and good luck! 🍀😄

not even us!

As it's August 1st, it's time for our first of the month Advocacy post.

Peer Support Specialists in the US aren't officially tracked by the Department of Labor as a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), making it hard to recognize their crucial work. As the MHA in Niagara County makes it a priority to hire peers, we feel this needs to change.
The SOC system, vital for workforce data and policy decisions, lacks a specific category for Peer Support Specialists. This oversight affects recognition and resources for the entire Peer Support profession.
The federal Office of Management and Budget is inviting public comments for the 2028 SOC updates. This is our once-in-a-decade chance to advocate for a dedicated classification. Accurate data could lead to better policies, funding, and training programs.
Share your experiences and advocate for change. Visit the link below to learn more, find a comment template, and submit your own comment. Your voice can help ensure Peer Support Specialists receive the recognition and support they deserve.
The deadline to submit a comment is August 12, 2024. Thank you for your dedication to peer supporters and those they serve.

Call to Action: Demand Official Recognition of Peer Support Specialists - National Association of Peer Supporters Background The exact number of Peer Support Specialists in the United States remains unknown because they are not officially tracked. This lack of data needs to be addressed, and you can play a part in making that happen. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, used by many federal ag...

Let's remember that the only version of ourselves that truly matters is the one we see and know to be true—not the perceptions others hold. Together, let's embrace and celebrate our true selves. 🌟

The MHA is proud to help put on this upcoming training. While it is faith-based, you don't have to be a member of the clergy to attend. Use the link to register. The training is free. Because space is limited, please do not register unless you are planning on attending.

Su***de Prevention Training for Faith Community Leaders – A Faith Based Approach
September 18, 2024 8:30am – 4:00pm
Colonial Heights Free Methodist Church
1310 Saunders Settlement Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Soul Shop for Leaders by Mental Health Association in Niagara County Soul Shop™ for Leaders is a one-day faith-based workshop designed for clergy, mental health professionals, and community leaders to develop soul-safe communities by eq...

Thank you all so much for the support. Stick around for a FREE giveaway within the next couple of days!

Here to listen: Downtown peer-to-peer counseling center makes safe spaces for 'tweens, teens and adults The Mental Health Association in Niagara County Inc. staffs a peer-to-peer counseling center at its longtime downtown Lockport location, 36 Pine St., and features a non-clinical setting in which clients

2024 NIAGARA COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE IS FINALIZED! July 31-August 4. Check it out online:
https://cceniagaracounty.org/niagara-county-fair/fair-schedule

Interested in the pre-employment academy? The 83rd academy will begin on September 3rd. The entry level physical agility test is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th at 9:00am.

If you are interested in signing up or have any questions, please contact the Co-Directors by email or at (716) 614-6830. You must pick up paperwork at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (Room G-223) prior to the PT test.

Each month Compeer Niagara and Community Missions-Niagara Vision PROS, team up to provide the opportunity for members to get together. This month everyone was feeling crafty!

Chuck was the first to make an origami fish. 🐠

Tolleena, Annette, and Darlene made tote bags from t-shirts. 👕🛍

Mike and Jessica worked on diamond art. 💎

Check us out on the MHA website mhanc.com
or call us 716.433-3780 to learn more.

Thank you so much to those who have donated already. If you want to support our mental health programming you have until 11:59pm today. Use this link to donate to the MHA during GIVE 716: https://give716.org/share/give716/68/charities/mental-health-association-in-niagara-county-inc
Remember you can win great gifts and your donations can be matched - see below.

Today at 7:16pm begins GIVE 716. You can donate to the MHA starting then or anytime before 11:59pm tomorrow (Tuesday the 16th) and have your donation matched or even win a cool gift. Thank you for thinking of us. Use this link to donate: https://give716.org/share/give716/68/charities/mental-health-association-in-niagara-county-inc

Happening this week! Please share & spread the word!

📣To learn more about this position and how to apply, please visit https://wnychildren.org/child-care-careers-wny

A reminder that the MHA, in collaboration with Love Never Dies, starts its weekly Grief/Loss Support Group this Friday, July 12th, at Heart, Love, and Soul in Niagara Falls this Friday at 9am. It's open to everyone. No RSVP is required.

Check out our latest edition of "The Many Faces of Mental Health" on LCTV at this link: https://trms.lctv.net/CablecastPublicSite/show/11406?site=1
Our guest this edition is Katie Burbee, Director of Clinical Program Development at Horizon Health Services

The Many Faces of Mental Health - Horizon Health The Many Faces of Mental Health - Horizon Health

The MHA will be participating again this year in the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres Foundations' GIVE 716 campaign. Starting on Monday July 15th at 7:16pm and ending on Tuesday July 16th at 11:59pm, donors can have their donations to the MHA matched, be eligible to win cool gifts themselves, and support our agency's mental health programs and services (see graphics below for details). You can use this link starting on the 15th to donate: https://give716.org/share/give716/68/charities/mental-health-association-in-niagara-county-inc