Posted on

Community Spotlight: Shining a Light on Mental Wellness – Monadnock Family Services

Monadnock Family Services

In the heart of our community, Monadnock Family Services (MFS) serves as place of hope amidst the challenges of mental health. Working hand in hand with our community hospital, MFS provides essential mental health services that uplift individuals and families throughout the Monadnock region.

Mental health challenges touch countless lives, often shrouded in stigma and fear. These are the stories that fuel MFS’s mission, “to be a source of health and hope for people and the communities in which they live.”

Monadnock Family Services (MFS) is a vital resource in our community, providing a comprehensive range of mental health services and support to individuals and families in need. They are 1 of 10designated mental health service providers in the state of NH. In addition to their new Keene mental healthcare center, MFS has an office in Peterborough so that they can better serve children and adults living on the eastern side of the Monadnock region.

Dedicating Resources to Those Who Need Them Most

In a recent interview Kathy Waters, MFS Director of Development said, “Our people have serious mental health challenges, most of them are living in poverty, 75% of our clients are on Medicaid, some of them are experiencing or at risk for homelessness.”
The statistics are startling: according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness in a given year. In New Hampshire, over 200,000 adults have a mental health condition (NAMI NH).

MFS understands that mental health isn’t a statistic – it’s about neighbors, friends, and even ourselves. They offer a compassionate hand, providing essential services like counseling, medication management, support groups, adult day programs and school-based counseling.

Collaborating closely with MCH, MFS ensures that individuals in crisis receive timely support and intervention. By offering acute care services and innovative solutions, this partnership alleviates the strain on emergency departments and hospitals, providing holistic care that extends beyond medical treatment. As a designated mental health service provider in the state of New Hampshire, MFS plays a pivotal role in addressing the critical need for mental health treatment.

MFS’s success relies on community support.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Empower Yourself with Knowledge:
    Learn about mental health conditions and how to support those who struggle.
  • Break the Stigma, Spark Conversation: Talk openly about mental health. Share your own story or amplify the voices of others. Let’s normalize the conversation and encourage people to seek help.
  • Become a Champion for Change:
    Advocate for mental health awareness and resources. Speak out against stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.
  • Fuel Hope with Action:
    Invest in the future of mental health by supporting MFS financially. Their website offers secure and easy donation options.
  • Deepen Your Understanding:
    Join MFS’s book discussion series on “The Anxious Generation” throughout May and June. Learn more and connect with others who care about youth mental health. Contact Kathy Waters for details.

Together, let’s stand as advocates for mental health.
Together, we can foster a community where everyone feels supported, understood, and empowered on their path to wellness. Let’s celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, nurtured by the compassion of organizations like MFS.

Because when we stand together, hope blooms for everyone.
Thank you, Monadnock Family Services, for making a difference.
If you or anyone you know needs urgent assistance for a mental health emergency, please call 1-833-710-6477.

Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NewHampshireStateFactSheet.pdf

Monadnock Family Services