Join us at the first Annual DBSA Saratoga Mental Health Awareness Walk on May 21st at Saratoga Spa State Park. Click here for the flyer and registration/sponsorship form.
Category Archives: General News
DBSA Saratoga Mental Health Awareness Walk
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The Van Engel Music Appreciation Fund
Beverly Lazar sent the SCCCMH the following news item:
Van Engel Music Appreciation Fund
On May 14, 2010, friends and colleagues celebrated Dr. Ivan Engel’s retirement by giving him a gift where smiles and generosity join, a gift that will live on in Saratoga County long after he retires to Mexico. That gift is the formation of the “Van Engel Music Appreciation Fund”, intended provide individuals with mental illness an opportunity to participate in musical experiences, attend concerts in their local communities, and to receive lessons in creating their own music. This fund honors Dr. Engel’s love for music and his service to the mental health community.
Individuals affiliated with Friendship House, Transitional Services Association, Intensive and Supportive Case Management, and Saratoga County Mental Health Center are invited to apply for funds to enjoy area musical events or take lessons to create their own music. Interested individuals are encouraged to talk with their doctor, therapist, or case manager to obtain an application for funds. The application is easy to fill out. The total fund request cannot exceed $50 per person. Please provide the SCCCMH at least two weeks to process the request.
We appreciate the SCCCMH’s efforts in operating this special fund. If you are interested in donating, please forward a donation form and funds to the SCCCMH, noting that your donation is to be dedicated to the Van Engel Music Appreciation Fund.
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The 4th Annual Saratoga Palio Race
READY–SET–SAVE THE DATE! The 4th annual Saratoga Palio Race starts September 19, 2010. This 5K race continues to draw support from local families, athletes and enthusiasts. Not only was this race established in memory of Melanie Merola O’Donnell, a post-graduate student in the field of mental health will be presented with a scholarship. This scholarship is given annually to honor Melanie’s legacy and contributions in the field of mental health. A donation will also be made to support the inpatient mental health unit at Saratoga Hospital. To learn how you can lend your support, please visit The Saratoga Palio for more information.
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May 2010 News
On May 5, 2010, the SCCCMH held its annual dinner and fundraiser at Longfellow’s in Saratoga Springs. This dinner honored the SCCCMH Citizen of the Year for 2010, Betsy Gibbs.
Betsy Gibbs, has been with Unlimited Potential (UP) since 1989. She began her career as the evaluator and has been the Director of Rehabilitation since 2000. Betsy is also an active volunteer in numerous community projects. Unlimited Potential works with individuals with mental illness by increasing their vocational opportunities in Saratoga County. The organization provides training and employment services, and in addition, seeks to improve the quality of life for eligible seniors through their Golden Club.
Also, the SCCCMH-Saratoga.org website was unveiled at the dinner. The event included a buffet dinner, silent auction and entertainment provided by violinist, Stephanie Lounsbury. To make a donation in honor of Betsy Gibbs, download the SCCCMH Donations Form.
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SCCCMH Annual Dinner and Fundraiser
The annual SCCCMH Dinner and Fundraiser is May 12, 2011 at Longfellows Restaurant. Chris Jasikoff will be honored as the “2011 Citizen of the Year”. This is also the major fundraiser for the SCCCMH with a silent auction and many raffles. For more information and to register, click here.
Christine Jasikoff was named as SCCCMH’s 2011 Citizen of the Year. Chris has made significant achievements in the last two years that benefit the mental health consumers and community in Saratoga County. Chris will be honored at the SCCCMH Annual Dinner and Fundraiser on May 12th.
Marjorie Zak of Saratoga NAMI said, “Chris saw a need for peer-run support groups in Saratoga County and got the training necessary to become a certified peer counselor from the depression and bipolar support alliance, a national organization. Then Chris established the Saratoga County chapter of the DBSA and now runs three support groups in the county. She also helped to establish a group in Schenectady County.”
Chris has been pro-active in the mental health community. She made presentations to several county and city organizations promoting the newly formed local support groups and as a result, Chris has helped reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. She is articulate and passionate and dedicated to her peers in the mental health community. Chris has earned enormous respect from those of us who are fortunate to know her.
Chris and the Saratoga Chapter of the DBSA are now planning the First Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk for May 21st in Saratoga Spa Park. Chris lives her life daily with dignity and grace, managing her illness while contributing to good mental health for all of us in the community.