Since 1984 FRIENDS OF THE ALEXANDRIA MENTAL HEALTH CENTER*, a not-for-profit group of resident-volunteers, has provided financial needs assistance to Alexandrians receiving mental health, intellectual disability, and/or substance use disorder services from the Department of Community & Human Services. The majority of these individuals have limited financial resources and need help when they are faced with emergency and special needs.

Friends of the AMHC also cosponsors community education events to reduce stigma, supports special activities for DCHS's mental health clients, helps purchase supplemental equipment for extended care residences, and advocates for mental health care programs.

Along with the services Friends of the AMHC provides year-round, your donation can also help us on a special project we are working on. Most of the youth we serve come from families who could never dream of having the means to send their children to summer camp. Being able to attend camp would provide these children with an opportunity to "learn to problem-solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility, and gain new skills to increase their self-esteem” in a safe, nurturing setting. (citation) The American Camp Association states "the camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally, and physically." (citation)

Here are some examples of young clients who would benefit from the summer camp experience:

• T, M, and J are three brothers who were removed from an abusive situation, and currently live with a family member who has done wonders for them. The boys have made dramatic improvements, particularly academically, but still have some ongoing issues. Their case manager thinks a summer camp experience would be wonderful, but their aunt cannot afford it.

• J is 9 years old and lives with her grandmother. She has been physically and sexually abused and is struggling in many settings. J is currently enrolled in a drama class that is being paid for by her tutor and finds this the most rewarding part of her life. J would love to attend a drama summer camp, but her grandmother has no resources to cover the cost.

• X is a 10 year old boy who went from being the class terror to becoming more manageable. He is still working on interpersonal skills and adapting to his parents’ separation. His little brother Y does not get as much attention as X. Their parents do not have the money to send the boys to camp, and it would be a wonderful experience for them.

Your donation will help Friends of the AMHC lend a hand, raise a voice, and foster understanding!

For further information and to learn more about our free mental health events, please see our newsletter.

*Friends of the AMHC was originally known as Friends of the Alexandria Community Mental Health Center.