May Marks Mental Health Awareness Month
Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans Offers Assistance and Services to Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Donna Betzer
Volunteers of America
(o) 504-486-8667 | (c) 504-722-9575
dbetzer@voagno.org
New Orleans (May 20, 2014) – According to 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 60 percent of adults with a mental illness went untreated. Here in New Orleans in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Volunteers of America is working to ensure that no one goes without mental health services available through its Mental Health Services and Creative Counseling Services programs.
Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans offers help to those with a diagnosis of mental illness or emotional disturbance through its Mental Health Services program. The program focuses on each person’s strengths, interests and abilities rather than their disabilities and assists individuals every step of the way including community coordination with housing, family functioning, education, employment, money management and of course mental health resources.
“Our goal is to ensure that those in need receive a full array of available appropriate services,” said Melissa Haley, Director of the Mental Health Services program. “We are hoping that through our Mental Health Services we can help individuals diagnosed with a mental illness to function optimally and enjoy life.”
For individuals that may be facing particularly difficult life situations, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans also offers Creative Counseling Services to the general community. Through this program, individuals can access counseling services from a licensed professional.
“Everyone has difficult situations they go though in life whether it is a death, family issue, depression or other major life changes. During these times of high stress and crisis they may need access to confidential family or group counseling,” said Elaine J. Lane, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Counselor Supervisor at Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans. “Through Creative Counseling Services, we are offering people support, hope and treatment for whatever situation they may be facing.”
If you are coping with mental illness or emotional distress, and want to learn more, please call 504-485-0147.
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About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men returning from prison, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart-and ultimately the spirit-of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.