Message from the Executive Director and
President of MHA-NYC
Dear Friends,
We have had an extraordinary year. The Mental Health Association
of New York City created innovative resources and assisted tens of
thousands of people- over the phone, online, in print, and in
person.
More than 130,000 people called LifeNet, New York's only
multi-lingual accredited crisis hotline, 10,000 more than the prior
year. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline recently received
our three millionth call from people seeking light during their
darkest hour. We provided safe, supportive housing for people who
would otherwise be sleeping on the streets, in subways, or in
shelters. Our Adolescent Skills Centers made it possible for young
people across New York City with mental health challenges to
achieve their academic and vocational goals. Our Family Resource
Centers helped hundreds of families learn the skills and access the
supports they need to care for their children with emotional
challenges. Our staff provided all of these services with skill,
expertise, dedication and profound respect for the individuals we
serve.
Today, MHA-NYC is a leader in using texting, web chat, and
instant messaging, to address mental health crises. This year, we
continue to use technology to disseminate our message that mental
illnesses are treatable, recovery is possible, and that shame and
stigma impede healing. Through collaborations with some of the
world's leading technology companies like Google and Facebook, we
are ensuring that the people who can benefit from our services have
access to them when they need them.
Our innovative 9-11 Healing and Remembrance Program merged
online outreach with offline support. MHA-NYC enabled more than two
hundred individuals and families from across the world to
participate in 9/11 tenth anniversary commemorative events. When
people from across the country needed to talk about their feelings
about the anniversary, we were here to help with MHA-NYC's 9-11
Healing and Remembrance hotline.
As we look to the future, we do so with optimism and great
energy. We are planning for the launch of Harlem Bay Network PROS-a
state of the art recovery oriented program for adults with a
serious mental illness. Always ready to respond to emerging needs
or crises, MHA-NYC has established a partnership with the United
Federation of Teachers to set-up and run the BRAVE anti-bullying
hotline to help stem the tide of the disastrous mental health
consequences of bullying.
Throughout every life stage-from helping children achieve
optimal social and emotional development to advocacy for older
adults-we are making great strides in serving people in need.
The dedication of our staff, the commitment of our Board of
Directors, the support of our partners and the faith that you all
place in us makes our work possible. We thank you for everything
you do for the people we serve.
Sincerely,
