By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Mental Health Awareness Week is Oct. 4-10.
The goal for Mental Health Awareness Week, which the U.S. Congress established in 1990, is to promote a broader understanding of mental illness through community dialogues, educational forums and engaging events. The week is also intended to highlight that stigma is a major barrier for many who need mental healthcare, according to a proclamation Mayor James “Jay” Taylor read during the last Township Committee meeting.
To help fight stigma, raise awareness about mental illness and support the mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness, the Woman’s Club of Cranbury is selling seed packets and pins.
The seed packets cost $1 and the pins cost $5 each. They are available to anyone who would like to support NAMI.
“Our club has been selling the seed packets since last fall and had them for sale at our table/tent on Cranbury Day,” Woman’s Club of Cranbury President Sue Westerberg said.
In addition, the club’s general meeting on Oct. 7 will feature “In Our Own Voice,” a program created by NAMI that includes guest speakers telling their personal stories about living with mental illness and the recovery process.
Anyone who would like to attend the meeting or purchase seeds or pins can call Ms. Westerberg at 609-655-5659.
The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) selects a special state project to support every two years. The New Jersey chapter of NAMI is the state project for 2014-16.
Last May, NJSFWC sponsored a walk/run in Point Pleasant.
“Our goal was to raise $5,000, but we far surpassed that and brought in over $18,000, which went to NAMI NJ,” Ms. Westerberg said.
She added that the Woman’s Club of Cranbury continues to support state projects from several years ago such as Women Aware, a facility in New Brunswick for victims of domestic violence and their children.
Last year, the club purchased 100 seed packets and gave them to the families of deployed servicemen and women at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
“We sponsored an evening gathering of their Hearts Apart program, which is part of their family support services,” Ms. Westerberg said. “The seed packets were placed in a cellophane package with chocolates from David Bradley.”
Founded in 1898, the Woman’s Club of Cranbury has served the community for more than 100 years on local, state and national projects and programs that make a difference in the lives of others. Members enjoy cultural, educational, and social activities while having fun and making new friends.
To find out more about the club and becoming a member, visit http://www.womansclubofcranbury.org.
Anyone who needs help with or services regarding mental heath can call the NAMI help line at 800-950-NAMI or can email info@nami.org. For information about NAMI affiliates in the area, visit www.nami.org/Local-NAMI?state=NJ.
