Those closest to me know that working at MHA has been a gift since 1998. When I started my career at MHA I had one child and was recently married and ready to change the world, a typical young social worker. Lucky for me, MHA was a great place for me to learn and grow, professionally and personally. I never imagined the knowledge I would learn would one day benefit my own family.
You see, no one is immune to mental health and substance use disorders. We have been there...right where many families sit...in the scariest days of your life where you wonder where you went wrong, what you could have done differently, and what else you can do. You are desperate for any ounce of hope.
While our life isn't perfect, we are blessed to be given the gift of another day to do more, to become the people we want to be...the best versions of ourselves. I colleague once said to me, " I'm a dealer. I'm dealing hope...you want some?" His smile was contagious and his energy for life was like I have never witnessed before. He saved lives just by simply talking about hope. His conversations almost always started with "Would like like a stick of gum?" It was his way of "breaking the ice" and getting your attention. Thank you Jim, for teaching me to think differently, act with kindness, and value the gift of life.
I hope that you will support me and MHA as we help people find recovery. Recovery from mental and substance use disorders is the hardest work I've ever witnessed- it truly is a bumpy, curvy, snowy, messy road trip, however, the exits along the way can be remarkably beautiful.
Liz Atwell