Hi friends and family!! If you do not know, I work at Carrier Clinic as a Residential Counselor Shift Leader at the East Mountain Youth Lodge. I work in their Psychiatric Community Home with teenage girls ages 13-18 with psychiatric, emotional and behavioral difficulties, most of whom have a history of failed placements elsewhere, and who have experienced multiple traumas such as sexual abuse, abandonment, and loss. Many of my residents have been previously diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Impulse Control Disorder, Substance Abuse, and various other psychotic and personality disorders.

I, myself have suffered from severe anxiety for over 15 years. And it is NOT easy. I constantly tell my girls that “I wish I had someone at their age who understood me and knew what I was going through.” And now, I’m that person for them! It truly brings tears to my eyes that I can be that person for them and give them my never ending support and help them figure out ways to cope and de-escalate them from going into crisis.

So!! With that all being said, I need your guys helps to reach my goal and to support those suffering with mental illness.. We have to start the dialogue and end the stigma TODAY and I need your help. Please consider supporting in anymanner you can, the proceeds from this year’s Walk of Hope will benefit the Adolescent Courtyard Renovation. This will help provide our children a safe and healing recreational outdoor environment. Your gift will help us to help them.

Making a donation is easy and safe! Simply click on the "DONATE NOW" button and follow the prompts. You will receive an immediate thank you note/receipt for your tax deductible donation to this great cause!

http://give.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/site/TR/Events/HackensackUniversityMedicalCenter?px=1501275&pg=personal&fr_id=1830

Thanks so much!
Mason