Manheim Central /townlively
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 36
St. Paul’s UCC, Teen Central To Host Fall Fest BY FRANCINE FULTON
MHALC Presents CMAP During the COVID-19 shutdown, the Steinman Foundation wanted to respond to the needs of the community. One way the organization chose to do that was to focus on mental health, with a goal of making sure community residents felt supported in unprecedented times. The foundation reached out to Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC) to bring a Community Mental Health Assistance Plan (CMAP) to local workers. “They partnered with us because we had relationships with service providers and we’re able to support individuals beyond the project,” said Kim McDevitt, executive director of MHALC. MHALC turned to Philhaven/WellSpan as a consultant. “WellSpan runs an Employee
Assistance Program (EAP),” explained McDevitt, who added that the organization provided a lot of guidance in the best way to execute the plan, especially emphasizing that less than a quarter of each patient’s session should be spent on paperwork. “We wanted it devoted to getting to the (patient’s) story,” said McDevitt. “We want people to feel comfortable and to walk away with some tools, skills, and ideas on how to move forward with the angst or fear that they have.” MHALC hired Caryn Thompson to be the project coordinator. In early May, she began researching the best way to implement the program, amassing a list of nearly 70 providers, which was reduced to 10 providers based on grant applications. The final list represents a variety, from groups to individuals, with providers that offer bilingual services, those who
See Fall Fest pg 4
focus on seniors, one whose specialty is the Plain population, and more. “We wanted to make sure we (reached) everybody in the county,” Thompson said. By early June, Thompson was holding online training sessions for the providers to let them know what was expected and to explain the documentation they needed to complete so that MHALC will have the demographic information needed to continue the program. McDevitt explained that the program is designed as an approach to the increase in anxiety, depression, and other fear-related behaviors associated with the shutdown. “We have seen an increase in police calls, and crisis outreach is starting to tick up now,” she said. Lancaster County residents who are in need of professional support may call MHALC at 717-397-7461 on
One of life’s greatest tragedies is when a parent loses a child. But some grieving parents have been able to transform their heartbreak into positive efforts to benefit the community. Such is the case with Stacy Emminger, executive director of the Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance (DSAA), which supports those in recovery and provides assistance to families that have a loved one with addiction issues.
See MHALC pg 2
See DSAA pg 4
DSAA Seeks Donations For Care Kits BY FRANCINE FULTON
INSIDE THIS ISSUE A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER . . . . . .3 AARON’S ACRES OFFERS PROGRAM . . .3 HOUSE OF WORSHIP . . . . . . . .6 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . .9 BUSINESS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . .12
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(Rt. 741 & 324) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster
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Essential workers in Lancaster County who are struggling with the emotional effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for a new program that provides three free sessions with a therapist. The program is funded by the Steinman Foundation and administered by Mental Health America of Lancaster County.
Children and their families from the Manheim community are invited to a Fall Fest to be held in the parking lot at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (UCC), 50 N. Main St., Manheim, on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. The rain date for the event will be Sunday, Oct. 4. The Fall Fest, being presented by St. Paul’s UCC and the Teen Central youth center, will feature a variety of fall-themed games, along with music, crafts, prizes, food and beverages. Admission and activities are free and open to all. Social distancing protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe during the event. “All of the food will be individually packaged and served in a safe format,” explained Janelle Heying, Teen Central executive director. “Anything (that children) touch whether they are coloring or doing crafts - they will keep. Masks are mandatory, and there will be plenty of hand sanitizer. Most of the stations will be spread far apart and the games will set up in a way that safe
social distancing will be maintained.” The Fall Fest is part of ongoing partnership between the two organizations. Heying noted that church members volunteer at the youth center and in the past the church has conducted Bible studies there as well. “They’ve always been a wonderful support both financially and volunteering their time and resources,” said Heying. “We will bring our volunteers to help out (at the Fall Fest), serve food and help with the crafts.” She noted that organizers are happy to provide a free, fun family activity in a time when a lot of events are being canceled. “We are excited to bring people together in his way,” she said. “Last year, we served between 80 and 100 people. This year we are preparing for 120. We are hoping to have another great turnout.” Teen Central is located at 15 S. Wolf St., Manheim. For more information about the center and the programs and activities offered for youths, readers may visit www.teencentralmanheim.org, call 717-664-2990 or search for “Teen Central Manheim” on Facebook.