SEC H A TL ITOHN \ \H E A D E R \ \
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Offers Bevy of Free Resources Mental health matters — nothing else does more to shape the course of our lives, according to the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. As individuals, our mental health influences all of our perceptions, experiences and relationships. As a community our collective mental health forms the foundations of our homes, schools, neighborhoods and businesses. It doesn’t just affect everyone – ultimately it connects everyone and helps us build up the community we share. MHA is saving families, saving lives and makes our community whole. The MHA says it is in the community for everyone, regardless of age or circumstances, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Helping children The MHA helps children to learn mental and emotional resilience at a young age, which will help them adapt to the situations and setbacks they will face throughout life, and to become the strong, stable citizens our community needs. The activities and support the MHA provides give children the emotional, social and cognitive skills they will carry throughout their lives into the classroom, the workplace and the home.
• Provides guidance and information to first-time parents. • Ensures that every child has a developmentally appropriate learning environment and that early childhood educators have the resources they need to ensure each child’s success. • Works with parents and educators when children display behavioral issues in preschool or child care situations. • Provides resources, events and activities to educate and engage families, educators and children.
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Helping families The MHA knows that some family situations present challenges that affect everyone in them. They disrupt entire families and can leave children without a stable or permanent home. This can
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To prepare children for success and stability the MHA works in the following ways: