Mental Health Association of Fayette County provides free services to area residents
Whether it’s assistance with day-to-day needs or transportation to take part in community outings, volunteers at the Mental Health Association of Fayette County are there to help clients with behavioral health needs.
Pam Bailor, chief executive officer of MHA, said the nonprofit provides a number of free programs to county residents.
Bailor said one of MHA’s longest-standing programs is the Oak House Drop-In Center in Uniontown. From Monday through Saturday, clients can participate in a variety of activities including board games, bingo and pool. They can also spend time in the community, taking trips to parks, baseball games or theater performances.
Other programs assist individuals with daily needs, from preventing homelessness to managing finances. Bailor said the nonprofit also runs the Payee Program. The organization manages the bank accounts of about 100 clients who receive Social Security benefits, to help them pay bills.
Helping Hands is another one of MHA’s programs.
“We noticed several years ago when individuals in our other programs would stop taking their medication or their medication wasn’t working as well, they would end up losing everything they had gained,” Bailor said. “We will go in, pack up their possessions and store them until the person is released from the hospital or becomes stable enough to live on their own. This way, they don’t have to start back at zero.”
Bailor said those in need of mental health services can easily become overwhelmed in a complex situation. MHA helps by putting individuals in touch with the right agency and the right resources.
“It frustrates me when I hear there are not enough mental health (programs) out there. There are a ton of programs and supports but if someone isn’t helping them connect with those, they stop trying,” Bailor said.
Like so many nonprofits this year, they are operating on a shoestring budget and rely on fundraisers to help make ends meet.
“All of the funds we raise go directly toward supporting our clients,” Bailor said. “We often have someone come in who has lost everything, and they literally need clean clothes.
Follow Fayette County Mental Health Association on Facebook for additional ways to support MHA and its members.