MHAF Walk for Mental Wellness

by | May 10, 2016 | Events, Community, Resources

Gather your friends, family, and coworkers and join the 9th Annual Walk for Mental Wellness on May 14, 2016!
ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS 4 AM Wednesday, May 11. After that date, you may register at the Walk on Saturday, May 14.

When you walk, you support:

  • Helpline, a vital resource that connects people who need mental wellness resources with providers and support.
  • Teen Suicide Prevention, which offers teen education and peer support to help overcome teen depression.
  • Support Groups that provide friendly encouragement from others who understand critical mental wellness issues.
  • Senior Visitors, which provides trained volunteers to seniors who are isolated and lonely.

    • Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, founded in 1955 by local citizens, is our community’s oldest nonprofit 501©(3) charitable organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

    Serving the Rapphannock area for over five decades, MHAF exists to improve the lives of people with mental health problems by providing advocacy, education and services that improve access to quality mental health treatment and services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the uninsured and elderly.

    The MHAF provides education, advocacy and service to all people with mental health needs. They educate to promote mental health awareness and understanding and solve problems by advocating policies and by working with individuals and agencies in the community to respond to mental health problems and to meet needs.
    MHAF envisions a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free of stigma and prejudice.

    Senior Visitors Program through MHAF

    The Senior Visitors Program promotes independence and health for older adults — allowing them to live at home longer while staying connected to their community. The program matches socially isolated senior citizens with trained volunteers who provide weekly, home-based visits.

    There is no cost to the client since this program is part of our community service mission.
    Clients, usually 60+ years old, are lonely individuals in a situation that keeps them from getting out of their home or staying active in the community. If you would like to refer someone to the program, please fill out the client referral form.

    Volunteers, 18 years or older, are asked to commit 6 months of time to the program. Each week, they will visit their senior client for one hour. Some volunteers simply sit and talk; others go on an outing, do errands, visit the doctor, or find a common hobby to enjoy together. Volunteers can submit an application to get started. Once approved, an orientation class is required before being matched with a senior.

    For more information about volunteering for the Senior Visitors Program, or about how to refer a senior citizen to the program, please contact the Senior Visitors Program at 540-371-2704 or mhafred.org

    About Karen Koudelka

    Owner and Administrator of Virginia Home Care Partners

    Her connection with seniors began at an early age. “The elderly are my kind of people.” Karen has fourteen years of professional experience in both hospice and home care, she is devoted to her mission to Love people, Journey together and Make a difference. Partnership of excellence is her pursuit and joy.

    Karen is a Positive Approach to Care Dementia Certified Independent Trainer.
    Walking with her father through his journey with dementia inspired her to positively impact the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families.