There aren’t too many things that stand the test of time and actually improve after turning 60 years old, but Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAF) is one of them. Founded in 1955, MHAF has continued to fulfill its mission to improve the mental health and wellness of the people in our community, and Fredericksburg is all the better for it.

Current MHAF director, Lynn DelaMer, notes that in the 1950s there was a philosophy shift of people being deinstitutionalized from mental and state hospitals, and this area wasn’t prepared to offer support and services for those with mental health problems. MHAF was founded by doctors, judges, and other prominent members of the community in order to address that need, and provide a support structure for those individuals.

Over the 60 years that MHAF has been in Fredericksburg, they have addressed many gaps in services and support. Some have become such a large part of our community that you may not have realized MHAF established many of the mental health services that we consider to be a staple today. They founded what is now the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (then the Mental Hygiene Clinic) in1956, and the Kenmore Club was created in 1964 to address socialization issues. Goodwill Industries was established in 1968 (then Opportunities Unlimited) as a sheltered workshop for those with disabilities, and Rappahannock Legal Services was created in 1974 (then The Society).

As they continue to identify and meet new areas of need, MHAF has also established the Senior Visitors Program, Suicide Prevention education programs, and has advocated and helped to foster peer support programs such as Recovery in Motion. Advocating for public policy is another big part of their mission, as well as creating support groups, and maintaining their valuable mental health resource list, which is available through their Mental Health HelpLine or online.

“When you look at our growth from 1955 to 2015, you can see that we live our mission to connect people with services, educate the public on mental health, and identify gaps that aren’t met by mental health providers,” says DelaMer.  “The kindness of our community keeps us going.”

Funded completely by local support, MHAF hopes to carry on its mission for the next 60 years by continuing to identify problems and solutions that will make our community stronger and one that values the services it provides to those with mental health needs.

After retiring and living independently for several years, Dick suffered a stroke and began having symptoms of memory loss.  Given his health changes, it was necessary that Dick move in with his daughter.  In addition to his loss of independence, friends and community, Dick’s daughter works all day.  Dick’s daughter recognized that her dad was really lonely and disconnected.  She heard about the Senior Visitors program and called to see how he could get enrolled.  She explained that her dad’s isolation and loneliness often led to him sleeping all day.  The Program Director met with Dick.  Dick expressed that he felt little pleasure in activities now.  He worried about his health, loss of independence, and finances.