July 2022 eNewsletter
A note from our Executive Director
Working to meet the needs of our community
I know I say it often, but The Family Counseling Center has grown and expanded beyond the wildest imaginings of our founders. In 1976, the volunteers that came together had the goal of meeting the mental health needs of their community. Today, our work has not changed. Our growth, the addition of programs and services, the care and consideration we give to clients are all based upon that founding principle – to meet the mental health needs of our community.
This month, we are seeking to raise funds to help us continue that work. We are facing the highest demand in our history and we are working toward systems and programs to reduce wait-times for care.
According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the demand for mental health and addiction services continues to increase. In a September 2020 report, the National Council found that while the demand for services was increasing, the capacity to meet demand diminished because of the pandemic with 54% of organizations closing programs and 65% having to cancel appointments or turn away clients. Additionally, organizations have lost, on average, 23% of their annual revenue.
These numbers are two years old, but highlight that even before the pandemic demand was increasing while revenue was falling. Nationally, the current demand for services is up 400% over pre-pandemic numbers. We’ve been lucky. The Family Counseling Center has not had to cut programming and service but we need your help. Our staff is here to help clients and community members. The Family Counseling Center offers crisis assistance including a 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline, mobile school crisis counseling, and more.
Your support helps us provide these services to the community, to those in need. Our impacts and successes are directly connected to your donations, advocacy, and partnership. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Michael
P.S. Would you like to donate to our organization? Click here for more information.
Senate efforts highlight mental health access
The Family Counseling Center of Fulton County applauds the recent action of bipartisan lawmakers in the construction of a tentative framework to address increased violence. The tentative framework, though short, highlights the need for more mental health resources and access to care.
Help us by giving to our Summer Appeal
The impact COVID-19 has had on the mental health of children and adults alike means that the demand for our services is higher than ever before. With your help, we aim to provide services that will best meet the needs of our clients and our community.