Lower Makefield residents Jeff Perkins, Heidi Hubert, Cliff Davis and Linda Davis orchestrated Band Together, an evening of live music, dancing, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres – all to support mental health services for children and teens. The fundraiser took place last month and raised more than $20,000 for Family Service Association of Bucks County’s Prevention and School-Based Counseling programs.
Perkins, Hubert and the Davises have all been personally impacted by suicide or have watched loved ones struggle with mental health challenges, so they banded together to make a difference.
“Suicide, addiction and other serious mental health issues must be addressed at an early age,” said Cliff. “We were happy to raise money to help support Family Service in its programs to educate and help children and teens.”
Family Service’s School-Based Counseling program provides services to students in 22 schools across seven school districts in Bucks County. Many families have difficulties attending a traditional outpatient clinic. This program enables children to receive counseling directly in the school they attend each day. Last year, the program’s School-Based Counselors held 3,367 sessions with students.
Family Service helps prevent suicide by answering calls on its CONTACT Helpline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. These phone lines are the foundation of the organization’s Suicide Prevention program. Staff and volunteers are specially trained in active listening skills and strategies for supporting people under emotional stress. Last year, Family Service received 18,301 Helpline calls and 2,029 Lifeline calls.
“We are so grateful for Jeff, Heidi, Cliff and Linda and their efforts to raise awareness and funds for these programs. Band Together was a tremendous success, and thanks to the efforts of these four community members, we will be able to provide much-needed mental health services to hundreds of children and teens in Bucks County,” said Dina Della Ducata, Family Service chief executive officer.
Events such as Band Together, grants and contributions from donors help ensure that these programs and services remain available for those who need them. Contact Joanne Bogrett, Family Service chief development officer, at 215-757-6916, Ext. 211, or [email protected], or visit fsabc.org for more information.
