Serenity Behavioral Health Systems holds resource fair at May Park
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- A local mental health organization is helping multiple nonprofits come together to be a helping hand to those who need it.
“Having everyone out here today and seeing everyone get haircuts, get resources, it just shows how far Augusta’s coming along…,” Grace G. said.
Grace G. says everyone has a story.
“Everybody has something special to offer somebody else. Words of encouragement, a place to stay, resources, items that they need…”
It’s her story that brought her to the Serenity Behavioral Health Resource Fair Thursday morning.
“I– I’ve been through a lot. I grew up well, but I’ve been through just * pauses * too much,” Grace G. said. “I would say to just keep the holy spirit in your heart, and I think that’s the only way we can get through this world, just being a little more kind and peaceful to each other.”
Many local organizations attended the fair including Golden Harvest, Goodwill Industries, the Augusta Housing authority, the Department of Public Health and more.
“You have to treat the whole person, and there are lots of needs. Whether it be a light bill, food, clothing– all of those things– and all of these partners provide those resources so that our patients succeed, and that’s huge, and that’s a better community,” Department of Public Health’s LisaAnn Wheeler said.
“It gives them some self-esteem, some confidence– then they’ll be able to contribute back in to the community. They’re working, they’re giving, they’re donating, they’re on the other side of the table…,” Serenity Behavioral Health Systems’ Karen Drumgoole-Paschal said.
Those who helped with Thursday’s resource fair, and those who attended say events like these help bridge gaps in the community.
“We are all one situation away from a lot, and we have to remember that. And you see it all the time, a job loss– that can impact everything…,” Wheeler said.
“It’s just a relief when you see somebody who gets you, who can empathize with that part of you, or even just sympathize with that part of you. People don’t have to experience something to– to understand that they might not understand the full story, and that’s where we have to– that’s where we have to get to,” Grace G. said.
Event organizers say they try to host the fair at least once a year but are thinking of holding it again this fall.
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