Skills Unlimited, Inc.
For Persons With Disabilities
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News & Events
Agencies Join in Walk for Mental Health
HUNTINGTON, NY - September 26, 2005 - For the third year in a row, Skills Unlimited joined other agencies, advocates, clients, and families in planning, sponsoring, and participating in the Long Island Festival and Walk for Mental Health. This annual event is held in the village of Huntington to enlighten and educate the public about mental health issues. This year’s event, postponed from June to September 26 for weather reasons, was a sparkling success.
For the first time, Nassau service providers joined Suffolk agencies to present an island-wide forum. More than three thousand people from the mental health community walked down Main Street in Huntington to the village’s Heckscher Park, where they could visit booths from Skills and other agencies. Food and craft vendors also displayed their wares, and there were speeches and entertainment in the park’s bandshell. There was even a “balloon bounce” play area for youngsters in attendance.
Among the outstanding talent on display was our own Eve Schwartz, recreation therapist at SUCCESS, who sang two of her original songs while accompanying herself on the keyboard. SUCCESS’s art therapist, Liz Parks, displayed framed artwork at Skills’ information booth and sold two original pieces painted by Mary B at the SUCCESS program. Numerous attendees requested information about service for themselves or family members and were very appreciative of the help they received at our booth.
In addition to providing information and entertainment, the Festival and Walk seeks to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. It is estimated that one in one hundred people develop schizophrenia, and one in three experiences some symptoms of mental illness during his or her lifetime. Particularly following the trauma of 9/11, the need to freely access treatment and other services is great, and we are proud to participate in this informative and enjoyable event to “get the word out” to the public.
Be sure to look for announcements promoting next year’s event!
