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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Turner
Mental Health Association of Westchester Honors Community Mental Health Champion Barbara GeistWestchester County, NY, October 18, 2007- The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) will celebrate its “Community of Caring” at the annual gala on October 18, 2007 at the New York Athletic Club - Travers Island, in Pelham Manor, NY. NBC’s Meredith Vieira serves as the event’s Honorary Chair. Event Co-Chairs are Jeffrey H. Becker, Esq. and Jean L. Stone. Hosting will be Emmy Award winning co-anchor of “Today in New York”, Darlene Rodriguez. The Gala will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner and a performance by renowned jazz saxophonist Carmen Leggio and his quartet. The evening will then culminate in the presentation of MHA’s highest honor, The George R. Farnham Award to Barbara Geist. Barbara Geist has played an active role in the MHA community for over 31 years. After being elected to the MHA Board of Directors in 1975, she served as Chair of the Public Affairs Committee researching legislation that affected the agency’s goals. During her years as an MHA Board member, Mrs. Geist has served in many leadership positions including Vice President and Secretary. She currently serves as the Chairman of the Mental Health Subcommittee of the Community Services Board for Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health. Mrs. Geist is a member of the Board of the Center for Policy and Advocacy of MHA Westchester and NYC, and has been a participant in the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance. She continues to serve the community as an active volunteer, advocate and constant champion for the underserved and people with disabilities. Mrs. Geist will receive the George R. Farnham Award for her steadfast dedication and leadership in mental health. George R. Farnham (1914-1995) and his wife, Constance, were devoted supporters of MHA for over 40 years. During his many years as a Board member, George was known for his inspired leadership, wise counsel, and diligent efforts in advancing MHA’s work. Since established in 1996, this honor has only been given to three individuals: Jean L. Stone, Patricia H. Ogden, Esq., and Lois Cowan. MHA is dedicated to building a community of caring and provides many Child and Family Support Programs. Partners in Parenting (PIP) assists families who are at risk of abusing or neglecting a child to meet the challenges presented by homelessness, unemployment and serious mental illness. Children’s Case Management coordinates home and community-based services for children, whose serious emotional disturbances put them at risk of being placed in a hospital or residential facility. The Crossroads program assists young adults with a history of psychiatric hospitalizations to live independently. MHA programs help more than 11,000 Westchester residents live fuller, healthier and more productive lives each year through advocacy, education and direct services. The Mental Health Association of Westchester County, Inc. (MHA) is a not-for-profit organization
whose mission is to promote mental health in Westchester County through advocacy, community
education and direct services. MHA never turns away anyone in need of help because of income
level or lack of insurance coverage.
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