The Need
Families in Harford County are suffering from the effects of mental illness. The moms, dads, brothers and sisters who care for someone with serious mental illness are frequently neglected. As a result hardworking caregivers feel isolated and stigmatized.
Purpose of the Program
- There are many caregivers struggling to cope with the stigma, isolation, and sadness of caring for a loved one with mental illness. Our peer support group is designed to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support. The group walks together through their shared personal experiences while utilizing a curriculum designed by The Grace Alliance.
Caregivers are Often Neglected
There are many families today affected by mental illness. Serious mental illness is life shattering. A child may become ill as they are entering college, or a spouse may gradually fade away and become unavailable to family. In each mental illness diagnosis there are multiple people who suffer. Caregivers of the mentally ill need special support. They do the heavy lifting of caring night and day for their loved one. Yet caregivers are often left out of the equation with the focus mainly on the one with the diagnosed mental illness. We want to change that.
Our Faith Based Peer Support Group Goals
By using good curriculum and working together to provide encouragement we want the group to be practical from a consumer standpoint, and spiritual from a Biblical standpoint.
Getting Involved
Our Living Grace Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Email Dan Fox at [email protected] for full details.
Next Steps
The group is now open to the community and to local churches. We’re seeking to get the word out to the churches by calling and sending them information. If you would like to help spread the word email Dan Fox at [email protected] We will email you fliers and also be glad to set up a time to talk to you.
We would also like to see this program expand out into horticultural therapy.
The Grace Alliance Website
