Date/Time
Date(s) - 28/04/2016
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location
Reflection Bay Event Center

Category(ies)

Staff Sgt. Ty Carter will be the featured speaker at the 2^nd Annual Mental Health Matters Fundraising Event on April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Reflection Bay Event Center, located at 12234 Shadow Creek Pkwy.

The event is hosted by Counseling Connections for Change, Inc. a non-denominational, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “Our vision is to strengthen mental health in Brazoria County and our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy individuals, families and community,” said Chief Development Officer Charlotte Selvera. The event precludes Mental Health Month in May.

Carter received the Medal of Honor for actions during the battle at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan. An outpost in Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province was surrounded by almost 300 insurgents who opened fire with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades the morning of October 3, 2009. Fifty-three Americans were stationed there; eight were killed in battle and 25 were wounded, including Carter, who suffered hearing loss, shrapnel injuries and a concussion.

Carter will share his struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress. He advises those suffering from post-traumatic stress to “get help.” While difficult, Staff Sgt. Carter adds that counseling is the only way to heal. Counseling Connections is committed to bringing mental health awareness to the community and reducing the stigma of mental illness.

“The greatest desire of Counseling Connections for Change, Inc. is to provide counseling and healthy relationship training to our clients without the burden of financial constraints,” said Chief Executive Officer Dawn Lawless, LCSW, LSOTP.

“Unfortunately, many of our neighbors are without healthcare benefits or receive state-funded benefits, which create an expense shortage between benefit reimbursement rates and operating costs,” said Lawless. “In 2015, we served 1,145 clients. We had to turn away 1,084 clients. The need for services is great. We have capacity issues. 26% of our services were provided to those who qualify for government assistance, including Medicaid, military benefits and the uninsured. Many of our clients depend on outside community support. Sponsor and individual contributions will help us continue to meet the needs of our clients,” she added.

All of the therapists with Counseling Connections are licensed through the state or are working on a graduate degree in the mental health field. “We integrate Christian principles with evidence-based interventions,” said Lawless.

Information about Counseling Connections for Change, Inc. as well as ticket and sponsorship information may be found at CounselingConnections.org.