Mental Health Awareness Project Kicks Off

The CONNECT candlelight ceremony was held last Saturday December 3, 2011 at the recently decorated Gazebo in Jefferson Township.

CONNECT is a newly formed mental health project that arose from the impact of one too many suicides in the community. This project includes volunteers from all backgrounds and

The project's mission is to connect the township in mental health awareness, wellness and support. The primary goal is to engage the community to raise mental health awareness with the greater goal of unifying the community through a philosophy of mental health awareness, wellness, recovery and support.

The ceremony was led by Jefferson Township councilwoman and CONNECT member Debi Merz, with introductions by Celina Gray, former Executive Director of Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma.  Gray expressed the need for connecting and reaching out to others in order to stay healthy and well.

Reverend Ellen Bechtold, Pastor of Milton United Methodist Church, led the prayer and candlelight ceremony.

"The ceremony was comforting and hopeful as we declared names of those in need due to mental stigma and those that passed due to suicide," said CONNECT member Kristine Wisusen.

Upcoming events include a spring wellness forum.

If you would like to help with CONNECT mental health project, please call Kristine Wilsusen, 973-445-5476 or Reverend Ellen Bechtold, 973-697-3194.