Strolling in Support-South Shore Guidance Center Spring Fling Dog Walk

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies recently held its annual Spring Fling Dog Walk for Mental Wellness event in Freeport to raise awareness of mental health, bring the community together and support the South Shore Guidance Center. The free event was attended by more than 150 people and dogs, and it raised $8,000 toward its $20,000 goal to help expand the South Shore Guidance Center’s mental health services and advocacy efforts.

"This year’s event was a tremendous success and helped bring our community together in a meaningful way to support mental wellness,” said Lisa Burch, CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “The Spring Fling Dog Walk for Mental Wellness is an event we look forward to every year, and we were overjoyed by the incredible turnout. In addition to bringing together the community to endorse mental wellness and tangibly show the strength of support residents have for one another, the funds that were raised will further enhance our ability to provide necessary advocacy and counseling services throughout Long Island that truly make a difference in people’s lives. We are grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered to make this day a success.”

The sunny weather and picturesque setting provided a perfect backdrop for a day filled with family-friendly activities and a scenic dog walk through Cow Meadow Park. In addition, several community groups and prominent figures from throughout Freeport helped add excitement to the festivities including performances by the NJROTC and the Color Guard from the Freeport Union Free School District. The J.W. Dodd Middle School select chorale sang "America the Beautiful" and Village of Freeport Trustee Jorge A. Martinez also gave remarks about the importance of community support.

The more than $8,000 raised will be instrumental in supporting the South Shore Guidance Center’s comprehensive behavioral health services and advocacy initiatives. The organization’s goals include expanding access to mental health resources, providing critical support to those in need, and enhancing the Center's efforts to promote mental wellness within the community. To help contribute to the South Shore Guidance Center’s fundraising goals, please visit, https://www.epicli.org/fundraising/donation/.

“The success of the Spring Fling Dog Walk was a testament to the strength and generosity of the Freeport community,” said Irene Rodgers, Associate Executive Director of Development and Epilepsy Services of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “Participants came together to support a cause that touches many lives, demonstrating a collective commitment to improving mental health and wellness. The event also provided an opportunity for community members to learn more about the services offered by the South Shore Guidance Center and how they can get involved in future initiatives.”

The South Shore Guidance Center in Freeport is an outpatient behavior health clinic within the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. It provides a wide range of care for Long Islanders of all ages to accommodate the unique needs of children, adolescents and adults. This includes individual, group, and family psychotherapy, substance abuse treatment, crisis stabilization, and medication assisted treatment. The Spring Fling Dog Walk for Mental Wellness was one of many events scheduled throughout the month of May in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month.

For more information, visit www.epicli.org.