The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 13, 2013) – In 1983, tired of travelling as far as New York City for support, a small group of family members joined voices in Sullivan County and formed a local grass-roots organization known at the time as AMI (Alliance for the Mentally Ill).  Taking over the incorporation of a then-defunct Mental Health Association, the organization filed a d/b/a as Friends and Advocates for Mental Health (FAMH).  From day one, the mission was to expand services and enrich the lives of individuals recovering from mental illness and their families. Thirty years later, countless  family members have received support, education and referrals and hundreds of individuals recovering from mental illness have received the benefit of social and recreational programs provided by FAMH, the Sullivan County affiliate of NAMI.

On Thursday, October 3, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., FAMH will host a 30th Anniversary Cocktail Party at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill. The  organization will be honoring Assemblywoman, Aileen Gunther with the Morris Gerber Memorial Advocacy Award. Assemblywoman Gunther (photo above right) has been a staunch mental health advocate for many years and was recently named Assembly Chair of the Mental Health Committee.

Also being honored will be FAMH Executive Director, M. Lori Schneider (photo left), MS on her 25th Anniversary with the agency.

Tickets are $30 for the cocktail party and reservations are being accepted thru September 19th. An anniversary Journal is also being compiled.  For additional information, please phone 845-794-1029.