Annual Appeal

You certainly do not need me to remind you of the impact of COVID. It is important, however, to highlight the mental health implications that have impacted your world. We have never seen anything like what we have witnessed over the last year and a half.

• There’s been a 30% increase in anxiety and depressive disorders.
• Alcohol and substance abuse has increased dramatically.
• Domestic violence has grown, and many healthy couples and congregations have had serious problems.
• Children and youth have suffered academically and emotionally.
• Educators, clergy, and those working in health care, are reporting significant levels of burnout.

As a result, the demand for services has never been higher, and we are unable to keep up with the need. Unfortunately, the demand for mental health services in the community continues to grow at a rate that has overwhelmed providers and limited the availability of services. One study even suggests that behavioral health centers have had to cut services, worsening the wait time for treatment. Our staff is overwhelmed, but desperately wants to do more.

OUR DREAM!! Our dream at Samaritan is to expand our capacity to better serve the mental health needs of our community. To expand, however, we need additional financial resources to attract new therapists as well as provide the financial ability to make our center sustainable during these challenging times.

Your Donation will help meet that demand. With increased contributions we will be able to hire additional staff with a variety of specialties to help meet this unprecedented demand.

In the midst of these incredibly challenging times, that exceed what we have previously witnessed, we are asking you to help be part of the solution.

Please help us continue to be an oasis of hope and a facilitator of renewed relationships in the midst of a community desperately asking for increased mental health services!

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, we rely on the generous donations that our Active Samaritans, and GE match provides. For donors who are 70½ or older, you can make a contribution directly from your traditional IRA to a qualified charity, donating up to $100,000 without it being considered a taxable distribution.

To donate, please use the included envelope or visit www.samaritancounselingcenter.org and click on the “Donate” link at the top of the page.

With Gratitude and Thanks,

David Olsen, PhD, LCSW, LMFT

Executive Director

Samaritan Counseling Center of the Greater Capital Region