CT Mental Illness Assistance Organization Expanding into Fairfield County

An announcement from Guardian Ad Litem Services.

Guardian Ad Litem Services, a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization expanding into the region, announced it will host a presentation about its programs and how it plans to assist more people in Fairfield County living with mental illness.

“The interest in mental illness has increased but so has the need for services,” said Guardian’s Clinical Director Sara Valentino, LCSW. “We provide support to our clients, their families, healthcare professionals and court-appointed caregivers. Guardian stops the revolving door that typically affects this vulnerable population. We want to let families, medical professionals, conservators and potential funders know how we can help.”

Valentino will be presenting with Guardian’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Mackniak, Esq. The two co-founded the organization in 2002. The presentation, titled “Filling the Gaps” will include information regarding the challenges facing our mental health system, Guardian’s model of care coordination, Melissa’s Project and program expansion into Fairfield County.

The program will take place Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Greenwich Town Hall. Refreshments and networking begins at 5:30 p.m. The event is being supported by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS), Greenwich Department of Social Services (GDSS), Greenwich Hospital and Southwest Regional Mental Health Board.

Multiple, highly publicized incidents have made mental illness a national conversation and a major public health concern. Guardian, best known for its signature program Melissa’s Project, provides a unique model of coordinated care that helps make the dreams and goals of their clients more attainable.

Guardian received a significant funding increase from the State of Connecticut after the Newtown school shootings to coordinate services for more people with psychiatric challenges. Their clients include people living with serious mental illnesses. According to a study done by the Chief Forensic Psychiatrist’s Office, there is an average 51 percent reduction in the use of jails, prisons, hospital inpatient beds and emergency rooms among Melissa’s Project clients. Advocates for the program say if one client is kept out of jail for one week each year, the program more than pays for itself.

Seating is limited. Reserve your seat today by calling Mark Berardi at (203) 723-4332 ext. 128 or by emailing Mark@guardian-ct.org.