Marblehead Budget Crunch Spurs Counseling Center Fundraising Push

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead Counseling Center is hoping to offset town budget cuts to funding for mental health services with the "Rising Tides Community Champions Celebration" at the Beacon Restaurant in May.

MCC Board of Directors President Ruth Ferguson said she is hoping to gain additional sponsors and attendees for the May 7 event that she said will include "great music, delicious food, and fun in an awesome venue" in an effort to match the community's ongoing support of mental health.

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Ferguson said one out of three Bay State residents who did not seek needed mental health resources cited cost as the reason.

She said insurance typically covers about 75 percent of services, with MCC fundraising and town support helping make up that difference.

With funding cuts expected as voters face an override proposal this spring, she said the MCC requires additional private resources to maintain its service levels and expand beneficial programs.

Ferguson said funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales will drive MCC's growth and ability to provide mental health and social services to Marblehead residents, as well as our neighbors in Swampscott, Lynn, Salem and other local towns.

They will also help fund a $1,000 scholarship for an area student planning to enter the health care profession, and include the presentation of the Amy Saltz Community Service Award "recognizing a community member who makes the North Shore a better place to live."

"Our policy at MCC is that we do not turn any client away because of an inability to pay," Ferguson said.

She said that the town remains a huge supporter of the Center, but the need continues to grow, and some far-reaching goals have had to be put on hold.

"MCC's ongoing fundraising efforts are critical in getting people the treatment they need," Ferguson said.

Leveled sponsorship information can be found here.

Tickets for the Rising Tides Community Champion Event can be found here.