Lethbridge Family Services is holding its first-ever signature fundraising event Apr. 25 featuring guest speaker Rick Mercer.
Proceeds from the “Spring to Light Benefit Gala” will support mental health and wellness programming for clients in the organization’s DaCapo Disability Services department and a mental health and wellness navigator for families and individuals in LFS’ Immigrant Services department.
LFS CEO Sandra Mintz says spring symbolizes renewal. “A season where we approach mental health and wellness with a renewed sense of hope and lightness.”
With Immigrant Services, Mintz notes, LFS doesn’t want anyone to feel alone in their mental health journey. “We will guide our newcomer youth and families on how to build a support system to maintain good mental health.”
A dedicated mental health and wellness navigator, Mintz explains, will help clients receive guidance throughout their mental health journey.
For many people living with disabilities, physical care is often seen as the first priority, Mintz adds.
“But when a disability impacts the person’s quality of life, it can directly affect all other aspects of their wellbeing and daily experience. One way in which LFS will provide mental health support for our DaCapo clients is by providing musical experiences through local guest musicians,” says Mintz. “Music has the potential to improve a client’s communication skills, increase interaction and self-expression and boost their psychological wellbeing.”
Music can be an effective medium, through which a client’s quality of life is enhanced, notes Mintz.
“We’ve proudly supported the excellent work of LFS for many years and are honoured to co-chair the inaugural gala,” says Co-chair Mitch Arsenault from the Tollestrup Group.
Co-chair Sarah Tollestrup adds the LFS service model is built on making decisions driven by the needs of the community they serve. “Improving the wellbeing of vulnerable populations helps create healthy communities.”
The gala starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre. Tickets are available online via lfsfamily.ca/spring-to-light-gala.
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
