Why Friends?

 

In Alexandria, there are low-income residents working hard to manage or recover from mental health conditions who have no one to turn to when emergency needs fall through the cracks. Unexpected health care costs, shortages in funds for housing and basic life needs—all can make staying on an already difficult path to recovery even harder. They need community support. And Friends is ready to provide it.

Friends at a Glance:

 

• Not-for-profit organization founded in 1984
• All volunteer: 99% of all donations go directly to Friends' mission
• Who we serve: Low-income residents receiving care from the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services for mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorders
• What we provide: Financial assistance for basic life needs, such as housing, clothes, transportation, and emergency health and dental care
• Other support: Help with education; preparing for and maintaining employment; and participating more fully in community life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your donation helps so many people in so many ways. It promotes the recovery of children and teens who are dealing with trauma and depression; provides stability for families whose lives are affected by a loved one's mental illness; helps chronically homeless Alexandrians with serious mental illnesses adjust to community life; and enhances the security and wellbeing of many individuals with mental disabilities who are unable to pay for special and emergency needs.

In addition to supporting individual needs, Friends also:

• co-sponsors community education events to reduce stigma
• helps purchase supplemental equipment for extended care residences
• advocates for mental health care programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community support is a critical component of recovery and well being. Please join us to lend a hand, raise a voice, and foster understanding!

*Friends of the AMHC was originally established as Friends of the Alexandria Community Mental Health Center.