September 2025 Newsletter | | |
Welcome to our new monthly newsletter! Below, you’ll find news, updates, and resources from across MHP to keep you informed and engaged. Look for a new issue the first week of each month. We hope you enjoy it!
-- Jeannine L. Lisitski, PhD, MHP President & CEO
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Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Warwick Rittenhouse Square, 220 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Join us for our annual Bell of Hope Celebration—a powerful evening honoring leaders in mental health recovery, celebrating stories of resilience, and raising critical funds to support recovery-focused services across our region.
Since 2000, this event has celebrated the individuals and changemakers who are shaping the future of mental health in our communities.
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Legacy Impact Award: Honoring a transformational leader whose enduring contributions have redefined systems of care, inclusion, and recovery at a structural and societal level. We are proud to be honoring philanthropists Stephen and Sandra Sheller for their enduring commitment to behavioral health recovery. Most recently, they have done important philanthropy focused on addiction recovery through Jefferson Health’s Stephen and Sandra Sheller Consult and Bridge Program which enhances the work of the Jefferson Addiction Multidisciplinary Service (JAMS) to improve patient engagement and success in recovery for patients with severe substance use disorder.
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Innovator Peer Award: Celebrating a Certified Peer Specialist who engages in direct, one-on-one support and sparks personal change. We are proud to honor Stefanie Glick, founder of the LiveWell Foundation, with the Innovator Peer Award. Drawing on her own lived experience, Stefanie created the LiveWell Program: an unique behavioral health curriculum that has helped thousands of peers learn to reduce their own symptoms and relapses of depression, and to live more resilient, connected and productive lives. Her commitment to providing peer-led, educational-based LiveWell support groups at no cost to people of all ages and backgrounds is sparking real change—empowering people to transform their own lives, reducing stigma, and paving the way for a more equitable mental health system.
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Paving the Way Program Award: Highlighting innovative programs that revolutionize the delivery of support and inclusive programs. Since opening in September of 2024, this year’s honoree, the Merakey Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, has served over 3,000 individuals with same-day, compassionate, culturally responsive care. As Philadelphia’s first Adult Behavioral Health Urgent Care, it fills critical service gaps—safely de-escalating 80% of self-reported crises without hospitalization, reducing unnecessary emergency room and crisis response center visits, and expanding equitable access. Presenting the program nationally at NATCON 2025, the clinic is a pioneering model that truly paves the way for responsive mental health care.
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Master of Ceremonies: Loraine Ballard Morrill, Director of News and Community Affairs, iHeartMedia. She is the host of "Insight" which airs on WDAS FM Sundays from 6-7am and on Power 99 FM from 7-7:30am. She also hosts "What's Going On" on Sundays from 7-7:30am on ALT 104.5 FM. Fox Sports Radio Philadelphia 1480 AM and Q102 FM.
| | Questions? Contact (267) 443-3112 or cperks@mhphope.org | | Celebrating the Grand Re-Opening at Homeward Bound! | | |
Homeward Bound recently marked an exciting milestone with the grand re-opening of its first-floor community room! MHP's Homeward Bound's residential program provides a supportive environment where participants can heal, grow, and build the skills needed for long-term recovery. Staff and participants came together on Aug. 27, 2025 for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the refreshed space that will serve as a hub for connection, healing, and community activities.
The re-opening follows several meaningful projects on the grounds, including a garden therapy session where participants planted flowers and installed solar lights along the gazebo walkway—creating a warm, welcoming environment for all.
We’re grateful to everyone who contributes their time and energy to making Homeward Bound an even brighter place of hope and recovery.
| Welcome to MHP, Theresa and Conor! | |
My name is Theresa Jackson, and I recently joined MHP as Senior Program Manager of Philadelphia’s Recovery Learning Centers. I have over 20 years of program management experience working with community providers that support people’s choice to live their best lives. My person-centered approach gave me the opportunity to assist with developing and integrating program services that provide a holistic approach for people to reach their fullest potential.
Being raised in Philadelphia and having twin boys who are now 33; one who faced multiple disabilities at birth, I know firsthand the importance of creating environments where people can learn, grow, and be supported by their community.
It is for those reasons I look forward to being a part of the MHP team. Together we can make a difference and enhance the lives of all those we support. “It takes a village… and if one doesn’t exist; then we help to create one.” -- TJ
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I'm Conor Cox, the new Program Manager overseeing Mobile PeerNet Philadelphia and Homeless Specialty programs at MHP. I hold a BS in Business Administration from Drexel and an MA in Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies.
Before entering the mental health field, I spent 12 years in the fashion industry in roles from Retail Manager to Buyer and Merchandiser for companies like Club Monaco and The Gap. In 2017, I transitioned to addiction counseling, working with North Philadelphia Health System (now Behavioral Wellness) and Merakey. Most recently, I served as a Certified Peer Specialist and Supervisor at Peerstar LLC, following certification in 2023.
Outside of work, I enjoy racquet sports, traveling, and time with family and friends. Fun fact: I come from a family of 12 siblings and am a proud uncle to 31 nieces and nephews. Drawing on recovery experience and professional expertise, I look forward to supporting MHP’s mission in Philadelphia.
-- Conor
| | Finding His Voice: Anthony's Journey in Advocacy | | |
Last month, one of our participants at the Pottstown Recovery Learning Center, Anthony, took a courageous step forward in his recovery journey. He spoke on the record at the Montgomery County Human Service Block Grant Community Hearing, addressing county administrators directly.
Anthony’s story is a powerful reminder that advocacy and recovery go hand in hand at MHP. When individuals are given the right opportunities and resources, they can thrive, participate fully in society, and help shape the communities they live in.
Pictured, right, Anthony, Toni, and Grace.
Anthony’s Reflections
In his own words, Anthony shared what the experience meant to him:
“I could speak up about the funds. It helped me take a leadership role and gave me the confidence to continue on my journey of self-sufficiency. I was very nervous at the beginning, but having Toni’s support made it better, and it felt important for me to do this.”
“It felt great to help out and have my voice heard. This is what it means to be an engaged citizen, and individuals like myself often lack the confidence to do it.”
“I showed up for myself and my community.”
Anthony’s courage to share his perspective publicly is both inspiring and proof that recovery is not only personal, it's collective. By raising his voice, he helped advocate for resources that impact his community and demonstrated the power of lived experience in shaping a more inclusive future.
| | What else has Advocacy been up to? | | The advocacy department has been quite busy these last few months! Here are some highlights: | | Mental Health Partnerships showed up in full force to support increased funding for SEPTA through rallies and calls to legislators. SEPTA is a lifeline to so many of our employees and participants. See our President and CEO statement here: | | SEPTA Cuts Impact on Mental Health | | |
The SEPTA service cuts that began on August 24, 2025, are devastating for the individuals we serve at Mental Health Partnerships. For those already navigating the challenges of mental health conditions, this is not just a matter of convenience; it's a matter of access to care, employment, and community.
At Mental Health Partnerships, our mission is to empower individuals to live full and independent lives. A reliable transit system is not a luxury; it is the foundation of that independence. For those we serve, SEPTA is a lifeline that provides access to critical appointments, employment, and community connections. These cuts directly threaten our ability to fulfill our mission and undermine the progress that so many have worked to achieve.
We implore our elected officials to recognize that this is a human crisis, not a political one. I am thankful for the tireless advocacy of our local elected officials, but we must come together to find a bipartisan solution to fund SEPTA and all public transit for Pennsylvanian citizens.
Jeannine L. Lisitski, PhD
MHP President & CEO
| | Medicaid & Medicare 65th Birthday | |
Last month, MHP joined Senator Vincent Hughes, Councilwoman Rue Landau, and fellow advocates to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare—programs that have helped millions of people stay healthy and gain access to life-saving health coverage.
While we honored this milestone, we also raised concerns about the devastating impact the OBBB bill could have on access to healthcare. Protecting Medicaid and Medicare means protecting the health and dignity of our communities, and MHP remains committed to ensuring everyone can get the care they need.
| | Feature in 'Generocity' Article | |
We’re honored to be featured in Generocity’s recent article, “Cuts to Healthcare Are On the Horizon: Will Pennsylvania Be Ready?” (August 27, 2025), spotlighting the challenges Medicaid work-reporting rules pose for participants like those in our community—Shawn, Elizabeth, and Quadira among them.
Read the full story to see how these proposed policy changes could profoundly impact access to mental and physical health care—and the resilience of the people we serve.
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The Training Department at MHP delivered record-breaking impact this past year:
• 512 newly certified peer specialists (CPS)
• 6 new training courses for CPSs and mental health professionals
• 42 counties served
• First graduating high school CPS class
We are proud to be growing skills, supporting families, and building stronger communities across Pennsylvania!
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At Mental Health Partnerships, recovery begins with understanding. We are proud to join forces with Teva Pharmaceuticals to launch Recovery in Mind: Building Awareness and Early Response for Schizophrenia and Tardive Dyskinesia.
Too often, conditions like schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia are misunderstood, overlooked, or stigmatized. This initiative will provide free online courses, live seminars, and easy-to-use resources so families, caregivers, and communities can recognize symptoms earlier, respond with evidence-based strategies, and counter stigma.
With Teva’s support, MHP continues our 70-year commitment to peer-led education and recovery-driven advocacy.
Learn more about our partnership with Teva on our website.
| | Welcome to MHP, Otis and John! | | |
My name is Otis Lambert (they/them) and I've joined MHP as a Training and Development Specialist. I earned my BSW from Eastern University and MSW from Temple University with a focus on macro social work. For the past decade, I have worked in direct service and community organizing, with a special interest in improving the experience of those receiving services.
I grew up in a small community without access or understanding of mental health challenges. To make sense of my own experience, I pursued education and work in this field. I am deeply grateful for the teachers and guides who shaped my journey.
Now at MHP, I’m eager to share what I’ve learned and connect with others who want to pay forward the help we’ve received. I believe wholeness begins with the self and ripples outward through care in the community. -- Otis
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I'm John Elburn and recently joined MHP as a Learning and Development Specialist. I’ve worked as a CPS since 2017, most recently at Unity Recovery, where I led programs, supervised interns, and developed my leadership skills. I hold an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health from Community College of Philadelphia, a servant leadership certification from St. Joseph’s, and I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
I have lived experience with mental health and substance use disorders, including years unhoused in Philadelphia, prior to beginning my recovery journey. These experiences, along with a family history of MH and SUD, bring meaning and empathy to my work.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening at Ormiston Mansion, walking, music, and hands-on projects. I have three cats (Arty, Mama, and Shelby) and a large extended family. I’m glad to be part of the team. -- John
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Contact The Training Department
(267) 507-3339 | recovery@mhphope.org
| | Begin a Career That Makes a Real Impact | | |
MHP currently has more than a dozen job openings. At MHP, we believe that taking care of our team is the first step towards making a lasting impact. Our comprehensive benefits are thoughtfully designed to support your physical, mental, and professional well-being. From flexible time off to top-tier health coverage, we provide the resources you need to thrive both at work and in life. Explore the perks that help you grow, succeed, and feel valued every day.
We proudly received Mental Health America's prestigious 2023 Platinum Bell Seal Award for workplace excellence. This elite national recognition highlights our commitment to nurturing mentally healthy workplaces. Experience our supportive culture, comprehensive mental health benefits, and innovative holistic wellness programs that go beyond the norm.
Join us in raising the bar for mental health excellence!
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Contact HR!
(215) 913-0041 | wobrien@mhphope.org
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