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Dear MHP Community,
As summer begins, we look forward to longer days, time with family and friends, vacations, barbecues, and opportunities to enjoy the sunshine. These moments of connection, joy, and renewal remind us of the importance of taking time to care for ourselves and one another.
In this month's newsletter, you'll see examples of that spirit throughout our community: participants building connections through shared experiences, advocates working to improve access to mental health care, and staff and partners creating opportunities for people to find support, belonging, and hope.
You'll also find a look back at our 75 Years of Hope — Creating More Good Days Together Mental Health Awareness Month campaign. Thank you to everyone who helped raise awareness, share resources, and start important conversations throughout May.
For 75 years, Mental Health Partnerships has worked alongside individuals and families on their recovery journeys. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us create more good days together.
With much gratitude,
Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski, President & CEO
| | The People Behind the Mission | | |
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we took a moment to reflect on the experiences that shape our work at MHP. At our May all-staff meeting, 57 team members participated in an internal survey that highlighted just how deeply mental health touches our organization and the communities we serve.
The results were striking:
• 60% of staff reported having lived experience with behavioral health challenges
• 88% reported having a family member with lived experience
These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect a workforce connected to this mission through personal experience, compassion, and understanding. Every day, our staff bring empathy, resilience, and hope to their work because mental health is not just something they support professionally; it is something many have experienced personally.
As we look back on Mental Health Awareness Month, these findings serve as a reminder that mental health impacts every family, every community, and people from all walks of life. Thank you for helping us expand access to care, strengthen advocacy efforts, and create more opportunities for recovery and wellness throughout the year.
| | 75 Years of Hope — Creating More Good Days Together | |
Throughout May, MHP celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month through our "75 Years of Hope — Creating More Good Days Together" campaign, highlighting stories of recovery, connection, and community.
From peer support and advocacy to participant stories, educational resources, and community events, the campaign focused on a simple idea: more good days begin with support, understanding, and connection.
We were especially grateful to see some of our region's most recognizable landmarks and organizations join us in raising awareness by lighting up green in support of mental health. From the Pennsylvania State Capitol to the Ben Franklin Bridge, One Liberty Place, BNY Mellon, Subaru of America, and Triad 1828 in Camden, these displays served as powerful reminders that mental health affects us all and that hope matters.
As we look back, we're grateful to everyone who followed along, shared a post, started a conversation, attended an event, or supported our work. Every green light, every story shared, and every act of support helped reduce stigma, and remind people that they are not alone.
Thank you for being part of 75 Years of Hope. Please consider making a gift today to help us continue creating more good days together for individuals, families, and communities throughout the year.
| Delco Project SHARE: Self-Care BBQ | |
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, participants, staff, and community members came together for Delco Project SHARE's annual Self-Care BBQ.
The event offered an opportunity to enjoy good food, meaningful conversations, and activities centered on wellness and recovery. More than just a barbecue, the gathering served as a reminder that self-care can take many forms, from spending time outdoors and sharing a meal with others to building connections and finding moments of joy in everyday life.
At MHP, we know that recovery is strengthened through community. Events like the Self-Care BBQ create space for people to connect, support one another, and celebrate the practices that help make more good days possible.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's event a success.
| We've Been Growing on YouTube - Come Take A Look! | |
We have been building out our YouTube channel and sharing more of the work happening across our programs and communities.
Over the past several months, we have posted conversations with participants and staff, highlights from events, and stories that reflect recovery, connection, and support in action. These videos give a closer look at the people and moments that shape our work every day.
If you have not had a chance to visit yet, we invite you to take a look. You can watch, learn more about our programs, and hear directly from the voices within our community.
Subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on new videos and stories as they are released.
| MHP's Dr. Jeannine Lisitski and Dr. Deepraj Singh Discuss Prior Authorization in News Article | |
Access to mental health care should not be delayed by unnecessary barriers.
We are grateful to Public News Service for highlighting an important conversation about prior authorization requirements and the impact these delays can have on individuals living with severe mental illness.
The article includes perspectives from Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski, President and CEO of Mental Health Partnerships, and Dr. Deepraj Singh, psychiatrist with Mental Health Partnerships. Their insights help bring attention to the need for timely, accessible, and effective mental health care.
As this conversation continues, we remain committed to advocating for systems that prioritize people, reduce administrative barriers, and ensure individuals can access the care they need when they need it.
| Remembering Marilyn Baker | |
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Marilyn Baker, a lifelong mental health advocate, dedicated volunteer, and compassionate friend to so many in our community.
Marilyn devoted decades to advancing mental health awareness and support through organizations including MHP's Compeer of Chester County, NAMI, OMHSAS, CSP, and many others. She was known for her tireless advocacy, generosity, and genuine care for others — whether through leadership, volunteer service, or simply spending time with someone who needed connection and support.
Her memorial service was held on May 23 at The Baptist Church in the Great Valley in Devon, PA.
| Connection, Community, and Support at the PeerNet Bucks County Picnic | |
Last week, PeerNet Bucks County hosted a picnic bringing together participants for a day centered on connection, community, and shared experience.
During the event, participants spent time outdoors, shared a meal, and connected with one another in a supportive environment. These gatherings are an important part of PeerNet’s work, helping create space for people to build relationships and engage in wellness outside of traditional program settings.
One participant reflected on what the experience means to them, sharing how being part of these gatherings helps reduce isolation and encourages connection:
“It gets me out of the house and gets me socializing. As much as I don’t like socialization, it does help. It helps me overcome my fear of socializing and driving, and not isolating as much. It’s very positive and helps me feel happier and less depressed. I’m more open and doing more things than I would normally do if I was by myself. Being around people helps me stay out of my head.”
Their words reflect the impact of peer connection and the importance of creating spaces where people feel supported as they take steps in their own recovery journey.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the picnic a meaningful day of community and connection through PeerNet.
| | |
Recovery in Mind: Building Awareness of Schizophrenia and Tardive Dyskinesia is a self-paced course created to deepen understanding, challenge stigma, and promote early intervention through education and empathy. Grounded in evidence-based information and shaped by the perspectives of individuals with lived experience, this course invites learners to better understand what it truly means to live with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia (TD).
Throughout the 1.5-hour course, learners will explore common myths and misinformation, gain a clearer understanding of psychosis, and learn how stigma can create real and lasting harm for individuals and families. The course also takes a closer look at symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for both schizophrenia and TD, helping learners build a more accurate and compassionate understanding of these conditions.
Through real-world scenarios and practical examples, learners will discover meaningful strategies for supporting someone living with schizophrenia, TD, or experiencing psychosis. By increasing awareness and centering lived experience, Recovery in Mind encourages empathy, reduces fear and misunderstanding, and empowers learners to be informed supporters.
| | Thank You, Nic O'Rourke and Bethany Stewart! | |
During Mental Health Awareness Month, MHP's CEO, Dr. Jeannine Lisitski, met with Philadelphia City Councilmember Nic O'Rourke and his Director of Community Engagement, Bethany Stewart.
They spoke about the importance of Certified Peer Specialists and how they are a critical part of the mental health workforce. Thank you, Nic O'Rourke, for your support of MHP and the work we do!
| Adult Advocate Hanaa Hawthorne Meets with State Representative Jose Giral | |
MHP was proud to meet with State Representative Jose Giral and Philadelphia City Councilmember Nic O'Rourke during Mental Health Awareness Month.
During our meeting with Rep. Giral, our adult advocate, Hanaa Hawthorne, spoke about her experience in MHP’s workforce practicum and how it helped prepare her for her current role at MHP.
| Courage in Action at the Bucks-Mont Collaborative Summit | |
Last month, MHP’s CEO, Dr. Jeannine Lisitski, and Director of Policy & External Affairs, Julie Platt, joined fellow community leaders and advocates at the Bucks-Mont Collaborative Community Summit for a breakout session on courageous advocacy during challenging times.
The session, “Bold in the Crosswinds: Courageous Advocacy When the Stakes Are High,” sparked thoughtful discussion and meaningful calls to action from participants — from strengthening advocacy efforts within organizations to encouraging civic engagement and speaking up with confidence.
We’re grateful to the Bucks-Mont Collaborative for bringing together so many passionate advocates and community partners committed to creating positive change together.
| | Public Comment at City Council | |
Our Director of Policy and External Affairs submitted public comment during Mental Health Month in the Philadelphia City Council. She spoke about how critical Certified Peer Specialists are to the mental health workforce.
| Advocating for Mental Health at Every Level | | |
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health Partnerships joined mental health advocates from across the state in Harrisburg to elevate lived experience, celebrate recovery, build connections, and advocate for the resources that strengthen our communities. The day included connecting with providers statewide and speaking with one voice to support increased funding and to destigmatize mental health.
The following day, our advocates returned to Philadelphia City Council to testify during the all-day budget hearings in support of mental health funding. Participants and staff shared personal experiences with mental health services and described the positive impact these services have had on their lives.
Our Director of Policy and External Affairs headed to D.C. this month to talk with members of Congress about the Early Minds Act with other mental health advocates. The Early Minds Act would allow states to fund more preventative mental health care, such as certified peer specialists.
| | Our President and CEO, Dr. Jeannine Lisitski, was featured in the Inquirer supporting the mayor's proposal for increased funding for homeless services in the 2027 budget. You can learn more here. | | |
At MHP, our work is grounded in connection, community, and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone. We’re looking for compassionate teammates who want to walk alongside others and make a meaningful impact each day.
We offer exceptional benefits, including up to 39.5 paid days off per year (after first 90 days), medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective after 30 days), tuition reimbursement, retirement contributions, and more.
Right now, we have 17 open jobs, including a full-time Program Manager at The Well Recovery Learning Center located at 2709 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. The salary range for this position will be $56,000 - $60,000.
Learn more about the position and view all open jobs at MHP.
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