|
Dear MHP Community,
As the crisp days of fall settle in, we are reminded of the change and growth around us. This November, we are inspired by the community champions who tirelessly advocate for mental health and whose generous support strengthens our impact.
We remain deeply committed to fostering safety, healing, and transformation for our participants through advocacy, education, and support services, as you will see in the newsletter below.
Join us in advancing this mission - there are many ways to get involved and make a difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.
With much gratitude,
Jeannine L. Lisitski, Ph.D., President & CEO
| | 26th Annual Bell of Hope Celebration | | |
On October 9, 2025, the ballroom of the Warwick Rittenhouse Square was filled with hope, joy, and community for MHP’s 26th Annual Bell of Hope Celebration - our second most successful fundraiser in the event’s 26-year history! We are so grateful to everyone who helped to make this remarkable celebration so special. Our heartfelt thanks to our honorees - Stephen & Sandra Sheller, Stefanie Glick, and the Merakey Mental Health Walk-In Clinic - for their extraordinary leadership and dedication to advancing mental health recovery. A special thank-you to our wonderful MC, Loraine Ballard Morrill, and to our dozens of generous sponsors for helping to make this night of community, celebration, and hope such an unforgettable success. As our colleague and presenter Hanaa Hawthorne shared, "The evening was filled with grace, gratitude, and inspiration — a celebration of those whose work continues to uplift and empower our communities." Here’s to continuing to build Hope on the Horizon together!
| | Delco Project SHARE / Rapid Rehousing | | |
So far this year, we have successfully discharged three members from the Rapid Rehousing program, housed four participants, and currently have two pending placements. The number of participants Delco Project SHARE serves has been steadily increasing as we continue to collaborate closely with case management. In addition, Delco Project SHARE has strengthened partnerships with other service providers, including Savage Sisters, who are onsite twice a week to provide supplies and support to participants. Our Outreach Program, in collaboration with the Delaware County Public Defender’s Office, had the opportunity to present at a community outreach event on Saturday, October 18. During the event, we connected one of our participants to their expungement clinic, where he was able to obtain information to help with his case.
| | Program Spotlight: Delco Street Outreach | | |
Delco Street outreach provides outreach services to unhoused and transient individuals in Delaware County in the effort to get them placed in shelter placement. We also provide wound care bags, food bags and toiletries bags to individuals in need. For those that qualify we refer those individuals to our Recovery Learning Centers, Case Management and Peer Support when needed. We are located in Upper Darby and provide outreach within Delaware County only.
| PeerNet Bucks County Halloween Party | | |
PeerNet Bucks County, a mobile team of eight certified Peer Specialists, supports individuals in the lower and central Bucks area by meeting them "where they are" in their recovery journeys.
On October 27, PeerNet Bucks County hosted its annual Halloween Party, one of its largest gatherings to date. Twenty participants joined their mobile CPSs for a day filled with games, pizza, prizes, and fun. Participant Pam G. won PeerNet's first-ever costume contest! The event, which featured crafts, games, and socializing, was planned and facilitated by PeerNet supervisor Emily Miller.
| | Councilmember Gauthier Attends CPS Graduation | | |
We were honored that Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier attended the November 1 graduation ceremony for our latest class of Certified Peer Specialists.
“It was my honor to attend the CPS graduation at MHP," Gauthier said. "I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the care, kindness and compassion with which everyone at MHP approaches their work. This class was no different. I believe that the deep transformation that graduates experienced in the program has prepared them to bring transformational change to their communities. Thank you for welcoming me and my team!”
We also want to thank Councilmember Gauthier for joining our Homeless Street Outreach teams last month and for presenting a Citation from City Council to MHP's Sharon Sanders, honoring her 16 years of dedicated service supporting people experiencing homelessness.
| | |
MHP’s new Action Center is your direct portal to communicate with elected officials.
We urgently ask you to use this powerful tool now to advocate on three current issues that impact mental health and well-being:
-
Protect SNAP Benefits: Ask Congress to act now to ensure food security for vulnerable individuals.
-
Urge Federal Government Reopening: Call on Congress to reopen the government and maintain essential services.
-
Address State Budget Delay: Contact your PA legislators about the harmful impact on mental health programs and ask them to pass a budget.
Make your voice heard — visit the Action Center today to advocate for those who depend on these vital supports.
| | MHP Featured in The Inquirer
| | If you missed it, last week The Inquirer featured MHP in an article about the growing impact of Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget impasse. Our President & CEO, Jeannine L. Lisitski, Ph.D., shared how the funding delay is affecting shelters and mental health services and Heather Schearer’s story showed what’s at stake for people rebuilding their lives after homelessness. Your support makes stories like Heather’s possible. Please consider donating today to help sustain these vital services. | | Medicaid Rally Highlights Voices of Hope | | On the morning of October 13 in Southwest Philadelphia, MHP joined POWER Interfaith and dozens of faith leaders at the Salt & Light Community Church to discuss the importance of Medicaid and preserving the enhanced premium tax credits. Among the speakers was Lafayette, a member of MHP’s Peer Net program in North Philadelphia. “Health care is not optional, it is essential,” he said, drawing nods from the crowd as he urged that health care funding must be treated as a moral obligation, not a political choice. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon also attended, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to care and ensuring that we fund the enhanced premium tax credits for individuals in PA who are on PENNIE. MHP has been lending its voice across PA in the fight to protect Medicaid and healthcare | | |
Autumn's Grateful Heart
By Toni Walker, Program Manager, Pottstown RLC
| | |
When autumn paints the world in gold
And stories of the year unfold.
A grateful whisper fills the breeze,
Through rustling leaves on ancient trees.
For harvest's bounty, rich and deep,
For the beauty that this season Brings,
For cozy warmth and hearth's soft glow,
And friendships that continue to grow.
Each falling leaf, a thankful sigh,
Beneath the vast and open sky.
In autumn's embrace, our spirits find,
A moment in a blessing mind.
Hot Chocolate filled cups, and smores so sweet.
Autumn is here, What a grateful Treat.
| | |
Are you ready to turn your passion for mental health into a meaningful career? At MHP, we build resilience, restore dignity, and empower recovery — and we need dedicated people like you to help make it happen.
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 23 open positions, including a full-time Mobile Therapist role at our Pottstown Recovery Learning Center ($76,000 starting salary). You’ll provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and join a nonprofit that has been awarded Mental Health America’s Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health.
Learn more about the Mobile Therapist position and explore all open roles at MHP.
| | | | |
