Reps. Daley, Malagari, Sanchez announce $100K grant for Hedwig House

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – In their continued effort to improve mental health services and mental health treatment in the region, state Reps. Mary Jo Daley, Steve Malagari and Ben Sanchez announced a $100,000 state grant has been approved for Hedwig House.

“The last few years have shown that the need for adequate, compassionate mental health services is real and must continue to be invested in and expanded upon,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “I am proud to have played a role in obtaining this funding and will pursue every avenue available to reduce the stigma surrounding discussions of mental health, while ensuring those who need these vital services are able to access them.”

Hedwig House is a nonprofit organization that offers group and induvial mental rehabilitation services. It also offers a special housing program. Hedwig House serves the mental health needs of residents throughout all of Montgomery County, including helping people with mental illness achieve life goals.

“The staff at Hedwig House has worked tirelessly to not only treat members of our community but end the stigma that unfortunately sometimes still exists when people reach out for the help they need,” said Malagari, D-Montgomery. “My sincere hope is the more we talk about mental health, and the need for places like Hedwig House, the stigma around mental health – that has existed for far too long – fades and ultimately disappears completely.”

The funds for this grant will be provided through the Department of Human Services.

“People living with severe and persistent mental health issues often face unimaginable barriers when looking for affordable housing or securing steady employment,” said Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “The work that Hedwig House does to help mental health consumers meet their goals and achieve a sense of stability truly does make a positive impact on people’s lives. This funding will help Hedwig House continue to provide invaluable services to members of our community and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives.”

Hedwig House services are free to participants ages 18-and-older residing in Montgomery County who have been diagnosed with mental illness. Hedwig House has a staff that works to understand the recovery process; understand the power of empathy; works to promote self-advocacy; works to provide peer support and more. Its staff attempts to understand what their members may be going through, and how to read certain signs.