Friend Logo
Since 1955

 
Fostering
relationships
that
support
recovery




Take Action

 

8-B South Street, SW              P.O. Box 4452
Leesburg, VA 20177
703-443-1380 (VM)
703-434-3531 (F)

http://www.loudounfriends.org
friends@loudounfriends.org

Friends' designation #8916
Welcome …

Friends has worked in Loudoun County since 1955.  For over 50 years our guiding principle has been to foster relationships that support recovery from mental illnesses.  Because of our stick-to-itiveness, hundreds of Loudoun residents disabled by mental illnesses are living independently today.

Friends is an all volunteer non-profit organization that assists Loudoun County residents with chronic mental illnesses live independent lives.  We provide direct service programming to prevent homelessness as well as educational and awareness initiatives designed to foster mental health and to eliminate discrimination and misinformation about mental illnesses.

Won't you join us?

 

What’s New

 Loudoun’s Poverty Rate
 on the Rise

The nation’s official poverty rate in 2010 according to the Current Population Survey (CPS) was 15.1%, the highest since 1993. Since 2007, the nation’s poverty rate has increased by 2.6 percentage points. Loudoun County has the highest median income, but that doesn’t mean that we are “Immune to poverty.” Loudoun’s poverty rate in 2010 was estimated to be 3.5% according to the American Community Survey (ACS). This is the highest for Loudoun since the economic downturn. Although many ACS demographic date pieces show year-to-year variability, the data for the different years may not be statistically different at the county level. However, the fact that the nation is at its highest poverty point since 2007, Loudoun’s data shows a trend similar to the national, and homeless shelters and food banks in Loudoun have been reporting increasing demand, that likely means Loudoun’s 2010 poverty number is legitimate.

 

Guide to Helping an Individual
through a Psychiatric Crisis

Developed by NAMI Virginia in collaboration with family members, peer specialists, and mental health professionals.

The contents of this brochure describe the steps you can take to help a friend or family member who is experiencing a psychiatric crisis and in need of help. A psychiatric crisis can include, but is not limited to: suicidal or homicidal thinking and/or behavior, acute psychotic symptoms, increased drug or alcohol use, and sudden changes in mental status. The steps described in this guide progress from a person who is cooperative and voluntarily seeking help, to someone who is not seeking help on his/her own, and the increasingly restrictive options available along that continuum. Please keep in mind that a psychiatric crisis can be a traumatic experience for the individual and it is recommended to always encourage the individual to receive treatment voluntarily, as it will result in a better outcome for all involved.

The guide is designed to inform you of the increasingly restrictive service options available for an individual in need of psychiatric care; however it is imperative that the individual be provided the opportunity to receive services voluntarily at any point during the process. This is an important aspect towards successful recovery, retaining family ties, and maintaining human respect and dignity. An important concept related to these processes is trauma. The process is extremely traumatizing for the individual and can often exacerbate the illness; prolonging acute symptoms and delaying recovery. In addition, the Involuntary commitment remains on the individual’s record permanently and can have many indirect effects on the individual’s quality of life.

Click here for more information about: how to help someone in crisis.....Emergency Custody Order (ECO).....how to petition the magistrate..... Temporary Detention Order (TDO).....what is a commitment hearing.....what are things family members/caregivers can do to help themselves through the crisis...and more. Also included is a List of Resources as well as Emergency Services Phone Numbers for Virginia’s Community Services Boards.



 


 

You Can Help
Prevent Homelessness

There are several great ways to support Friends’ assistance program, A Place To Call Home, and help prevent homelessness among Loudoun neighbors disabled by mental illnesses. You can easily donate through Network for Good…….see link in the left column of our website home page OR, you can donate through Loudoun Gifts for Good…..see article below OR, you can simply send your donation to Friends.

We increased the number of Loudoun residents served through our financial assistance programs by 67% this past year. These residents are disabled by mental illnesses. Most are not able to work and consequently are not able to keep a roof over their heads.

A banner year you might say but this “success” only masks the fact that the problem is much larger than Friends capacity to serve.

Currently there are an additional 45 un-served Loudoun residents eligible to receive Friends’ assistance services through our public/private partnership with Loudoun County Mental Health Residential Services, an intensive community-based program for Loudoun residents. This number is right now – not just a projection for the next twelve months. These people all live below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. They are prepared to live independently (vs. hospitalized) but cannot afford to do so. For those able to work at part time jobs, their hours have been reduced to 8 to 10 hour weekly or even more devastating, their jobs have been eliminated. 

The math is simple. Without rental subsidies from Friends, these Loudoun residents run the risk of being homeless in the very near future. It’s hard to believe we have people in our community living under bridges and in the woods.

Shelter is the most basic of human needs. Friends is asking individuals, businesses, mental health practitioners, civic clubs, faith community……everyone who cares…….to send in donations. It won’t take many people giving $50 to $100 each to make a tremendous difference in the lives of Loudoun residents who really need our help. It’s the difference between having A Place To Call Home or living under a bridge.

Please help now by using the Network for Good link in the left-hand column of this website OR by using the Loudoun Gifts for Good link below OR by mailing your donaton directly to Friends of Loudoun Mental Health. Thank you

 


Gifts for Good formerly known as the Loudoun Alternative Gift Fair was founded on the premise that sometimes the most thoughtful gift you can give someone is a donation to charity in their honor.  Alternative gifts fill a direct and tangible need, such as books for children, health screenings, food or shelter.  Family members and friends will be touched to know that the gift they have received will have a very real and meaningful impact on people in need in Loudoun County. Thanks to the support of the event’s sponsors, 100% of proceeds will go to the non-profits of your choice.

GIVE OUTSIDE THE BOX!  

www.LoudounGiftsforGood.org


Home | About Friends | Ways to Give | Contact Us | Site Map
 
 
We wish to thank our very special sponsors and supporters. These are people, organizations and businesses who recognize the importance of good mental health and are committed to addressing the stigma associated with mental illness. Remember, mental illness is a brain disease.....not a character flaw. Together we can make a significant difference. Click the logos below to learn more about our Circle of Friends.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





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