Family Guidance Center to host events for Mental Health Awareness Month

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- To honor May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Family Guidance Center is inviting the community to two events.

A "Community Listening Session" will be open for community attendance at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at the Pony Express Event Center, located at 1220 South 10th St.

This event is a community conversation focused on the challenges between mental health and disparities across housing, employment and other human rights issues impacting individuals in the community.

Resources to help promote fair treatment in regard to mental health or disability status will be shared and guests will be encouraged to share their experiences.

The second event is a Mental Health Night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16 at Ricky Dean's, located at 3620 N. Village Dr.

The event aims to highlight the wealth of mental health resources available in St. Joseph, while fostering community awareness.

The event is open to all ages and activities include: free pickleball, bracelet making, the Pony Express Therapy Dogs, a Glore Psychiatric Museum make-and-take activity, face painting, a free session with Evolve Yoga Studio, as well as informative resources and mental health information from several community organizations.

For more information, contact Family Guidance Center at (816) 364-1501 or visit www.fgcnow.org.