Walden’s Holiday Thanks & New Year Wishes

Posted by Walden Behavioral Health

Community Builder

Dear Friends:

What a year 2013 has been at Walden!  Close to 3,000 lives were touched by our services as we marked our 40^th anniversary providing “help for today; hope for tomorrow.”   We have been delighted and honored by the numerous community members who have helped us celebrate turning 40!  Many attended our 40^th anniversary signature event, Navigating the Waves of Change, on September 27^th at Olde Breton Inn.  Those present enjoyed a gorgeous sunset over the water and were entertained by our singing pirates, tarot card readers, & caricature artist.  We also reminisced over our intertwined history with the growth of St. Mary’s County and were reminded of the importance of our work in mental health, psychiatry, substance use, trauma/crisis and recovery support.

We have been amazed and humbled by the reflections on Walden’s role in the community through a video blog established by the Lexington Park Leader in honor of our 40^th year.

 Ernie Bell, local attorney, recalled that there wasn’t “a family in the county untouched by drugs when Walden began.”

Dan Raley, former St. Mary’s County Commissioner, credits Walden’s success to “the people who work and have worked there” and describes the designation of Walden as St. Mary’s County’s public provider of substance use services as one of the “greatest things I had the opportunity to play a role in” while in office.

Former Commissioner President Barbara Thompson describes Walden as a “critical provider for people suffering” and reflects that, after 40 years, the need for Walden continues.

Congressman Steny Hoyer thanked Walden “for doing God’s work” and being “such an extraordinary example of an effort critically important to the community” as behavioral health issues are “no longer something to be hidden away” in shame and silence.

These reflections on our past and present have inspired us as we move toward 2014 and strive to meet the new challenges and community needs that await us.  In 2014, we plan to continue to expand our behavioral health services, develop new partnerships, while continuing to provide the service excellence that all of us deserve.

Former Commissioner Ford Dean remarked that the community we serve is “much better off” because we are here.

I hope you agree!  Your support is vital to helping us serve the most vulnerable.  We thank you in advance for your goodwill and generosity.  Please click here to go to our secure donation site.  You may also mail us in your gift to Walden, 30007 Business Center Drive, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 attn:  Happy Holidays

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and an inspiring New Year,

 

Kathleen O’Brien, Ph.D.

Executive Director
Walden