Have an IMPACT On Our Community
Have an IMPACT On Our Community
March 28 6:30 PM
Unitarian Universalists affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations, and strive for justice for all. We do a fair job of mercy and charity, but doing justice demands fundamental changes in the usual way things are done. Demanding change from responsible officials can be successful when the power of organized people is brought to bear. That is what IMPACT is about.
An average of 1800 people have attended our Spring Nehemiah Action meetings. Together IMPACT’s thirty-one faith communities in Charlottesville and Albemarle County have made important strides in the areas of affordable housing, dental care for poor adults, transportation, early childhood education, and improved translation services in the justice system for those whose first language is other than English.
This year we are focusing on inadequate mental health services for our lower-income neighbors. One in four of us experiences a mental health crisis in our lifetime, but acknowledging mental health difficulties is a problem we all share. Adequate services for those of us in need and of lower income are few and far between. We are called to show our personal and economic support for sufficient and appropriate services.
In an effort to describe the unmet mental health support needs in our community, IMPACT created an anonymous survey for congregational members to describe their experiences with services for both themselves or their loved ones, both within the community and the church itself. We would love to receive your input. Go to http://impactcville.blogspot.com/and click on “Mental Health Survey.”