The rain came, and went, came again, and went again. The sun appeared, and then hid behind the clouds—several times, toying with everybody's emotions on June 19. But, in spite of the fickle weather, the dedicated members of the Montgomery County Community Support Program came out in full force to their monthly meeting, held outside at MCES, under a much-needed tent.
Linton’s Catering fired up the grill and there were hotdogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers with all the fixings, cold salads and watermelon for all to enjoy as CSP members discussed important issues relating to advocacy, their recent retreat, and budgetary issues.
CSP participants took the sporadic rain and the occasional wet chair (and shoulder) with a grain of salt as they listened attentively to Montgomery County Human Services Cabinet Coordinator Barbara O’Malley, the meeting’s keynote speaker, talk about her role in the Cabinet, and what the Cabinet does. O’Malley also discussed the function of the Montgomery County Navicates and the Community Connections Program, designed to direct individuals to the appropriate resources in times of need.
CSP is a partnership between individuals in recovery, their families, providers and members from the community at large to promote recovery and engage in thoughtful discussions about mental health services in Montgomery County.
The very well-attended meeting was the first CSP meeting held at MCES. It will become a yearly event with a date in 2015 to be picked after more careful consultation with the Farmer’s Almanac. MCES is grateful for the opportunity to host and be a participating member of CSP and is already looking forward to next year’s picnic meeting.