New Hope Community Life Ministry (NHCLM), a nonprofit organization that offers counseling services to clients regardless of their ability to pay, will present a Miles 4 Mental Health 5K and 1/4-Mile Kids' "Spartan" Fun Run on Saturday, May 21, beginning at 9 a.m. The first-time event, which is being held to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, will take place at Solanco High School, 585 Solanco Road, Quarryville.

The 5K run will begin and end at the high school track. "Runners will leave the school campus (and run through) beautiful farmland," said Deb Riddell, executive director of the NHCLM Counseling Center. "Most of the 5K is on a road that is very lightly traveled."

The race will be professionally timed, and there will be awards for the first overall male and female winner of the 5K, as well as the top three male and female winners in various age categories. There will be a water station for runners along the course and beverages and snacks will be available at the conclusion of the race.

The fun run, for children age 10 and under, will begin at 9:45 a.m. "It will be a quarter-mile run on the track in a 'Spartan' style," said Riddell. "With safety in mind, there will be a few obstacles for the kids to make it fun for them."

All proceeds from race registrations and business sponsors will benefit NHCLM, which offers counseling for clients dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. "NHCLM has been a counseling center since 1997, so 2022 is our 25th anniversary," noted Riddell. "Since the beginning, clients have been seen at New Hope regardless of their ability to pay for their counseling sessions. Today we continue to offer financial assistance to clients who fill out a simple financial aid form."

Riddell explained that there are two parts of NHCLM - the counseling center and New Hope Community Closet, 128 TownsEdge Drive, Quarryville. "Proceeds from the thrift store help the counseling center," she noted. More information about the thrift store is available at http://www.facebook.com/newhopecommunitycloset.

Riddell and committee member Melinda Greer encourage local families to take part in the upcoming event. "Getting out and exercising is good for physical and mental health. And the kids' run is an added mental health bonus because it promotes family involvement," Greer stated.

To register for the 5K and fun run, visit http://www.newhopeministry.info/miles-4-mental-health. Those who register by Saturday, May 7, will receive a discount and will be guaranteed a T-shirt. The first 150 people who register will receive a gift certificate to Son's Ice Cream and Italian Ice in Quarryville. Race packet pickup will be offered at New Hope Counseling Center, 248A Maple Ave., Quarryville, on Friday, May 20, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Race-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 8 a.m.

For more information about NHCLM or to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.newhopeministry.info or call 717-786-2802.