A few years ago during a New Holland Community Collaboration meeting, then-CrossNet Ministries director Meredith Dahl, who moderated the meetings at that time, asked if anyone present would be interested in forming a mental health committee. "A lot of things have been birthed at Community Collaboration meetings," said Joan Yunginger, director of social services with CrossNet Ministries and a regular Community Collaboration attendee. "Problems come up. (These are issues) people are seeing."

In response to Dahl's request, a group, now called the New Holland Mental Health Committee, formed. "We started in 2023. Our first meeting (was held) in June," recalled Christine Ansari, social worker at Garden Spot High School (GSHS). "We meet about every six to eight weeks depending on what's on our task list."

According to Ansari, the No. 1 task on that list was to help connect community members with the help they needed. "Our first initiative was to create a list of resources we trust," she explained, adding that the list contained referrals of trusted sources. "(It was not just an internet search) of outpatient services near me," she explained. "We wanted to create a list of agencies (that we know)." That list was created and housed at http://www.elancoevents.com/resources.

Yunginger noted that counseling services are available in New Holland and that those in need may arrange for an appointment through CrossNet. "It's designed for people who don't have insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover this or if the copay is too much," explained Yunginger, who added that CrossNet can subsidize sessions in some situations. Mental health counseling is provided through Lifepoint Counseling services. "(CrossNet) makes a referral to Lifepoint Counseling," explained Yunginger. If a client can visit Lifepoint's offices, they make the appointment and see a counselor of their choosing. Appointments are also available at CrossNet offices, usually on Thursday afternoons. "If they don't have transportation, then it's in our office," said Yunginger, who noted that CrossNet also partners with the Petra Church counseling office if a client prefers to go there. "There's a (counselor) for youth, as well and (those sessions are) held at the CrossNet Youth Center," she added.

Now, the committee is planning its first event, a resource fair to be held in June. The committee has invited both local organizations and some from as far away as Hershey to set up displays and provide information to local families. Ansari noted that in addition to mental health resources, the committee plans to engage with parenting resources and medical enrollment assistance and give out information on vaccine clinics at the event.

"There are a lot of needs," shared Ansari, who stated that the committee asked questions about the best ways to inform local residents about resources when planning the fair. "These are our trusted agencies," she added. "That's what matters."

CrossNet social services offices are located at 127 W. Franklin St., New Holland. More information about the organization may be found at https://elancocross.org. Readers who have specific questions may call 717-355-2454.