On October 22, For All Seasons and the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the agency’s new location at 407 Race Street in Cambridge. The event drew a packed crowd of community members, business owners, elected officials, agency staff, and Board members, all celebrating the opening of For All Seasons’ larger, more visible downtown site.

The relocated Cambridge location will allow For All Seasons to better meet the growing mental health needs of residents in Dorchester County and the surrounding Mid-Shore region. This expansion is part of the agency’s Bringing Mental Health to Main Street initiative, which aims to make mental health services visible, accessible, and integrated into daily community life.

In the coming weeks, For All Seasons’ Open Access™ walk-in mental health services will also be added at the Race Street office. More information about these services is available at ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

“We have been in the Cambridge community since the early 90s, but we were tucked away on Cedar Street. With the help of Chuck Kelly, we are now in an amazing new space that is central to the community,” shared Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons. “Every single person is touched by mental health – whether it’s you, a family member, or a friend – it affects all of us. Our vision for this initiative is that when people come to these thriving main streets filled with businesses and restaurants, they also see For All Seasons providing mental health and rape crisis services right alongside them. We’re not just here; we are part of the community.”

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., who attended the event, added, “Mental health is a huge issue nationally – and especially in rural areas. This is exactly the type of facility that’s going to make a difference. Thank you for doing it.”

Several other elected officials joined the celebration, including Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz, Delegate Tom Hutchinson of District 37B, Council Member Mike Detmer of the Dorchester County Council, District 5, Chief Judge George R. Ames, District 1, Judge Bernie Dryden, Dist. 2, and Judge William Jones of the Dorchester County Circuit Court.

“This is a great day for Dorchester County,” said Judge William Jones. “This organization goes well beyond what people may realize – it’s truly a hidden gem. The legal system, the justice system, and the citizens of this county will all benefit from this expansion.”

Delegate Tom Hutchinson added, “Thank you, Beth Anne, and the entire For All Seasons team. In Annapolis, one of our biggest focuses on the Health and Government Operations Committee is expanding behavioral health services. Seeing the impact of your work here in my district is just remarkable.”

For All Seasons’ expanded work in Dorchester County has been made possible through a grant from Dorchester County’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, a grant from the Rural Maryland Council’s Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund, and additional donations from For All Seasons supporters. Together, these investments strengthen access to mental health and victim services for residents across Dorchester County.

The Dorchester County Council recently administered its first awards under the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, established under Maryland’s Cannabis Reform Act of 2023. This fund supports the agency’s expansion to benefit communities impacted by cannabis-related incarcerations prior to the passing of the Act.

Council Member Mike Detmer remarked, “Our county staff did a great job putting out the request for proposals, evaluating them, and scoring them. For All Seasons, unsurprisingly, scored very well. I’m a big fan of this organization, and I couldn’t think of a better way for these funds to be used.”

Dorman noted that Dorchester County continues to experience some of the highest needs in the region, including the highest rate of sexual assaults among the five Mid-Shore counties.

“We are providing services for the things that people often don’t want to talk about,” Dorman said. “Our services wrap around children, adults, families, the court systems, first responders, and our veterans. There is a tremendous need, and we are honored to be here to help meet it.”

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For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

Creating workplaces that support workers’ mental health is important as rising concerns about safety and mental health continue to appear in the news. For All Seasons is sharing ways businesses can create workplaces that support mental health and how to recognize the warning signs in a co-worker who might be struggling.

Since COVID, most workplaces have realized the need to address mental health concerns. From financial stress to feeling excluded or working in unhealthy environments, a range of factors can influence how employees experience mental health at work.

“More workers today are looking for workplaces that support mental health when they seek future job opportunities. In the U.S., one in five adults experiences a mental illness, and less than half receive treatment. As employers, we need to be aware of this,” shares Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons.

Dorman shares that employers can offer mental health support to their employees in different ways. These include:

• Connection and Community – fostering positive social interactions and relationships in the workplace supports worker well-being
• Work-Life Harmony –  supporting employees in balancing the demands of their jobs with their personal lives
• Recognition and Care – helping people know that their work is valued and as an individual they matter to those around them
• Opportunity for Growth – creating more opportunities for workers to accomplish goals based on their skills and growth

“Helping businesses and co-workers recognize the warning signs of common mental health conditions and getting workers the help they need is also top of mind for many employers today. Knowing the warning signs is an important first step.” Dorman adds.

General types of changes that could signal someone is struggling with their mental health include: changes in appearance, changes in behavior or mood, withdrawal, and changes in thinking.

Dorman shares that if someone sees a coworker exhibiting any of these types of changes over time, it is important to be proactive. Checking in with someone you have concerns about, listening without judgment, and connecting them to resources could help.

For All Seasons offers both mental health and leadership trainings in the community to help businesses and organizations improve workplace culture and lead from a place of courage and understanding when tackling some of these issues. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit www.forallseasonsinc.org.

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For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

Students of Saints Peter and Paul High School (SSPP) in Easton, Maryland, and Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, recently donated to For All Seasons, bringing hope and comfort to clients of the agency.

SSPP National Art Honor Students created and donated Mugs of Hope to first-time clients seeking mental health treatment. This heartfelt initiative was designed to remind individuals that they are not alone and to offer a tangible expression of care at a time that can feel overwhelming. Each hand-painted mug is a unique creation, lovingly filled with calming tea, hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a handmade bookmark carrying an uplifting personal message – small gestures of peace and encouragement.

While still a senior, Ember Theeke helped coordinate the donation effort to bring the work of For All Seasons to her community at Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown. Because Saint Andrew’s values networking and supporting the broader communities of its students, the vestry seeks out worthy causes for the school to support. Ember put forth For All Seasons as a possible recipient, spoke at one of the school’s services, and helped inspire staff and students to contribute.

Now an alumna, Ember reflects on the experience: “I believe that the work of For All Seasons should be shared as widely as possible. I was happy to talk about what the agency does with Saint Andrew’s. Our vestry was immediately on board with coordinating a staff and student donation. I have so much love for For All Seasons, for your amazing work, and for Saint Andrew’s for recognizing your value! I’m glad these two amazing places could connect,” shares Theeke, alumna of Saint Andrew’s School.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2023, suicide was among the top eight leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. To address this urgent issue in our community, For All Seasons is launching its annual suicide prevention campaign under the theme “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story – a message reminding us that the people we care about might be struggling silently behind words that seem reassuring.

So often, when we ask someone how they’re doing, we hear “I’m fine.” But, what if that’s not the whole story? What if, underneath that response, there’s something more serious they don’t know how to share?

For many, talking about suicide is scary and uncomfortable. It can feel like there’s a “right” thing to say, but what if you say the wrong thing instead? Here’s the truth: talking about suicide doesn’t make things worse. Starting the conversation shows you care and might be a relief for someone who has been afraid to talk about what they are experiencing. It may help save a life.

The Mayo Clinic Health System emphasizes the power of reaching out, saying, “It improves mental health outcomes and the likelihood that the person will seek treatment. If someone is in crisis or depressed, asking if they are thinking about suicide can help, so don’t hesitate to start the conversation.”

A small, compassionate question can be the start of something life-changing: “Hey. You’ve seemed off lately. Are you okay?” “I’m worried about you. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

When we look past the words “I’m fine” and trust our instincts, we often notice signs that something isn’t right. Most people show warning signs before a suicide attempt. And, while we can’t be responsible for someone else’s actions, we can be the person who helps them get to a safer place.

The National Institutes of Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offer five steps that can guide you when you suspect someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts:

1. ASK. Say it out loud: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Don’t sugarcoat it. Don’t tiptoe around it. Just ask. Research shows that this doesn’t make things worse; it helps.
2. BE THERE. No judgment. No fixing. Just listen. Try something like: “I’m really glad you’re telling me this. Thank you for trusting me.” You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be present.
3. KEEP THEM SAFE. If someone says they’re thinking about suicide, ask: “Do you have a plan?” If the answer is yes, help reduce access to anything dangerous. Stay with them. Talk it through. Get support.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT. Let them know they’re not alone. Acknowledge their pain and offer:
   “This is a lot. Let’s talk to someone who can help.”
   “We can call 988 together. I’ll stay with you.”
   Help them connect to a therapist, a parent, a school counselor, a spiritual advisor, or a friend. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
5. FOLLOW UP. The conversation doesn’t end when the moment passes. Supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention. Check in tomorrow, the next day, and the week after. A simple message like “thinking of you” or “want to grab lunch?” can remind someone they matter.=

What If You See Something Online?
If someone posts something online that feels like a cry for help, don’t scroll past. Most social media platforms have tools to report concerning posts and send support. Learn more about that at 988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/support-on-social-media. If you’re concerned about someone, don’t wait. Trust your gut. Check in. Because sometimes, the people who say “I’m fine” are the ones who need us most.

For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines:

• English: 410.820.5600
• Español: 410.829.6143
• English/Español Text Line: 410.829.6143
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

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Each September, For All Seasons launches its annual “No Matter What… You Matter” suicide prevention campaign. For more information, please visit www.NoMatterWhatYouMatter.org. For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For more information about For All Seasons, please call (410) 822-1018 or visit www.ForAllSeasonsinc.org.