Mental Health America of Monroe County

06/13/2026

💬 Community Check-In

What's one thing you do to manage stress when life gets busy?

Whether it's taking a walk, spending time with family, reading, exercising, gardening, or something else entirely, we'd love to hear what's working for you.

Share your favorite stress-relief strategy in the comments ⬇️

06/11/2026

🧠 Mental Health Minute

Stress isn't always a bad thing. In fact, short-term stress can help us stay focused and motivated. The challenge comes when stress becomes constant and we don't have opportunities to recover.

This week, check in with yourself:

✔️ Have you been sleeping well?
✔️ Have you had time to recharge?
✔️ Have you connected with someone you trust?

Small steps can make a big difference for your mental well-being.

Photo Credit: Kate Stone Matheson

06/09/2026

📣 Now Hiring in Bloomington!

Harmony School is seeking a Licensed Youth First Mental Health Professional to provide prevention and early intervention services to students and families.

This part-time, school-based position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the mental health and well-being of local youth while enjoying a school-year schedule and professional support.

✅ 20 hours/week
✅ Clinical supervision provided
✅ Continuing education opportunities
✅ Summers off

Interested? Contact Elizabeth Wilkes at 812-568-2402 or [email protected].

Please share with your networks to help connect qualified mental health professionals with this important opportunity.

06/08/2026

Trauma-informed care continues to be one of the most important areas of growth in mental health treatment — and EMDR remains one of the leading evidence-based approaches for helping clients process and heal from traumatic experiences.

If you’ve been considering EMDR training, now is a great time to register for the upcoming EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training in Bloomington, IN.

This in-person training includes:
✔️ Lecture and demonstration
✔️ Hands-on practicum experiences
✔️ 10 hours of consultation
✔️ 40 CE credits available
✔️ Flexible training schedule across two sessions

📅 August 13–14 & September 15–17, 2026
📍 Bloomington, Indiana

Whether you work in private practice, community mental health, schools, healthcare, or crisis services, this training offers practical tools you can immediately begin integrating into your clinical work.

Learn more and register here:

Intended audience: counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, etc. Please scroll down and click on our Training Eligibility tab for more information about eligibility for this course.

06/04/2026

Congratulations to Judy Williams, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Award at our Mental Health Champions Gala 💚

Judy has served on the Catholic Charities Advisory Council for five years and has spent another five years as its President, providing steady leadership and vision. Under her guidance, the Advisory Council has continued to grow a fundraising arm that will help ensure Catholic Charities can provide quality, accessible mental health care for the community. This work reflects a shared commitment to expanding support and reducing barriers to care.

Judy’s lifelong dedication to education and emotional well-being began in her years as an elementary teacher and librarian, where she deeply understood the connection between reading, empathy, and mental health. She created intentional spaces for students to reflect on why they read—often revealing powerful insights about connection, perspective-taking, and finding comfort through stories. At the heart of her teaching philosophy was a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to feel seen.

In retirement, Judy has only expanded her impact. She continues to volunteer in an elementary school library in Bloomington twice a week and co-leads a meaningful outreach effort alongside her certified therapy dog, Dickens. Together, they visit schools, healthcare facilities, memory care settings, and community events, bringing comfort, connection, and calm wherever they go. Judy also helped found the Monroe County chapter of Love on a Leash, which now includes multiple therapy dog teams serving the community.

Through every chapter of her work, Judy has created spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported—often in simple but profoundly meaningful ways.

Thank you, Judy, for your extraordinary service, compassion, and commitment to mental health and community well-being. We are honored to recognize you.

06/02/2026

Congratulations to Kari Rickerby, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award at our Mental Health Champions Gala 💚

Kari consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered school environment. Their kindness and genuine care for students, staff, and families are evident in every interaction, helping to create a school culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.

A tireless advocate for all learners, Kari ensures that every student—regardless of ability or background—has access to the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive. Their leadership reflects a strong belief in equity, belonging, and the importance of meeting students where they are.

What truly sets Kari apart is their willingness to go above and beyond. As both an instructional leader and a compassionate problem-solver, they take time to listen, collaborate, and respond thoughtfully to the needs of others. Whether supporting teachers, working directly with students to build confidence and resilience, or partnering with families, Kari brings dedication, care, and intention to every interaction.

Their leadership inspires excellence across the school community, and their impact is felt in lasting and meaningful ways.

Thank you, Kari, for your commitment to students, families, and education. We are honored to recognize you.

06/01/2026

The conversation around va**ng has changed — and our understanding of the risks continues to grow.

From ni****ne addiction and youth use to mental health concerns and psychosis, va**ng is impacting individuals and communities in ways we can’t afford to ignore.

Join us for this timely training to better understand:
• current va**ng trends
• health and mental health impacts
• benefits of quitting
• strategies to protect public health

Whether you work in healthcare, schools, social services, or community support, this training will provide practical and relevant insight.

📅June 26th. 0730-0900am
📍 Youth Services Bureau
🔗 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EA5A72FA3F5C52-64017718-mhaofmonroe

05/31/2026

Congratulations to Indiana Recovery Alliance, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Social Service Agency Award at our Mental Health Champions Gala 💚

Indiana Recovery Alliance continues to demonstrate what compassionate, community-driven care truly looks like. Through resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving individuals often overlooked by traditional systems, IRA has become a vital lifeline for people across Indiana.

As a peer-led recovery community organization, IRA’s work is rooted in lived experience and built on trust, dignity, and harm reduction. Their team provides support and connection for individuals navigating substance use, homelessness, incarceration, and other complex challenges — meeting people where they are with compassion and without judgment.

In 2025, IRA expanded its impact by moving into a new facility, increasing its capacity to serve the community and broaden services. The organization also continues to play a critical role in overdose prevention and education, helping save lives through widespread Naloxone distribution, statewide partnerships, and efforts to reduce stigma surrounding substance use and recovery.

Beyond direct services, IRA is helping shape the future of healthcare by educating nursing students and community partners about compassionate, evidence-based care for people who use drugs.

Their work not only saves lives — it builds connection, hope, and pathways to healing for some of the most marginalized members of our community.

Thank you, Indiana Recovery Alliance, for your courage, leadership, and commitment to human dignity. We are honored to celebrate your impact.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Julien Calvert, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Youth Advocate Award at our Mental Health Champions Gala 💚

Julien’s dedication to supporting youth in our community is evident in every aspect of their work. As a youth counselor, they provide care and support not only to youth in shelter services, but also to at-risk youth throughout the community. Their commitment extends beyond direct counseling through their work facilitating the Empowered Parenting Workshop, helping caregivers strengthen relationships and navigate challenges with their children.

Julien is known for their reliability, compassion, and thoughtful leadership. Whether responding after hours while on-call or offering guidance and support to peers, they consistently approach each situation with care, creativity, and a focus on what will best serve young people.

Their fresh perspective, positive attitude, and innovative approach to engaging youth have made a meaningful impact on both the individuals they serve and the colleagues they work alongside every day.

Thank you, Julien, for the compassion, advocacy, and dedication you bring to our community. We are honored to celebrate you.

05/27/2026

Congratulations to Officer Jacqueline Recarte, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding First Responder Award at our Mental Health Champions Gala 💚

Officer Recarte exemplifies the compassion, professionalism, and humanity that are so deeply needed in moments of crisis. Throughout her service, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional care when responding to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, balancing safety, empathy, and de-escalation with remarkable skill.

She was especially recognized for her ability to navigate highly emotional and sensitive situations with compassion, composure, and respect for everyone involved. Her calm presence and thoughtful approach help provide reassurance and dignity during some of the community’s most difficult moments.

Mental health crisis response requires not only training and composure, but deep humanity. Officer Recarte’s work helps reduce stigma, build trust, and remind our community that compassionate response matters.

Thank you, Officer Recarte, for serving our community with empathy, integrity, and care. We are honored to recognize your impact.