Mental Health America of Lancaster County

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

Small steps can make a big difference in how your day feels. 🌿
Start with one positive choice today — take a deep breath, drink some water, step outside for a moment, or give yourself grace. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to matter.

Better days are built one small step at a time. 💚
You’ve got this.

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

Thank you for having us join in the team photo!! We loved celebrating our friends at Arch Street Center, Inc. with our friends from Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital 🥰

05/22/2026

💛 Feel Good Friday 💛

Sometimes the best neighbors become family. 🥹

When 77-year-old Rudy shared that he wished he knew how to cook healthier meals for his wife after she became sick, his neighbor Tyler stepped in to help — and together they created something beautiful. 🍲❤️

Now their heartwarming cooking videos are inspiring millions with simple reminders about kindness, community, and showing up for one another.

In a world that can feel overwhelming, stories like this remind us that small acts of compassion can make a huge difference. 💫

Who’s someone in your life that has shown up for you when you needed it most? 💬👇

🔗 Link in bio to read the full story.

05/21/2026

📣 We’re just ONE WEEK away from our 2026 Legislative Breakfast — and tickets are selling fast!

Join community leaders, advocates, legislators, and changemakers for an important morning of conversation and connection surrounding mental health.
🗓 Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
📍 Bent Creek Country Club

🎟 Tickets are just $35 — reserve your seat before we sell out! Scan the QR code or follow this link to register: https://mentalhealthamericaoflancasterpa.salsalabs.org/2024legislativebreakfastcopy1/index.html

We look forward to bringing our community together for meaningful discussion and advocacy. 💙

05/21/2026

A recent New York Times article highlights the growing research showing how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can help heal the effects of trauma and adversity while strengthening entire communities. 💙

At Mental Health America of Lancaster County, we are excited to share that our Family & Child Advocate, Shelby Witmer, is now certified to facilitate the Introduction to HOPE training. HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) focuses on how safe relationships, supportive environments, engagement, and emotional growth help children and families thrive.

Positive Childhood Experiences are not only healing for those impacted by trauma — they are good for everyone and help create healthier, stronger communities for all.

📖 Read the article — link in bio.

To learn more about the Introduction to HOPE training, contact:
📞 717-397-7461
📧 switmer@mhalancaster.org

05/20/2026

Celebrate the little wins. 💚
Getting out of bed. Sending the text. Taking a breath. Asking for help. Trying again.

Healing happens in the small moments too. 🌱

05/19/2026

🚨 Recess is NOT optional. It’s essential for children’s mental health, emotional regulation, and healthy development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics just released its first updated guidance on recess in 13 years — emphasizing that recess is critical for learning, emotional wellness, social development, and physical health for children of ALL ages. Experts warn that cutting recess may actually worsen behavior, attention, anxiety, and classroom struggles — especially for children with ADHD, trauma histories, anxiety, or other mental health needs.

In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt discusses the alarming loss of a play-based childhood. Kids today are spending less time in unstructured outdoor play and more time on screens and under constant adult direction. Free play is where children learn some of life’s most important skills:
✔️ Conflict resolution
✔️ Compromise
✔️ Decision making
✔️ Emotional regulation
✔️ Problem solving
✔️ Healthy risk-taking
✔️ Social connection
✔️ Physical activity

When recess disappears, children lose more than a break — they lose opportunities to build resilience, confidence, independence, and belonging.

For many children struggling emotionally or behaviorally, recess is the “reset” their brains and bodies need to return ready to learn. Taking it away as punishment often backfires and increases dysregulation.

Play is not wasted time.
Play IS learning.
Play IS mental health support.
Play IS childhood. 💙

Read more here: link in bio
https://www.wgal.com/article/pediatrics-group-issues-new-guidance-on-recess/71271855

05/18/2026

🌱 Positive childhood experiences help build resilience, strengthen relationships, and support lifelong mental and physical health. While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can impact development, supportive adults, safe environments, and positive connections can make a lasting difference in a child’s future. Research continues to show that healing, hope, and resilience are possible when children and families receive the support they need.

Read this powerful op-ed from our Family & Childhood Advocate on why ACEs are only half the story and why positive childhood experiences matter just as much: Link in bio
🔗 https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/adverse-childhood-experiences-are-only-half-the-story-column/article_ae81fe36-c236-42d1-95ff-54f20c0e807d.html

📞 Want to learn more about building positive childhood experiences and supporting children’s mental wellness? Contact our Family & Child Advocate:

Shelby Witmer
📧 switmer@mhalancaster.org
📞 717-397-7461