“Voice”

Mental Health Matters

If you, a family member, or friend have experience with mental health issues, you are in a unique position to help stomp out the prejudice and discrimination that surrounds mental and emotional health and  provide hope to others.

Over 95 community members participated in building this Stomper, named “Voice” to reflect how a community can come together to support one another, create a voice and make a difference.  Those 95 people met as groups, discussed the importance of mental health awareness and shared their own personal experiences.  “Voice” will now travel throughout Pennsylvania to help spark similar conversations, inform communities, break down barriers, and help stomp out the stigma that surrounds mental health services and support.

A Simple Message

“Voice” has a simple name and a simple message: Mental Health MATTERS.   “Voice” represents the power we all have to go out into our communities, share information and personal stories, promote awareness and inspiration, and help each other find peace and hope.

Over 95 community members from six different organizations came together to discuss the importance of mental health awareness and shared their own personal experiences.  

“Voice” was unveiled on May 20, 2015 at the annual Skills Candlelight Vigil. 

A Poem:

Breathe by Seveta Gallu

Anxiety: An unpleasant state of uneasiness, or concern about an uncertain event.

I was barely four when the dreams began.
Images of free falling into darkness,
Being swept away from everything into nothing.

One cry for help, and my parents were there. 
“Just breathe,” said my mother.
My father held me in his arms.
“You’re here with us and you are safe, Just breathe.”

Years pass, and now I am seven.
I fear that the sun will die, 
And everything else with it. 
When clouds gathered, I never expected only rain.
Every dark sky meant a hurricane,
Flooding my mind with hopelessness.

Frozen with fear,
I’d call my parents.
“Just breathe,” said my father.
My mom stroked my hair.
“You’re here with us and you are safe. Just breathe.”

I am older now.
I no longer fear hurricanes and tidal waves.
In fact I love the rain.
But as I’ve matured, 
Anxiety’s roots have deepened.

And now, self consciousness and self doubt,
Are the storms that ravage my mind.
I’m twelve now.

I am. I am. I am.
I am good.
I am smart.
I am pretty.
I am something.
Something important.
Something special.
​(Breathe)

“Voice” was created by organizations throughout Centre County, PA including: Opportunity Centre Clubhouse, Community Service Group Site-Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, Strawberry Fields Parent Support Group, Skills Central Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program in Philipsburg, Centre County Correctional Facility and Centre County Mental Health, Intellectual Disabilities, Early Intervention and Drug & Alcohol Office. “Voice” was made possible through the generous support of the Mental Health Matters Grant through the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Our Artists: Chris Bittner, Mark Pilato, Mel Forkner Lesher, Marisa Vicere, Nancy Vicere

Curriculum Development: Marisa Vicere

Our Partners: Centre County Mental Health, Skills of Central PA, Opportunity Centre Clubhouse, Centre County Correctional Facility, Community Service Group Site-Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, Strawberry Fields Parent Support Group, Skills Central Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program in Philipsburg, PeerStar, Community Care Behavioral Health, Fitology, Jenn Chessie, Brandi Eslick