WDAM.com Laurel-Hattiesburg, MS The Pinebelt's Choice For News, Sports and Weather | Youth mental health initiative starts in Marion County

Youth mental health initiative starts in Marion County

By Kevin Wheeler - bio | email | Twitter

MARION COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - A new family services initiative has started to Marion County.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Wednesday morning for the commUNITY cares program.

This program helps children from the age of 10 to 18 deal with emotional needs and substance abuse problems. 

CommUNITY cares was started in 2006 and is also offered in Forrest and Lamar Counties.

"We want to make sure that we offer the best services and the best quality of services to the residents here," said CommUNITY representative LaShana Sorrell. "I think that with these services our families can receive the support they need and also a level of understanding education about the issues that are facing our youth today."

Crystal Varnado's 17 -year -old son is involved with the program.  She spoke to the audience about the program's success with her family.

"It's is a good positive program that has started it has really helped me and my family," said Varnado. "His attitude has changed and he's started doing positive things instead of the negative things that he was doing."

The initiative is a collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Health, Mississippi families As Allies for Children's Mental Health and Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources.

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