Mental Health group hosts annual fall social

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After people got their bowl of chili, sandwiches, chips and cookies, they sat at tables to eat and mingle.

From watching that interaction to the excitement of people when they won the costume contest or a bingo game later on, Melanie O’Neal couldn’t help but smile.

“It gives me goosebumps,” she said. “That’s the best feeling. I’m blessed by seeing the joy on their faces and the laughing, that they can come and have a good time.”

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Since taking over as executive director of Mental Health America of Jackson County earlier this year, O’Neal helped organize the nonprofit organization’s annual fall social for the first time. It was Thursday night at Central Christian Church in Seymour.

Earlier this year, she organized and attended the winter social for the first time.

Both events are for clients and their families and caregivers. More than 80 people attended the fall social.

“I think it’s vitally important for the clients, their families and the caregivers,” O’Neal said. “It’s a nonjudgmental event that they can attend, it’s free and it’s fun. They can come out and socialize, and their families get a break. They don’t have to cook supper tonight.”

After Jim Foster offered a prayer, attendees lined up to get food and drinks.

The costume contest started a half-hour later. Mental Health America board members served as judges and presented three awards.

Then bingo cards were passed around to everyone who wanted to play, and as they got a bingo, their numbers were confirmed and they could pick a prize from a table.

“My board members have donated all of the food and decorations, all of the prizes,” O’Neal said. “It gives me goosebumps. They do it because they care.”

Rob Smith attended the event with his roommates from a local group home. He said he tries to attend all of the social events.

“I like it a lot,” he said. “I like coming for the Halloween stuff, and I like to go to the parties. I socialize with people.”

Mental Health America of Jackson County’s next event is the Christmas Gift Lift social Dec. 13, also at Central Christian Church. Clients fill out their wish lists, and O’Neal will solicit donations from local businesses and individuals to have money to buy the gifts.

Cummins Inc. and Lannett Inc. in Seymour also set up Angel Trees to give their employees a chance to help buy gifts for the clients.

O’Neal said the Christmas Gift Lift serves about 200 clients in Jackson County.

They had an opportunity to fill out their lists and submit the form to O’Neal during the fall social.

“Some of the people here don’t have any family to buy for them,” O’Neal said, noting the importance of the Christmas Gift Lift.

Smith said he hasn’t submitted his wish list yet, but when he does, he’s going to ask for country music CDs, movies, jeans and shirts.

As one woman gave her wish list to O’Neal at the fall social, O’Neal thanked her and asked if she had been a good girl this year. The woman quickly responded, “Yes. I’m always a good girl.”

“Good job,” O’Neal said with a smile. “I’ll do my best to get you something you like.”

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What: Mental Health America of Jackson County’s Christmas Gift Lift social

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13

Where: Central Christian Church, 1434 W. Second St., Seymour

Donate: Anyone interested in making a donation to buy gifts for clients may contact Melanie O’Neal at 812-522-3480 or email [email protected]

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