OLEAN, N.Y. — Swizzy’s Cause will hold a “Love Yourself – You Matter” event on Valentine’s Day. Members of the community are invited to the Olean YMCA on Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., to meet with local service providers, enjoy brunch, listen to a guest speaker and enter free prize drawings.
The YMCA will offer day passes to all attendees upon check in. Photo identification must be provided for all adults (ages 18+) upon entering the facility.
Special guest speakers, Melissa Ball (LHMC, Cattaraugus County Department of Community Services, Community Mental Health Program Director) and Amy Mann (MSED, LMHC, Cattaraugus County Clinic Program Director, Suicude Prevention Coalition) will speak before a complimentary brunch served at 10:15 a.m.
A few local vendors will be onsite as well. Scarlet Lily Florist will give a free flower to the first 100 attendees. Hello Gorgeous Salon will offer free haircuts, Intandem will discuss programs and services they provide. Basket raffle drawings will be held at 11:00 a.m.
“Love Yourself – You Matter” is an event made possible through a grant from the Mental Wellness in Cattaraugus County Fund, which was established by the board of the former Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County.
Swizzy’s Cause is a grassroots program created to support and enhance the services available for people with mental health issues. Many who have mental health concerns either don’t know how to access the help they need, or the wait time to gain medical attention is too long. This program is a collaboration among Intandem, Swizzy’s Cause Foundation and the YMCA. Swizzy’s Cause addresses the need for necessary resources and available assistance in our community. Provided by Intandem, a Care Coordinator meets with individuals at the YMCA, which offers a welcoming and supportive environment. In addition, the program, housed at the Olean YMCA, provides a safe and nurturing environment that eliminates the stigma of a doctor’s or counseling office.
No one knows the need better than Pat and Barb Sweitzer through the struggles they encountered getting proper care for their daughter Jessica. “Sadly, we lost our daughter in 2014. We wanted to start a program that would help close the gap in services and provide individuals an opportunity to have purpose and balance. These are two very important components for people living with bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety to live a productive happy life,” stated Ms. Sweitzer. Swizzy’s Cause, named after Jessica, addresses these needs.
For more information about Swizzy’s Cause, call Christie Thornton, Executive Director at 716-373- 2400, ext. 116.
