The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased to announce the eighth annual Food for Thought fundraising event to support Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health. The event will be held on May 5 at 6 p.m. at Leidos Headquarters, 1750 Presidents Street in Reston. Tickets and sponsorship are available for purchase.
The Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) provides affordable and culturally sensitive therapy and testing services to those in need, regardless of income. It is one of the only sites in the mid-Atlantic to offer therapies and testing on a sliding scale, which enables access to care for as low as $5 per session. The CCMH provides services to children as young as age 5, and works with community members across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and veterans. It also serves as the main training clinic for Mason doctoral candidates in clinical psychology, as well asstudents in other behavioral health disciplines such as counseling and social work.
“The Center for Community Mental Health firmly believes that mental health services should be available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay,” said Robyn Mehlenbeck, director of the Center for Community Mental Health. She added,“We are deeply grateful to our supporters who make it possible to provide these vital services to members of our community at an affordable rate. I can’t think of a better way to kick off National Mental Health Awareness month in May.”
This year, ABC7’s Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff, BA Speech Communication '97, will emcee the event, and Washington Commanders Executive Chef Connor McGuire will participate as celebrity chef speaker. McGuire will provide insight into how food fuels both physical and mental health.
The event will also include inspirational stories from individuals who have experienced first-hand the impact of the CCMH. Food and drinks will be served, and an incredible silent auction and fund a need for veterans —both favorites at past events—will offer guests the opportunity to bid on items generously donated by local businesses, community members, and supporters. Food for Thought proceeds will help provide free community health programs, free emotional support, free and very low-cost therapies, and testing services, as well as family psychological support. All funds are usedto support the Center’s lowest-income clients to ensure equitable access to high-quality services.
The “fund-a-need" and auction will directly support the following funds:
- The Center Fund: Supports all our lowest income clients to ensure that they get the highest quality care and no one is turned away due to finances.
- The Jennifer DiMauro Fund for Veterans: Supports free assessments and therapy for veterans. This fund was created in memory of Jennifer DiMauro, a graduate student whose work at the Center focused on helping veterans through assessments and therapy.
The CCMH expresses gratitude to Food for Thought presenting sponsor Leidos for their generous contribution, partnership, and commitment to its cause.
For more information about the CCMH, visit https://ccmh.gmu.edu. The CCMH Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
March 31, 2025