Body
WHEREAS, the Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, the foundation works to enhance mental health treatment and support by advancing best practices through grant making to nonprofit organizations in the ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties; and
WHEREAS, when Matilda S. McCready (born Matilda Staunton Craig) died in 1933 and the will she left outlined her concept of mental illness and her plans for a treatment centers; and
WHEREAS, in 1947 the Staunton Clinic was established in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and has recently set its priorities to improving access to mental health care especially for the underserved populations and diverting people with mental illness away from the criminal justice system and rural mental health; and
WHEREAS, the Staunton Farm Foundation is supporting the Center for Family Excellence's Cultural Policy Center, where they train ministers in the Hill to identify and help people with symptoms of mental health issues; Michael's Place a project of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a bridge housing program for men released from prison; Bethlehem Haven a shelter of homeless and mentally ill women; Persad and its treatment services for gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals; and the integrating behavioral health and primary care program at Squirrel Hill Health Center ;
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim May 27, 2008, 2008 as Staunton Farm Foundation Day in the City of Pittsburgh.