As communities across the country recognize Mental Health Month, Hannah’s House, Waitsfield, is marking a major milestone by launching a $25,000 fundraising campaign to expand access to critical mental health services in the Mad River Valley and Waterbury.
Founded in 2010, Hannah’s House was created to honor Hannah Bedford, a Waitsfield resident remembered for her courage in facing significant mental health challenges. In the years since, her family and community have transformed loss into lasting impact, building an organization that provides counseling, education and outreach to individuals of all ages throughout Central Vermont.
Today, Hannah’s House offers a wide range of free programs and services designed to strengthen mental wellness and community connection. These include a twice-weekly After School Café for high school students, which provides meals, a safe gathering space and access to a youth therapist; a monthly grief support group; and clinical supervision for pre-licensed therapists entering the field.
The organization has also played a vital role in times of crisis. Following the tragic loss of five students at Harwood Union High School, Hannah’s House provided direct support to students and staff. Additional offerings include Youth Mental Health First Aid certification classes, parent and school presentations on topics such as anxiety, depression and internet safety, and wellness programs for educators, including yoga and chair massage.
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization hosted weekly “Walk & Talks” to foster connection and reduce isolation. Hannah’s House also regularly partners with local institutions, including Sugarbush Resort, to participate in community wellness fairs and host film screenings of mental health documentaries accompanied by therapist-led discussions.
At the core of its mission is providing affordable, accessible one-on-one counseling. With five therapists serving Waitsfield and Waterbury, Hannah’s House now delivers more than 3,800 therapy sessions annually. The organization also provides approximately $15,000 each year in free or reduced-cost care for uninsured or underinsured residents.
Despite this growth, demand continues to outpace capacity. Hannah’s House reports that it is currently unable to meet all requests for services and must regularly turn individuals away. Three additional therapists are ready to join the organization, but expanding the team will require additional funding.
The $25,000 fundraising goal will enable the organization to bring on new clinicians and expand access to mental health care across the region. For 15 years, Hannah’s House has relied primarily on private donations and grants, and leaders say community support remains essential to sustaining and growing its services.
Hannah’s House is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Contributions can be made online at www.hannahshousevt.org or by mail to P.O. Box 217, Waitsfield, VT 05673.
For more information about programs, services or how to give, visit the organization’s website.
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