MAYVILLE, N.Y. – In a heartwarming initiative, staff from the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Center in Dunkirk, have assembled care bags for the homeless. This effort, led by a team of dedicated clinicians, reflects the department’s commitment to addressing the needs of the county’s most vulnerable residents.
The team packed the bags with essential items such as Gatorade, hand warmers, hygiene products, Narcan, winter hats, socks, and mental health resources. These thoughtfully curated care bags aim to provide immediate relief and support to those facing homelessness during the colder months.
“This initiative is deeply personal to me,” said Shannon Fisk, a department intern who spearheaded the project. “My experiences working with the county’s homeless population, including directing the Code Blue Warming Center at the Gateway Center, inspired me to make these care bags. It’s a way to give back and ensure our community members in need feel supported.”
The care bags were distributed to local partners actively serving the homeless, including the Dunkirk Police Department, Probation Services, and the Dunkirk Mental Health Association.
The Department of Mental Hygiene’s team system (SQUAD,) divides clinicians into teams to lead initiatives that enhance services for clients and staff. This SQUAD is comprised of Shannon Fisk, Ashlie Hall, Melissa Rodriguez Arroyo, Michelle Merritt, Aleyna Westling, and Cyndi Szymanowski. This project exemplifies the collaborative spirit and community-focused mission of the department.
