Happy Holidays from PRMS
This #GivingTuesday, in our efforts to continue supporting organizations helping our communities affected by COVID-19, PRMS is pleased to announce our annual holiday donations to Arlington Food Assistance Center, Kraftlove, and NAMI’s Frontline Wellness Fund. These organizations, which consist of both local and national efforts, recognize the unique challenges the pandemic has brought upon communities facing food insecurity, children undergoing hospital treatments, and frontline workers experiencing mental health struggles, and we are proud to be of support and shed light on their missions during this holiday season of giving.
Arlington Food Assistance Center
Located in PRMS’ Arlington, VA backyard, the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) has been feeding neighbors in need and providing nutritious supplemental grocery items since its founding in 1988. AFAC’s mission is to collect and distribute these items, free of charge, to people living in Arlington who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs, and PRMS employees have been proud supporters of AFAC over the years, hosting collection drives in the office and volunteering to distribute donations. According to the AFAC website, while hunger may not seem to be an issue in a wealthy county like Arlington, the high cost of living combined with the current economic situation exacerbated by COVID-19 creates challenges for families struggling to make ends meet. Supplemental groceries provided by AFAC allow families to relieve their food budgets and make other necessary purchases without sacrificing health or nutritional needs. To learn more about Arlington Food Assistance, ways to support or volunteer with the organization, or to host a virtual food drive, visit www.afac.org.
Kraftlove
Another PRMS neighbor serving the National Capital Area, Kraftlove partners with hospitals and other organizations to provide creative crafting experiences – referred to as “a little love in every box” – to hospitalized children experiencing a variety of illnesses and treatments. These craft kits and art projects, designed and hand-delivered by Kraftlove volunteers, help execute its mission ‘to use art to promote a healing environment in the hospital for sick children facing challenging circumstances,’ transforming each recipient’s hospital experience from ‘one of illness to normalcy, joy and healing.’ PRMS has been a proud supporter of Kraftlove for several years, working with volunteer employees in the office to assemble craft boxes. And now, recognizing the additional challenges and isolation the pandemic has brought upon children and especially those already suffering from illness, Kraftlove is working to help these young patients navigate the pandemic through creative outlets for self-expression by setting a goal to donate 150 craft boxes across DC, Maryland, and Virginia area hospitals this fall. To learn how you can support the organization and contribute to the organization’s goal this season, please visit www.kraftlove.com.
NAMI Frontline Wellness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) launched its NAMI Frontline Wellness campaign – in partnership with the #FirstRespondersFirst initiative – on World Mental Health Day (October 10) in recognition of the added challenges COVID-19 brings upon frontline professionals in their day-to-day lives at work and beyond. PRMS is a regular supporter of NAMI and its mission to provide “advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.” We have been proud to support the organization’s efforts, particularly this year, as it has provided resources, support, and prioritized mental health throughout the pandemic. The Frontline Wellness campaign does just that, bringing awareness to the adverse effects that COVID-19 has contributed to frontline professionals’ mental wellness, and offering a supportive community and a suite of free digital resources including stress management techniques, confidential professional and peer support groups, suicide prevention information, and more. To learn more and find support resources related to Frontline Wellness, and to support NAMI, visit www.nami.org.
From all of us at PRMS, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. We thank our clients, partners, the greater behavioral healthcare community, and all the organizations and individuals working to improve and support mental health always, and particularly during this challenging time. Thank you and happy holidays!
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Authored by PRMS.