Boosted by event sponsorships, United Services 19^th Annual Irish Night raised a record $13,000 for Children and Family Programs in its first online event, held Friday October 16.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the agency to postpone its annual St. Patrick’s Day themed event in March, as well as move the event online.

United Services held a weeklong online auction capped with a live Zoom event on Friday October 16, featuring a concert from Kala Farnham.

Event sponsors Mutual of America, Genoa Healthcare and Putnam Ford, as well as Jewett City Savings Bank and Lake Road Generating helped to make the event a success. More than 35 local businesses donated items or gift certificates to make the auction packages.

United Services President/CEO Diane L. Manning said United Services has seen an increase in demand for children’s mental health services this year, as children and families deal with the stressors of the pandemic and the disruptions it has brought to daily life.

“We are especially grateful for the support of our unusual Irish Night event this year,” Manning said. “Thanks to community support, we are able to continue delivering these critical programs to our community.”

All proceeds benefitted United Services Children and Family Programs: These include:

• One of the busiest Child Guidance Clinics in the state, an award-winning program providing trauma-informed and trauma-focused mental health services for children and adolescents.
• Family Programs, including parent education and support groups such as Kinship Care.
• The region’s only Domestic Violence Program, providing 24/7/365 emergency crisis, shelter and supportive services to families.
• Youth Service Bureau and Juvenile Review Board, coordinating youth service programs and juvenile justice intervention.

For more information on United Services, visit unitedservicesct.org or call 860-774-2020 to schedule an appointment.

About United Services, Inc.

United Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit and comprehensive behavioral health center, creating healthy communities throughout northeast Connecticut for more than 55 years by providing psychosocial, behavioral health, chemical abuse, primary care, care coordination, wellness and prevention services to the community, and employee assistance program services for business and industry.  With 12 locations and a staff of over 250, United Services operates more than 30 separate behavioral health programs, including the only domestic violence shelter for women and children in the region.  United Services, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  To learn more, visit  www.UnitedServicesCT.org.