Breaking The Stigma

Celebrated author Jeannette Walls, best known for her best-selling memoir "The Glass Castle," will be the keynote speaker at the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services Reflections of Hope Luncheon on Feb. 13 at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton.

The event was created to break the stigma of mental illness, a critical issue affecting one in four adults. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit JFS' Counseling & Mental Health Services, including the Welcome Home Program.

"The Glass Castle" was named by Amazon as one of the top 10 books of the decade. Walls' inspiring story was brought to the big screen in one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2017.

"This powerful event provides hope and inspiration and opens the door to a world of possibilities," says Abbe Becker, who is chairing the luncheon with co-chairs Lori Gottsegen and Lorraine Udwin and honorary co-chairs Nancy and Marvin Schiller.

Adds Gottsegen: "Mental illness can affect us all as it doesn't have socioeconomic or demographic barriers. I am thrilled to be a part of this event, as putting an end to the stigma of mental illness is of great importance to me."

JFS offers psychiatric care; psychological evaluation; counseling; support groups; and the Welcome Home Program, South Palm Beach County's only daytime drop-in center for adults with long-term mental illness. The program provides socialization opportunities and therapists who teach life skills, health education, art therapy, pet therapy, self-esteem and anxiety workshops, goal setting and educational groups.

The Boca Raton Observer is the event's exclusive magazine sponsor. O

For more information, call 561-852-5013 or email jillw@ralesjfs.org.