For over twenty years, New Directions Delaware has provided peer support and educational opportunities for those with mood disorders and their family and friends. Unfortunately, the board has come to a very difficult decision. The New Directions Delaware program will be ending in August 2019. We are no longer able to offer monthly educational programs. We will continue peer support meetings twice monthly through August 26, 2019. The primary reason for this is steadily decreasing attendance over the past few years. Also, as a 100% volunteer organization, replacing facilitators, board members and volunteers who have chosen to retire or resign has not been possible.
When New Directions began, the idea of peer support was still very new. Since then other support groups have emerged, education is easier to come by, and there is greater social awareness of mental health needs. We are hopeful that other organizations will adequately fill the void that the end of the New Directions’ era leaves. The board will be forever grateful to all the people who have supported New Directions’ mission by donating time, money and resources for many years.
In closing, the following plan for 2019 is in place: New Directions will no longer be accepting charitable donations. We will responsibly disperse our remaining funds to a local mental health organization and officially disband the 501(c)(3) designation by 12/31/2019. During this time, we will help find as many resources as possible for our members to aid in this transition for our participants. We will be transparent with all plans and decisions. Please direct any questions regarding our transition plan for New Directions by email to support@newdirectionsdelaware.org.
Ian Geiser, President
Per Ians message scroll down for the the list of regional support options