East Setauket, NY - December 10, 2013 - The Mental Health Association in Suffolk along with its partner agencies Clubhouse of Suffolk and Suffolk County United Veterans has announced that Sonia Murdock of the Post Partum Resource Center of New York and Tom Ronayne of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency will be their 2014 Honorees at the annual Mind Matters Dinner Dance on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Old Field Club in East Setauket.
Ms. Murdock is an international advocate and educator on mental health related to childbearing and Past President of Postpartum Support International. In 1998, Sonia co-founded with Emily Sampino the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. and serves as its Executive Director. The non-profit agency is dedicated to increasing awareness and access to care for New York State families at risk or experiencing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, including postpartum depression. Their services include support, information, and resource linkage via a Statewide Helpline as well as training for healthcare providers and communities.
Mr. Ronayne is a U.S. Navy Veteran and the Director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, a Department within the office of the County Executive. With offices across the County and a staff of skilled Veterans advocates, the VSA assists Veterans and their families on Veterans benefits and resources including housing, career assistance, and academic and training opportunities. Mr. Ronayne is a widely appreciated and respected Veteran leader in a county with the largest number of veterans in the State and among the largest number of every metropolitan area except San Diego. With the emergence of startling reports over the past several years concerning the mental health of post-service Veterans, Mr. Ronayne has been a recognized leader in mobilizing resources and information geared to engage impacted vets and their loved ones into effective, Vet-friendly services. Included in this has been his role as a founding committee member and administrator of the Pfc. Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program, now operating in eleven counties throughout NYS.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception situated along a breathtaking view of the Long Island Sound followed by dinner and dancing to live jazz.
Ticket prices for the event are $125 each or $1,000 for a table of ten. The event also offers three levels of Sponsorship opportunities; and event journal advertising is also available. Proceeds will benefit the work of the three merging organizations to promote mental health awareness, early intervention, and evidence-based care for children, adults, and at-risk and homeless Veterans. For information as well as ticket, advertising, and sponsorship purchases, go to www.mhasuffolk.org or contact Ruth McDade at 631. 471-7242 x1429 or Ruth.McDade@clubhouseofsuffolk.org.