Family Counseling Services Of Northern Utah - 1054 Words

Mission Statement: Family Counseling Services of Northern Utah (FCS) is a non-profit agency which has been dedicated since 1966 to improving the quality of life for residents of Northern Utah by providing affordable counseling to individuals, couples, and families regardless of their income. FCS first opened its doors on February 2, 1966 at a small apartment office in Ogden, Utah. The agency was founded in response to community surveys that recognized the need for a counseling agency to keep families together. Its first executive director, and only counselor, saw 170 clients in 1966. Since then our agency has helped thousands of children, individuals, couples and families. In 1993, FCS assisted 350 clients; in 2010, we assisted 2,400†¦show more content†¦A 2015 article in the Salt Lake Tribune Utah had the fourth highest suicide rate last year, coming in behind Montana, Alaska and Wyoming. The deaths of 562 Utahan’s last year were ruled as suicides, a number that s been climbing. Mental health of Utah (2015) reported, â€Å"30% to 70% of suicide victims who suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic depressive) disorder† and â€Å"eight out of ten people considering suicide give some sign of their intentions.† Poverty and mental health correlate significantly, people with economical disadvantages have inconsistent access to proper mental health agencies and resources. With poverty increasing the number of mental health related concerns FCS has made a commitment to offer services to individuals and families who have expressed the need for services but are unable to pay for requested sercices. FCS exists to fill the counseling needs of the residents of Northern Utah; notably 95% of the time the population served by FCS could not afford to pay for the services received. FCS is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to making a positive impact on the community by promoting wellness, strengthening families and improving lives. FCS has addressed the community mental health the developing Healing lives for Success. The purpose of the Healing Lives for Success program is to address this barrier of mental health therapy by providing a