Laurel House to Honor Dr. Barry, Commissioner Dept of Social Services for Greenwich

Laurel House will honor Alan Barry, PhD, Commissioner of Social Services for the Town of Greenwich at its 3rd annual Derby Dinner Dance on May 2.

The dinner dance, “Champions for Recovery,” will take place at the Woodway Country Club in Darien. This year’s event celebrates Laurel House’s success in helping people with mental illness get jobs, go to school, secure housing and engage in the community. Proceeds from the event will be used to sustain critical support to program participants and their families.

Alan D. Barry, Ph.D., Commissioner of Social Services, Town of Greenwich is being honored as the 2015 Champion for Recovery. Dr. Barry is being recognized for his work in collaborating with mental health agencies throughout southwestern Connecticut to develop a more effective network of programs and improve and deliver services, promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence. Dr. Barry said, “I believe it’s time to pull mental illness out of the shadows, and turn the spotlight on mental health. We must get the word out that there is effective treatment available.”

Laurel House will also be recognizing six Town Champions for their work, advocacy and outreach, making their towns better places in which to live and work. The 2015 Town Champions are: Kathy Gilbert, LCSW, Darien/Fairfield; Cynthia Gorey, New Canaan; Mindy and Glenn Houck, Rowayton; Dominick Bria, Stamford; Holly Hinds, Esq., Weston.

The festive event begins at 5:45 p.m. with live action from the Kentucky Derby, a hat contest, cocktails, silent auction, dinner and dancing to the sounds of Alex Donner & his Orchestra. For sponsorship opportunities and ticket information please call 203-324-7734.

Laurel House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Stamford, serving eight towns in lower Fairfield County from Westport to Greenwich.

Laurel House has been in operation since 1984 and provides resources and opportunities for people living with mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives in their local communities throughout Fairfield County.

Laurel House’s new initiative, Resources to Recover (RtoR), is a gateway website offering families affected by mental illness guidance, support and information on best practices in recovery-oriented mental health care.

A unique feature of RtoR is the Family-Endorsed Provider directory. RtoR, a free service, covers the region of CT, NY, NJ and southern MA.