Since 9/11, the face of mental health has changed. As a country, we are realizing the importance of mental health in creating healthy communities in the face of life’s obstacles. We stand with those families who experienced trauma and loss from 9/11. As the agency reflects on the 25 years since the event, we can’t help but examine our growth in serving both first responders and veterans in our community.

Over the years, For All Seasons’ clinicians have gained expertise in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as 9/11, combat, violence, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. We continue to share the message that healing from PTSD is possible, and every person’s recovery journey is unique.

Growing out of our work with first responders and PTSD, For All Seasons brought together multiple agencies and partners to develop the first-ever Peer Support Programs for first responders on the Mid-Shore.  Talbot FiRST ™, the first peer support team to be formed, ensures that first responders in Talbot County have the mental health support they need. This program is not just addressing an immediate need – it’s creating a foundation for a healthier, more resilient community. Caroline Cares™ will be the next peer support program to be created in Caroline County, and peer support teams are in the planning stages for the other three counties on the Mid-Shore.

This fall, For All Seasons partnered with local groups for the first-ever Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium, a free event bringing together first responders, peer support leaders, and behavioral health professionals from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The event focused on strengthening peer support, sharing best practices, and building connections among those working to support the mental health and wellness of first responders.

On Memorial Day weekend, For All Seasons was among several nonprofits to benefit from the performance of Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story, a live storytelling, music, and theatre performance set against the tragedy of the September 11 attacks and the war that followed. The production debuted ahead of a national tour and in recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Created by internationally acclaimed jazz musician Dominick Farinacci and combat veteran Jaymes Poling, this immersive experience reveals the lasting impact of 9/11 and the war that followed, taking audiences on a deeply moving journey of loss, resilience, and hope.

Finally, this summer, For All Seasons launched its new Center for Veterans & Military Families. While the agency has been growing its mental health services for veterans over the past several years, the new Center will now ensure continuity of care while expanding services for veterans and military families throughout Maryland’s Mid-Shore and beyond. Building on its longstanding partnership with Veteran and Military Support Alliance (VAMSA), which recently closed its doors, the Center for Veterans & Military Families will expand available services to include Veterans Administration disability benefits navigation, care coordination, education and training, and connections to additional community resources.

For All Seasons is committed to bringing mental health services to all who need them in our community. With the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, we especially stand with and honor the first responders and veterans who put themselves in harm’s way for our safety on that day and every day. They are our heroes.