January 2025: E-Newsletter

MHA E-newsletter
Written By MHA Staff
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Introduction

We're starting 2025 off by introducing our new Executive Director, Tracy Tolbert. We asked Tracy to share a little bit about her and her mission for MHA:

Tracy Tolbert, Executive Director at MHA

My name is Tracy Tolbert and I am the new Executive Director of MHA Cleveland County. 

I came to Cleveland County in 1985 after meeting my husband. We have 2 children who graduated from Cleveland County Schools. I have a Masters of Social Work Degree in Communities and Organizations from Appalachian State University (go Neers!) and appreciate the strong foundation that I received in my education. 

I retired with 30 years service vested in Cleveland County Government. I have been a front line Social Worker in this community and served both adults and children during my time working for the County. I have had a unique opportunity to see the needs of the community from working directly in the community. I have advocated tirelessly throughout my career for having available resources to meet the needs of the community. I was a member and educator for the Crisis Intervention Team program that provides resources to Police Officers responding to calls involving individuals with altered mental status. I have spent my career in public service and feel that I can bring a new perspective and direction to MHA Cleveland County.

My goal for the agency is to be relevant within the community by offering trainings and educational resources for businesses, organizations, and individuals centered around mental health topics. I will be working in the community to advocate for needed resources and work collaboratively with other agencies to find ways to address gaps in services. 

I believe that mental health education and awareness is just as important as physical health education and awareness. A community that values resources that promote positive mental health helps to build a strong and resilient community that has the tools to be successful regardless of what life circumstances may bring. I look forward to serving this community and being part of something that can positively impact lives and future generations. 

Anger Management Resources

For the month of February, we've been working on compiling resources to address the need for anger management resources in and around Cleveland County. Please stay connected with our Facebook, Instagram, and website blog as we update them to include this information. Here's some information to get you started:

At MHA, we receive calls from the community looking for connections and referrals to resources in Cleveland County. One consistent need we've received calls for are anger management resources. In our own efforts to see what resources exist, we've found that there is a barrier to accessing anger management resources that are low-cost or free. However, we have found a few places offering services in counseling as well as online trainings and resources that may be helpful guiding people in the right direction and get the help they need.

As you go through this list, if there are any resources available for free locally or accessible nationally (i.e., through virtual settings) that are not listed, please send us an email or call 704-481-8637. We are working on building a thorough list to share with our community.

Resources

Partners Behavioral Management | partnersbhm.org

EmotionsAnonymous | emotionsanonymous.org

  • 12-step style program for emotional struggles

  • Visit site to find virtual meetings

Mental Health America | mhanational.org

  • Screening-tools available for free

  • Worksheets, guides, and articles for free

Providers

Preferred Choice Healthcare | pchnc.com/services/

  • Anger assessment and treatment

  • Takes many insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare

Community Wellness Partners of NC | shelbytherapy.com

  • Anger management courses

  • Sliding scale options

Articles

Control Anger Before It Controls You

10 Health Ways to Release Rage

18 Ways to Cope with Frustration

Relevant Trainings

Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)

Stress Management

Understanding Grief

Trauma Part Two: Trauma Informed Care

Nutritional Impact on Mental Health

Active Listening/De-escalation

Community Resiliency Model (CRM)

Mental Health 101

Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training

Maternal Mental Health

Trauma Part One: Introduction to Trauma and Resilience

Upcoming Events Hosted by MHA

This list contains all events that are led by or in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County. You can also find these listed on our calendar.

Happening Locally

Here are some things you can do locally to help get you connected to activities that can support your mental health. All activities are free (F) or low-cost (LC). If you know of any things to do in Cleveland County and think we should include it in our monthly newsletter, send an to egrimsley@clevelandcountymha.org

Events in Shelby

Cleveland County Libraries (various locations) (F)

  • New Year, New Goals - Goal Setting & Accountability (Eugenia H. Young)

    • Thursday, Feb. 13, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Line Dancing (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Monday, Feb. 17, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Manga Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Brick Builders | Middle School & High School Age (Eugenia H. Young)

    • Thursday, Feb. 20, 4:30 - 5:30 pm

  • Chess Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Monday, Feb. 24, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Yoga (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Monday, Feb. 3, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Makers Meetup -Quilling Hearts (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Teen Tuesday (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Tuesday, Feb. 11, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

    • Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

  • Learn & Grow Garden Group (Spangler Branch)

    • Saturday, Feb. 8, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

  • Book Folding Art |Ages 15 + (Spangler Branch)

    • Monday, Feb. 10, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

  • Create Your Own Cards (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)

    • Monday, Feb. 10, 5:30 -6:30 pm

There are many more activities to do for all ages at the Cleveland County Libraries. To see more, check their website here.

Neal Senior Center (100 TR Harris Dr. Shelby, NC).

  • The Neal Senior Center releases a calendar of activities each month. Visit their website for the most up to date events.

Events in Kings Mountain

Mauney Memorial Library (Kings Mountain). (F)

  • Winter Sowing | Adults Only

Farmers Markets

The Foothills Farmers Market (multiple locations).

  • The Foothills Farmers Market has multiple locations (in Shelby & Kings Mountain) and other programs. There is no cost to get into the market, however, the items at the market are sold by individual vendors.

Expanding Your Toolkit: Support Groups and Trainings

Trainings by Partners

Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)

Stress Management

Understanding Grief

Trauma Part Two: Trauma Informed Care

Nutritional Impact on Mental Health

Active Listening/De-escalation

Community Resiliency Model (CRM)

Mental Health 101

Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training

Maternal Mental Health

Trauma Part One: Introduction to Trauma and Resilience

To see full list of trainings, click here.

Local Support Groups

Depression and Anxiety Support Group

  • Every Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

  • 205 S Washington St. (Upstairs Conference Room), Shelby, NC - please note: building does not have an elevator.

NAMI Family Support Group

  • Online: Reoccurring biweekly, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

  • Access here.

MHA Staff

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