Liberty County residents have an invaluable mental-health-care resource at their disposal in the form of the Fraser Counseling Center in Hinesville.
The Fraser Center is a nonprofit, non-denominational, faith-based counseling center that offers behavioral-health services and education for individuals, families and community organizations. The center was established in 1986 by Dr. Whit Fraser, a local physician. According to the center’s website, Fraser believed in affordable, whole-person care for all, regardless of social standing, race, gender or ability to pay. He also established the Mary Lou Fraser Foundation for Families in memory of his late wife.
On Wednesday, which would have been the Frasers’ 60th wedding anniversary, the center kicked off its annual fundraising campaign. In order to continue to provide affordable care to those in need, the facility does depend on the financial support of individual and community donors. There’s no denying that most families’ budgets are strained these days; however, Liberty County’s tight-knit community has proven its strong desire to help others time and time again.
Residents rally annually to support causes such as Relay for Life, The United Way and various military outreach efforts — all very worthy causes. And the Fraser Center is no different. Its outstanding accomplishments and proven track record of assisting those in need by providing confidential counseling, psychotherapy and educational services in mental health, substance abuse and marital and family areas have helped the facility establish an upstanding reputation.
Furthermore, Executive Director Rev. Dr. Alan Baroody shares with his staff of licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors and psychiatrists a passion for bettering the community and a longterm vision for success. Donors can have confidence the team will make the most of any contribution received.
In addition to making patient care available on a sliding-fee scale basis, the Fraser Center is committed to supporting clergy and area churches by providing certain types of counseling, low-cost or subsidized services and individual consultations, among other programs.
Liberty County residents in need of support should not hesitate to contact the center and take advantage of the variety of programs it offers. Those who think they can handle their own problems or don’t believe they’d benefit from the facility’s services should investigate further before deciding not to seek help.
According to the center’s website, its staff is ready and equipped to respond to individuals who have had their normal routines disrupted by many things, ranging from traumatic events, such as being the victim of a crime, to experiencing a natural disaster or the loss of a loved one.
The Fraser Counseling Center has made it clear that no one in this community has to be alone with his or her problems. Now it’s up to area residents to make sure the Fraser Center isn’t alone in its time of need.
Why not set aside a few dollars from your tax return to help the facility so its staff can continue to assist clients in resolving difficulties, realizing their full potential and making positive changes? Healthier, happier residents mean a well-rounded, flourishing community, which benefits everyone in the long run.