Christian Shelter adds therapist to their team to address mental health

SALISBURY, Md.-A vision to help those struggling with trauma and mental health. Anthony Dickerson, the Executive Director with the Christian Shelter, is turning that idea into a reality.

“So to be able to deal with the trauma, I wanted to partner with someone who did not treat the guests like a parent, they were not intimidated by the therapist,” Dickerson said.

Dickerson said most of his guests have experienced some type of trauma, and the need for mental health services is only increasing.

“Even since COVID has hit, it’s a part of our life now so we gotta find ways to cope,” Dickerson said. “According to scientists, rejection is worse than a violent crime, rejection is worse than being on drugs and so I want somebody who can deal with the guests with the rejection piece.”

And, that’s where the partnership with Toni Sturgis comes in. She’s a mental health therapist who’s working with the guests.

“I stayed in a shelter years ago and they helped me get back up on my feet and I’ve always wanted to give back,” Sturgis said.

Sturgis said mental health treatment is really important, especially for those in a shelter.

“As I’ve been told, many of them are at rock bottom and you come in and you’ve already been victimized in so many ways emotionally physically for some,” Sturgis said.

That’s why a partnership like this one is so meaningful.

“It’s amazing just how saying you can do this, but you’re not going to do this alone really helps someone boost their confidence,” Sturgis said.

The partnership has already started and they’re trying to expand by including parenting classes.