"Stigma is a huge obstacle for anyone to overcome when they are in need of mental health services.

Unfortunately, many people end up at the emergency room, the jail or in the morgue before they come to the attention of mental health services providers." So says David Lynott, peer counselor at the nonprofit SPIRIT Peer Empowerment Center in Grass Valley, which offers free peer counseling services with an innovative holistic approach to our community.

Show your support for this cause by joining the march, as well as have some fun at the open house-all of which takes place Saturday.

Local performers include Joey McCutchan and friends, Dan Scanlan, Robert Russell and Gopal Slavonic. The food promises to be excellent, as well.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary of providing holistic mental health services, the center has recently struggled to find funding to purchase the building it has been leasing.

- The Union staff

KNOW & GO



WHAT: SPIRIT in the Spring Open House and Empowerment March to Stomp Out Stigma
WHEN: Saturday, with the march beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Union newspaper building and the Open House from 1-5 p.m.

WHERE: The Union newspaper building is at 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley (carpool from SPIRIT Center ). The Open House is at SPIRIT Center, 276 Gates Place , Grass Valley (across from the Fowler Center ).

ADMISSION: Free, but donations are welcome.

INFORMATION: (530)274-1431, e-mail: spiritcenter@localnet.com; online at www.Spiritempowermentcenter.com.