Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will present its “Art of Recovery” exhibition from May 2 to 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg. The exhibit features artwork created by individuals living with mental health conditions and coincides with National Mental Health Month. An opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Here’s the full press release:
Fredericksburg, Virginia – A picture might be worth a thousand words, but images of recovery from mental illness transcend any lexicon. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, Art of Recovery, a compelling showcase of work created by talented artists living with mental health conditions.
The exhibition will run May 2 through 31 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library at 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg.
“The Art of Recovery aims to challenge stigma, foster understanding, and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of these artists,” said Anna Loftis, coordinator of Kenmore Club, RACSB’s day program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. “This exhibit provides an invaluable platform for artists to share their voices and talents with our community, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and creative spirit.”
This diverse collection of masterpieces will explore a wide range of themes, reflecting the artists’ personal journeys and creativity.
The opening reception will be held on May 2 from 5-8 p.m. at the exhibition space. The reception is free and open to the public and will feature light refreshments and the opportunity to purchase art.
The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 31. RACSB believes in the power of art to connect, heal and inspire. This exhibition is part of its ongoing commitment to reducing stigma, promoting mental health awareness and sparking hope in the community.
Event Details
The Art of Recovery
May 2–31
Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg
Opening Reception: May 2, 5–8 p.m.
Admission: Free
www.rappahannockareacsb.org/art-of-recoveryFounded in 1970, RACSB provides public behavioral health and developmental disability services to residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org.
Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter to get local news you can trust.
https://www.potomaclocal.com/email-subscription/
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board received a $90,000 grant from the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation to support behavioral healthcare services in Fredericksburg City Schools. The grant will fund a therapist position, comprehensive assessments, screenings, referrals for treatment, care management, counseling services, and family support services. RACSB officials said the funding will help address mental health needs among students.
Here’s the full press release:
MEDIA RELEASE
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
600 Jackson Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
www.rappahannockareacsb.orgFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2025, Fredericksburg, VAGrant Will Provide Mental Health Therapist to City School Division
Fredericksburg, Virginia – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is pleased to announce the receipt of a $90,000 grant from the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation to support behavioral healthcare services in Fredericksburg City Schools.
The money will allow RACSB to continue to provide a therapist for the school division. Additionally, the community services board will use the grant to provide comprehensive assessments—including screenings and referrals for treatment, care management, counseling services, and family support services.
“These funds will allow us to provide a behavioral health supports program, which provides evidence-based, recovery-oriented treatment focused on youth,” said RACSB Executive Director Joe Wickens. “We know that many students struggle with mental health issues, and this grant will help us address these challenges and provide the supports needed to help children in our community thrive.”
About half of Virginia middle and high school students reported a mental health need, with 20 percent saying they engage in self-harming behaviors and 12% saying they had considered ending their lives, according to a report by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia called “The Shape of Youth Mental Health in Virginia.”
“The American Academy of Pediatricians declared a national emergency in children’s mental health needs, and we see that need here in the Fredericksburg community,” Deputy Executive Director Brandie Williams said. “In 2021, the Virginia Youth Survey found that 38 percent of respondents felt sad or hopeless every day for two or more weeks. Think about that for a minute: Young people with their futures in front of them feeling little to no hope. We felt compelled to address this, and our agency is grateful to the Hospital Community Foundation for partnering with us to help local students find the hope they desperately need.”
Founded in 1970, RACSB provides public behavioral health and developmental disability services to residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org.
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) has announced a new partnership with Altruix Pharmacy to improve access to medication for individuals with behavioral health concerns and developmental disabilities. The collaboration aims to overcome barriers that prevent individuals from taking their prescribed medications, such as transportation, time, and cost.
Joe Wickens, executive director of RACSB, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “The individuals we serve have unique needs. Altruix focuses on behavioral healthcare and developmental disability services, giving them valuable expertise. The pharmacy team will provide tailored care to the people we serve and offer a valuable resource to our employees.”
