Celebrating Women’s History Month
Discover how trailblazing women at MHP are reshaping mental health services through innovative leadership and compassionate care, creating pathways for empowerment and community resilience.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Date: March 8, 2024
Author: Kurdt Allan
Celebrating Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women making strides in mental health at Mental Health Partnerships. Among them are Dr. Racquel Assaye, Lydia, and Hannah—each contributing to a legacy of support and empowerment.
Dr. Racquel Assaye
Dr. Assaye serves as the Acting President & Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health Partnerships, leading the charge in providing essential peer support, training, and advocacy to enhance mental wellness across the community. With nearly three decades of experience in auditing, accounting, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.
Lydia
A dedicated trainer at the institute@MHP, Lydia is empowering Pennsylvania residents to transform their lived mental health experiences into tools for healing and advocacy. Her passion for education is evident in her commitment to equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive and uplift their communities.
Hannah
Hannah is making a tremendous impact by bridging the gap between the Spanish-speaking community and mental health services. Through offering Certified Peer Specialist training in Spanish, she’s breaking language barriers and ensuring equitable access to care. Her efforts are a vital part of expanding inclusivity within mental health support systems.
As we reflect on Women’s History Month, we honor not just the historical figures who paved the way, but also the women of today who are shaping the future of mental health. At Mental Health Partnerships, we are proud to stand with and learn from these inspiring leaders.
Tags: mental health, women’s history, recovery
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Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.