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Published: 26 May 2023

During the month of May each year, Mental Health Awareness Month is nationally recognized as a time for communities to focus on mental health education, stigma reduction, illness prevention, and overall awareness. This month, Perry Wellness Center would like to share mental health resources for affected individuals, families, friends, and the broader community. We selected two of the most well-regarded mental health organizations in the country, both of which have worked closely with Stuart Perry and PWC. Below are links to this year’s Mental Health Month online information for each organization, as well as a description of each organization’s theme for this year’s Mental Health Month, and available resources.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

This year’s theme: “More Than Enough”

“It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.”

The NAMI Mental Health Month page link includes sample social media posts, postable graphics, a downloadable #morethanenough Facebook profile frame, and links to mental health blogs, podcasts, and other resources. We would encourage everyone to also read a very relevant blog post from the NAMI archives: “Why Do We Have the Feeling that We Are Not Enough?”

Mental Health America (MHA)

This year’s theme: “Look Around, Look Within”

“This Mental Health Month, challenge yourself to examine your world and how it can affect your overall health. Look around, look within – from your neighborhood to genetics,many factors come into play when it comes to your mental health.”

The MHA Mental Health Month page link includes an online mental health screening test, a downloadable Mental Health Month toolkit with printable handouts, etc., and lots of information on mental health.

We hope that this information will provide our readers with greater insight into mental health, mental illness, and those who are affected.

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Published: 24 May 2023

With the varied weather in Southwest Georgia, and as we move into the height of growing season, it is vital that all vegetables and other plants receive sufficient water. Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO Stuart Perry plays close attention to the daily scheduled watering of all plants on campus, including those at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market.

“Sometimes God will water our gardens and plants,” Stuart observes. “We try to keep our prayers for his care in our market. We need all of the help we can get to make our produce look the best.”

He points to a group of plants (pictured above) and continues, “These winter plants do not look watered, but the last rain beat them down and made them look limp. But they will perk up and look good again.”

At Perry Wellness Center, there is nothing more basic than “God watering” for hearts, souls, and growing plants.

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Published: 22 May 2023

Since joining the staff at Perry Wellness Center, Gale Owen has fit in well with staff and peers. She retired from her previous employment at Macon County State Prison as a pharmacy technician after the closing of the pharmacy department. Now she shares her thoughts about the wellness and recovery center that is her new employment base.

"I really appreciate my work at Perry Wellness Center,” she says. “It is fun to discover our peer population in person and through note writing. I suppose my 15 years as a Pharmacy Technician at the prison gave me background for this job. We must bring what we have learned to any new role.”

She continues,” We all need to be aware of the life experiences of our peers. We must realize that our contacts change each day, as the people we meet have been exposed to a different group of people. I am aware of change in life and in our role at Perry Wellness Center. I look forward to meeting new peers.”

Outside of work, Miss Gale enjoys time with her family. The youthful-looking lady shares with pride that she has been married for 49 years. She also has three grown children – two sons and a daughter. The oldest is 48 years old.

In the photo above, Gale Owen works in the front office at Perry Wellness Center, as she checks to ensure that all paperwork is signed.

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Published: 19 May 2023

Since Rudy’s Happy Patch Market was established on the campus of Perry Wellness Center, it has operated with the promise that customers will “leave with a smile.”  We also like a new comment we have heard from visitors to the market: “If God made it, Happy Patch has it!” The abundance of inventory and the colorful décor are marvels to many visitors.

Stuart Perry, founder and CEO of Perry Wellness Center, says, “Since I was a teenager with my mom and dad, I have loved to enjoy plants. I guess the market inventory has grown so much that I love plants even more.”

In the photo above, the morning sun lights up the entrance to PWC, offering a welcome with an inventory showcase courtesy of market manager Steve Thompkins.

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Published: 17 May 2023

At Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, plant displays often focus on color mixings and contrasts. But another element is variations in plant textures.  Perry Wellness Center founder and CEO Stuart Perry is enthusiastic about the increased emphasis on “visual texture” at the market and around campus.

“Plant texture is something new to me,” Stuart explains. “But when I see displays with plant variety in the leaves and visual presentation, it is appealing.”

In the first photo, firecracker plants offer textural variety at the base of Hope Park’s former fountain centerpiece. In the second photo, Mexican heather are ready to offer color and texture to a garden display.