TGH Behavioral Health Services hosts community block party
Published 12:00 am Monday, September 24, 2018
Ron Houston, left, and Johnny Burch, cook burgers during the community block party for TGH Behaviorial Health Services. The company recently relocated to 505 W. Franklin St. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
Salisbury Firefighter Wesley Jackson places a plastic fire hat on Miranda Bailey, 9, as Salisbury Police officer Shakiya Taylor inquires about her ice cream order. Both agencies were on hand at the TGH Behaviorial Health Services community block party. The company just relocated to 505 W. Franklin St. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
Members of Triple Threat Dance & Charm perform during the TGH Behaviorial Health Services block party event. The business recently relocated to 505 W. Franklin St. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
Daquondra Cuthbertson, formerly of Salisbury, is a motivational speaker who spoke during the TGH Behaviorial Health Services block party event about bullying. She is the owner of a curvy athletic clothing line. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
Nyshekia Chambers attends the TGH Behaviorial Health Services block party with daughter Serenity Lynch, 6, who enjoys some cotton candy at the event. The event was held to introduce the community to the facility, which is in its new location at 505 W. Franklin St. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
Area members of the community gathered this weekend for a block party at TGH Behaviorial Health Services' new location at West Franklin Street. The facility works with clients to introduce them to a sober lifestyle and focuses on mental health awareness as well as other programs. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — As a way to spread awareness about mental health and substance abuse, the owners and staff of TGH Behavioral Health Services hosted a weekend block party at its new location, complete with food, ice cream, blood pressure checks and a discussion about bullying.
The business, which opened in 2015, moved to 505 W. Franklin St. about three weeks ago. The gathering drew a large crowd of people from the neighborhood and supporters of the facility.
The staff was on hand to sign up people in need of services, said Shiheria Shipp, co-assistant director of TGH. She said they also wanted to be able to explain what services the company provides. The company serves clients not just in Rowan County but in Forsyth, Henderson and Mecklenburg counties and beyond.
Shipp said it was also an opportunity for people to see the police in a positive light. The Salisbury Police Department’s ice cream truck was on hand staffed by Officer Shakiya Taylor.
Salisbury Fire Department firefighters gave tours of a firetruck.
“It’s a chance to give back. We’re not going to take from them and not give back,” Shipp said.
The owners of the company are Tijuanna Hooker and Tonya Rankin.
“It’s a big issue right now,” Angela Hampton said of mental illness. “It’s great to know this resource is available in the community.
Hampton attended with her daughter, Jaiylah, 7, and her friend Nyshekia Chambers and her daughter, Serenity Lynch, 6. The girls performed with Prancing Pearls, a local dance group.
Participating was a way to give back to the people who support the dancers, said Pearls founder Courtnee Spruill.
She and instructor Jayhona Johnson came with about six girls who performed a couple of dance routines.
About seven young girls with Triple Threat Dance & Charm also performed a couple of routines.
“It’s nice for our community, and we want to give back,” said Triple Threat instructor Ebonee Stockton.
Daquondra Cuthbertson, a former Salisbury resident who now lives in Greensboro, spoke to the youths about bullying.
“Most people don’t like to talk about bullying. I want to motivate kids and let them know they can be anything they want to be,” Cuthbertson said.
She told the group it’s OK to encourage one another instead of talk about them.
“You cannot let one person tell you who you are,” she told the crowd.
For more information about TGH Behavioral Health Services, call 704-754-5662.
