The Camilla Foundation will host its third annual "Cultivating Hope: An Evening for Children's Health" on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5:30–7 p.m. at Georgia Southern University's Botanic Garden.

According to a release from The Camilla Foundation, the event is open to the public and "will bring community members together to learn more about the mental health needs of children and families in Bulloch County while raising funds to help ensure that local children can access counseling and support regardless of financial circumstances."

The Camilla Foundation was established to help find ways to remove barriers that can prevent children and adolescents in Bulloch County from receiving needed mental health services. Today, the Foundation provides counseling services at no cost to eligible children and youth ages 3–17 who live in Bulloch County, including community-based and school-based services.

"Our goal is simple: When a child in Bulloch County needs help, barriers such as cost, transportation or access to a provider should not stand in the way of receiving care," said Charlene Lamar, executive director of The Camilla Foundation. "It is incredibly meaningful work, and it is possible because our community continues to believe in these children and invest in their well-being."

Since its inception, The Camilla Foundation has expanded its reach within Bulloch County through partnerships with local schools, nonprofit organizations, health providers and other community agencies. The growth of its counseling programs reflects both the continuing need for accessible youth mental health services in the county and the power of community partnerships to help meet that need.

Cultivating Hope provides an opportunity to share that story with the community — how the Foundation began, the children and families it serves today, and the work still ahead.

"This evening is about more than raising funds," Lamar said. "It is an opportunity to share who we are, how we got here, and why this work matters. Every person who attends, gives, partners with us, or simply helps spread the word becomes part of making mental health care more accessible for children in Bulloch County."

Proceeds from the event will support The Camilla Foundation's programs and its work to remove barriers to mental health services for children and youth in Bulloch.

Register for Cultivating Hope here.

Those unable to attend may support The Camilla Foundation by making a donation here.