February 2026: E-Newsletter
To get this newsletter sent to your email, join our mailing list here.
Organization Updates
New Programming, Same MHA
Big things are happening at MHA and it's only the end of February!
This month, we started offering mental wellness tips to students at Shelby High School to help them cope with stressors and overwhelming feelings. Once a month through the end of the school year, we will be offering quick and accessible tips to students.
These mental wellness tips are not only useful and practical, but also socially relevant and designed with the students' ages and interests in mind.
We are working on expanding this type of programming, both accessible online and in person. If this is type of education is something your agency or organization would benefit from, please reach out to our director, Tracy Tolbert at ttolbert@clevelandcountymha.org
How Music can Soothe You
In our time sharing resources and information to people in Cleveland County on how to support mental wellness, there are few tools that are as well-known and far reaching as music. Almost every single person we have worked at MHA listens to and appreciates music on some level. Music connects us all and has a rich history right here at home in Cleveland County.
Music can be both a tool of social connection and private self-soothing. This is what makes it distinct from other coping tools. There are many ways to use (and adapt) it. Have you ever been sad about a life circumstance and put on a song that articulates exactly how you feel? Or have you ever been so angry that you put on a song that matched your energy? How about if you're someone who has felt these intense emotions and thought to put on music that corresponds with an opposite feeling (happiness or calm) as a way to soothe your emotions? Perhaps you are someone who finds relief in seeing live music performances. All of these are ways you can utilize music as a tool to cope with and understand the intense emotions your feeling. It goes to show that the ways we can use music are as wide and varied as music itself.
The individual benefits of listening to music include reducing stress, alleviating some symptoms of anxiety and depression, and mood regulation (source). When paired with efforts to improve physical and mental health, "music can be an effective treatment option suitable for every environment and people of every age, race, and ethnic background" (source).
It is important to note here that while music has its benefits, it is not a suitable replacement for other supports such as therapy. If you are experiencing mental health symptoms (changes in sleep, diet, energy, feeling out-of-control or overwhelmed), especially if it has lasted longer than two weeks, it is important to connect with a mental health professional or a primary care provider.
In the next few days, we will be sharing on our blog one coping tool that utilizes music to help relax the nervous system. Stay tuned!
Upcoming Events Hosted by MHA
This list contains all events that are led by or in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County. You can also find these listed on our calendar.
Happening Locally
Here are some things you can do locally to help get you connected to activities that can support your mental health. All activities are free (F) or low-cost (LC). If you know of any things to do in Cleveland County and think we should include it in our monthly newsletter, send an to egrimsley@clevelandcountymha.org.
Events in Shelby
Every Monday, 4:30 pm - until out of food at Jefferson Park (801 Jefferson St.)
Select Wednesdays (check their socials), 4:30 pm - until out at Grover Town Hall (207 Mulberry Road)
100% FREE food - fresh produce and groceries
Cleveland County Mutual Aid Pop Ups
Next Pop Up: March 15
Recurring once a month, announced via Facebook and Instagram
100% FREE items - toiletries, books, clothes, OTC medications, etc.
Facebook group open to helping people connect with resources and help
Cleveland County Libraries (various locations) (F)
Thread Lightly (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, March 3, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Teen Tuesday (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, March 3, 10, and 24, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Makers Meetup - Rag Wreath (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Thursday, March 5, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Monday Night Book Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, March 9, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Zoom option available
Crafternoon for grades K - 5 (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Wednesday, March 11, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Learn and Grow Garden Group (Spangler Branch)
Saturday, March 14, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Line Dancing (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, March 16, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Manga Club (Teen) (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, March 17, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Sit & Stitch (Ages 15+) (Spangler Branch)
Monday, March 23, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Chess Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, March 23, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
There are more activities and Bookmobile locations not listed here. To see more, visit the CCLS calendar here.
Neal Senior Center (100 TR Harris Dr. Shelby, NC). The Neal Senior Center releases a calendar of activities each month. Visit their website for the most up to date events.
Farmers Markets
The Foothills Farmers Market (multiple locations). The Foothills Farmers Market has multiple locations (in Shelby & Kings Mountain). There is no cost to get into the market, however, the items at the market are sold by individual vendors.
Expanding Your Toolkit: Support Groups and Trainings
Trainings by Partners
At the time of writing this newsletter, Partners has changed the way they schedule trainings. To see a full list of available trainings, click here. For more information or interest in scheduling a training, please contact: CETraining@PartnersBHM.org.
Support Groups
MHA’s Depression and Anxiety Support Group
Every Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
205 S Washington St. (Upstairs Conference Room), Shelby, NC - please note: building does not have an elevator.
Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Brain Injury Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 6-7 pm
ComServe, 1541 Delta Drive, Gastonia, NC 28052;
Contact: Patricia Haithcox at phaithcox@comserve.org, 704-736-5307 or Shanda Daniels at 704-772-4291
Divorce Care Group
Starting Thursday, January 15 and meeting every Thursday through April 9, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Meetings will take place at Calvary Baptist Church (320 Old Boiling Springs Rd, Shelby, NC 28152).
Meetings are free, in person, and have child care available on site. To learn more click here.
Online: Reoccurring biweekly, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
Access here.
Hickory Brain Injury Support Group
Last Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church, 311 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC
Contact: travis@crossroadscounseling.org, 828-781-0778
Postpartum Support International Support Groups
PSI offers 50+ FREE and virtual support groups for perinatal parents. Click here to begin your search.
12-step style program for emotional health struggles
Visit site to find virtual meetings
Know of an existing support group or want assistance starting one? Contact us by emailing egrimsey@clevelandcountymha.org to get added to this list or develop one.
Cleveland County Community Food Resources
If you need food assistance, dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org for free, 24/7 help in locating food pantries, meal programs, and essential services in your area. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Find the PDF Resource Guide here: bit.ly/november-snap-benefits-pause
Boiling Springs
Boiling Springs Baptist Church, 307 South Main St. – Food Pantry
Calvary Baptist Church, 320 Old Boiling Springs Rd. – Food Pantry
Cherryville
Washington Outreach Ministry, 2007 Capernium Rd. – Food Pantry
Fallston
Fallston Baptist Church, 109 Circle Dr. – Food Pantry
Friendship Methodist Church, 111 Friendship Dr. – Food Pantry/Blessing Box
Kings Mountain
Central United Methodist Church, 113 South Piedmont Ave. – Food Pantry
H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Center, 909 East Kings St. – Pantry/Hot Meals, must be 55+ to join.
Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry, 208 North Cleveland Ave. – Food Pantry
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 220 North Watterson St. – Food Pantry
Kingstown
Paul & Marion Ramseur Foundation – Farm Grown Food/Emergency Food
Lawndale
First Baptist Church Lawndale, 129 Douglas St. – Food Pantry
U-Can, 230 East Main St. – Food Pantry/Second Harvest Food Site
Shelby
Broad River Community Market – Fresh Produce
Central United Methodist Church, 200 East Marion St. – Hot Meals
Changers Church, 341 Hudson St. – Food Pantry
Common Ground Café Seniors – SMILE Meal Program (60+)
Council on Aging Neal Senior Center – Meals on Wheels
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 502 West Sumter St. – Food Pantry
Feeding Kids Cleveland County – Food Pantry/Backpack Program
Flint Hill Baptist Church, 2207 Flint Hill Church Road – Food Pantry
First Baptist Church, 120 North Lafayette St. – Hot Meals
Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association 1175 Wyke Rd. – Food Pantry
Hopper’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 415 West Graham St. – Food Pantry
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Community Life Center, 422 Carolina Ave. – Food Pantry/Second Harvest Food Site
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 198 Pleasant Ridge Church Rd. – Food Pantry
Salvation Army, 305 North Lafayette St. – Emergency Food Pantry
Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 East Graham St. – To-Go Lunches/Pantry/Community Fridge
Walls Memorial Baptist Church, 2223 Elizabeth Ave. – Food Pantry
Zoar Baptist Church, 1740 South Lafayette St. – Food Pantry
