May 2026: E-Newsletter
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Organization Updates
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is here and that means it's Mental Health Awareness Month. This year, we wanted to develop our programming around the theme of "The Mind Body Connection: Supporting Whole Body Health."
Our brains and bodies are linked. It has been shown that mental health impacts our physical well being, with conditions like anxiety and depression having symptoms that manifest in physical ways, such as chest tightness, restlessness, and even substance misuse. But it goes beyond that. Long term, untreated mental health concerns (including stress as we've discussed in the past) causes "wear and tear" on our nervous system, which can lead to chronic health concerns.
This year, we wanted our programs to supply our community with the tools to support their mental AND physical health. The following events are free, open to the public, and focuses on ways we can enrich our minds and body.
Please join us and invite folks in your network to any of the following Mental Health Awareness Month Events:
Button Making at the Library
May 5, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Our most popular event of the year is back!
Join us for our annual celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. We will be in the Makerspace at the Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library making buttons in honor of the month.
You are welcome to choose from any of our pre-made designs or make one of your own!
All ages welcome, children under 13 must be accompanied by and adult.
Available while supplies lasts.
Nature Walk at Hanna Park
May 12, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us for a beginner-friendly hike at Hanna Park! We will be joined by Dylan Emory, from Broad River Market, as we explore the hiking trails at Hanna Park.
Come out and learn about spending time outside, identifying flora and fauna, and how both of these can help us ground ourselves and actually enjoy the time we spend outside.
Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and bring plenty of water to sip along the way.
All ages welcome, children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Mind & Motion Lab
May 19, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
We're so excited for our upcoming Mind & Motion Lab on May 19, 5:30 - 6:30 PM at the Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library! We're collaborating with Cleveland County Library System for an evening of education and resources.
Join us first in the library courtyard for a simple exercise demonstration and story time for kids! We will then move inside for a mini-resource fair featuring Cleveland County Public Health Center, Broad River Community Market, and the NC Extension & Community Association! Alongside the resource fair, we will also have crafts and fidget toys for kids to keep them busy while parents speak with the resource agencies in attendance.
For questions, call the library at 704-487-9060 OR call MHA at 704-286-6018. You can also email questions to egrimsley@clevelandcountymha.org
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: May 24
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)
Yoga
Monday, May 4, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Thread Lightly (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, May 5, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Monday Night Book Club (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, May 11, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Zoom option available
Teen Tuesday (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, May 12, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Maximizing Your Garden (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Thursday, May 14, 5:30 pm
Line Dancing (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Monday, May 18, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Manga Club (Teen) (Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library)
Tuesday, May 19, 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
