Highlighting May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Heads-Up Guidance Services (HUGS) wishes to give special recognition to an outstanding volunteer.

Isle of Hope resident Ellen Bradley has served as HUGS’ community outreach volunteer since 2009, spreading the word about the nonprofit organization and the mental health services it provides. Just about every week, she can be found somewhere in the community setting up a resource table at a health fair or speaking to a civic group. As a retired teacher, she has seen firsthand the critical need for mental health counseling and has become an outspoken advocate for the cause.

When she is not out in the community, she can often be found at the HUGS Counseling Center, keeping the building organized, designing marketing materials, taking notes at trainings, giving tours to interested supporters, or setting out food for a staff gathering.

Ellen is like a “mother hen,” supporting the more than 30 volunteer counselors and interns who make HUGS’ services possible. She says she loves her busy life, though it can be a challenge to balance her dedication to HUGS with her other volunteer commitments at church and in civic clubs.

“Volunteering is a privilege that has given back to me in so many ways, especially the opportunity to meet wonderful, like-minded people striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in our community,” she said.

Kudos to this dedicated volunteer for her commitment and passionate support of HUGS’ mental health mission.

For more information about HUGS, visit headsupsavannah.org.