By Joseph Getch

CEO

HopeLink Behavioral Health, a mental health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia and beyond

As 2025 closes, we reflect back on the year it was, but we also look ahead to what the new year will bring.

While the holiday season and thoughts of the coming year are a joyous time for many, for some – the holidays and looking ahead can be difficult. The holidays can be overwhelming as events are planned and families gather. It can bring back special and painful memories of loved ones lost or family conflict. In addition, the financial realities and setbacks can add to the holiday burden.

Underscoring this, a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that Americans are more anxious about the holidays this year than last. In fact, 41% of U.S. adults expect more stress related to the holidays this year, a 28% jump from 2024, with the economy topping the list as a stressor.

For those with mental illness, stress can further exacerbate their sense of well-being. We see this frequently at HopeLink Behavioral Health, a nonprofit serving those with mental illness and facing life crises. During the holidays, the Crisis Call Center receives many calls, chats and texts about increased anxiety and overwhelming life stress.

“Holiday blues” may pass with the season, but recognizing signs of depression is important. These can include:

· Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood

· Sleeping too much or too little, middle-of-the night or early morning waking

· Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain

· Irritability or restlessness

· Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

· Thoughts of death or suicide

· Feeling inappropriate guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness

· Mentions of or feelings of unbearable pain

· Feeling hopeless

· Increased substance use

· Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

· Extreme shifts in mood (rage, anxiety, agitation, or sudden calmness)

· Talking about being a burden to others or saying goodbye

· Risk-taking behavior or reckless actions

If depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges make the holidays intolerable, then finding help is important. Talk to your family physician or a mental health professional. Another option is calling or texting 988—the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which is confidential and free of charge. If you call, text, or chat (https://chat.988lifeline.org), you will speak with a trained, empathetic professional who will:

· Listen and provide emotional support

· Assess for safety and risk of suicide

· Identify problem-solving skills

· Connect you to Mobile Crisis resources, if available

· Connect you live to other behavioral health resources

· Consult on how to support a loved one in crisis

· Schedule a follow-up call within 24 hours to see how you are doing

During the holidays, give yourself permission to grieve, set realistic goals for the holidays, and take time each day to care for and celebrate yourself. These are important ways to make the holidays less stressful. Also know that there are resources for you and loved ones that can help—well beyond the holidays.

Long-Time Supporters Len and Ann Wolf Honored

Oakton, VA (November 18, 2025)— HopeLink’s Imagine Hope Benefit raised a record nearly $1.1 million to support the behavioral health nonprofit’s programs that help Northern Virginian’s living with diverse behavioral health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and safety. During the event, Len and Ann Wolf were presented with the Cassaday Hope Award, recognizing their investment of time and funds to grow HopeLink’s Mental Health Outpatient Therapy Program.

“We are grateful for our Imagine Hope sponsors and attendees. Their record setting support will make a direct impact on our ability to offer effective behavioral health programs that are saving and changing lives in our region.  In addition to their support, they are now HopeLink ambassadors helping spread the word about the importance of investing in mental health programs that bring hope to so many neighbors and friends,” explained Joseph Getch, CEO, HopeLink. “We were also happy to recognize the amazing support of Len and Ann Wolf which has opened doors to more people who are seeking mental health services.”

The event celebrated more than six decades of HopeLink’s transformative work that has changed the trajectory of lives for generations of people with behavioral health challenges or facing life crises. The event was held November 7 at the McLean Hilton and was led by co-chairs Brian and Halley Meadows, Jonathan and Jamie Evans, and Lance and Jane Thom. Emceed by NBC4’s Drew Wilder, the annual benefit featured inspiring stories of hope, culinary experiences, and silent and live auctions.

Steve and Mary Cassaday presented the Cassaday Hope Award, named in their honor, to Len and Ann Wolf, who have supported HopeLink for several years.  Len Wolf serves on HopeLink’s Board of Directors, and the couple provided seed funding for HopeLink to launch its Mental Health Outpatient Therapy Program during the pandemic.  The program serves individuals in need of therapy services but may not have insurance, afford co-pays, or experience long wait lists for therapy. With the Wolf’s support, the Mental Health Outpatient Therapy Program “has grown from one therapist and a few clients to 8 therapists, three interns and nearly 200 clients and growing.

Helping make this event possible, Imagine Hope’s Premier Sponsors were Cassaday & Company and The Keany Family.  Other major sponsors included Pinnacle Financial Partners, Rabaut Family Foundation, The Robbins Family, Concept Plus, Diaconia, GRVTY | SPA, The Alliance Group, ITC Federal, Paul DiVito & John Silvia, Raymond James, Rob Sturm and JoAnne Mazzarella, The Building People, The Meadows Family, AIS, Baker Tilly, OMNI, and PCSI.

About HopeLink Behavioral Health

HopeLink is a leading nonprofit helping those living with diverse behavioral health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and safety. HopeLink provides people they serve with skill training and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives through a range of services including Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Program Services, Mental Health Outpatient Therapy, Mental Health Skills-Building, TIP, Individual Supported Employment, Peer Support Services, Coordinated Specialty Care.  HopeLink is a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center and Regional Crisis Call Center answering calls, texts, and chats from across Virginia and the nation. For 24/7 support from HopeLink, call 988. For 24/7 chat support, visit 988lifeline.org/chat. www.hopelinkbh.org

Oakton, VA (August 12, 2025)— HopeLink Behavioral Health is receiving a grant totaling $150,000 over the next three years from the KPMG U.S. Foundation. The grant will support HopeLink, a regional nonprofit in Northern Virginia with national reach, which works to help individuals and families facing various behavioral health challenges or crisis.

“We are grateful for the KPMG U.S. Foundation’s investment in our work. Their generosity will help more individuals and families facing mental health challenges or in crisis in our region to receive the support and services they need and to remain safe. This grant expands on our relationship which includes KPMG employee volunteers helping on projects that make our clients’ lives easier,” explained Joseph Getch, CEO, HopeLink.

This grant is part of a nationwide initiative from the KPMG U.S. Foundation, awarding more than $2M this summer in multi-year grants to organizations focused on increasing education and mental well-being, and creating vibrant and healthy communities for all. The collaboration with HopeLink aligns with the KPMG U.S. Foundation’s commitment to supporting the communities where the firm’s people live and work.

“HopeLink is doing vital work right here in Northern Virginia to support individuals and families facing mental health challenges. We’re proud to come together to collaborate with them to increase access to services and lead to healthier, more resilient communities.” said Patrick Ryan, KPMG Washington DC Office Managing Partner.

Earlier this year, HopeLink hosted a volunteer team from KPMG during its Community Impact Day. Volunteers landscaped HopeLink’s Fairfax Recovery Academy, making it a beautiful place for HopeLink clients to thrive. The Recovery Academy provides psychosocial rehabilitation services to adults living with serious mental illness. The program offers skills training and support to help clients work toward their recovery goals and connect with others with similar experiences.

HopeLink serves more than 1,800 individuals and families through its wellness and recovery programs, helping people navigate the mental health system, avoid psychiatric hospitalization, find jobs, strengthen independent living skills, and maintain housing.

About HopeLink Behavioral Health

HopeLink is a leading nonprofit helping those living with diverse behavioral health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and safety. HopeLink provides people they serve with skill training and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives through a range of services including Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Program Services, Mental Health Outpatient Therapy, Mental Health Skills-Building, TIP, Individual Supported Employment, Peer Support Services, Coordinated Specialty Care.  HopeLink is a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center and Regional Crisis Call Center answering calls, texts, and chats from across Virginia and the nation. For 24/7 support from HopeLink, call 988. For 24/7 chat support, visit 988lifeline.org/chat. www.HopeLinkBH.org.

Mental Health Awareness Month Event Hosted by The Alliance Group & CBRE

Oakton, VA (June 2, 2025)— HopeLink’s 5th annual golf tournament hosted by The Alliance Group  and CBRE raised a record $115,000 to benefit the nonprofit’s Mental Health Outpatient Therapy Program. Marking Mental Health Awareness Month, the tournament proceeds increased 15% over 2024.

“We celebrated the 5^th anniversary of this tournament, which has become a staple event.  It helps raise needed funds to run mental health programs while also helping us build bridges to our generous business community. The Alliance Group and CBRE’s leadership have made this an outstanding event, opening the door to business leaders and helping them understand and support behavioral health issues affecting our region. Their vision has enabled more people to have access to our lifesaving and life-changing programs,” explained Joseph Getch, CEO, HopeLink.

More than 130 golfers participated in the tournament. Held at Westwood Golf Club in Vienna, the event featured 18 holes, a cocktail reception, awards for five-year sponsors, and speakers who discussed the important work of HopeLink. As a nonprofit providing mental health, crisis, and suicide intervention services to thousands across Virginia and beyond, HopeLink and its services are needed more than ever.

This year’s funds will support HopeLink’s Mental Health Outpatient Therapy Program. HopeLink mental health professionals offer psychotherapy for a variety of issues and serve youth between 12-18, adults, and families. The program offers individualized assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning and a variety of treatments and accepts Virginia Medicaid and Medicare, private insurance, and private pay as well as takes those who are uninsured.

Along with Title Sponsors—The Alliance Group and CBRE, over 40 organizations and individuals sponsored the event, including Premier Sponsor Cassady & Company as well as Len and Ann Wolf, Integral Federal, McGriff Insurance, BDO, Copper River, Omni Federal and Rich and Jenn Sawchak. A full list of sponsors can be found here: https://hopelinkbh.org/golf-tournament/.

About HopeLink Behavioral Health

HopeLink is a leading nonprofit helping those living with diverse behavioral health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and safety. HopeLink provides people they serve with skill training and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives through a range of services including Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Program Services, Mental Health Outpatient Therapy, Mental Health Skills-Building, TIP, Individual Supported Employment, Peer Support Services, Coordinated Specialty Care.  HopeLink is a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center and Regional Crisis Call Center answering calls, texts, and chats from across Virginia and the nation. For 24/7 support from HopeLink, call 988. For 24/7 chat support, visit 988lifeline.org/chat. www.hopelinkbh.org

Oakton, VA (April 1, 2025) — HopeLink Behavioral Health was awarded two separate contracts totaling nearly $1M that will expand the services it provides to help people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders recover their lives. HopeLink is a regional nonprofit with national reach that helps individuals who live with behavioral health issues or that are in crisis.

“We are excited to offer these two new programs that will enable us and our community partners to overcome barriers for people trying to access housing, mental health and substance use disorder services. We will be helping more people with serious mental health challenges gain access to stable housing with services. In addition, we will be making it easier for young people and their families to navigate the systems to get the mental health and substance use disorder services they need,” explained Joseph Getch, CEO, HopeLink. “Both of these efforts fit well with HopeLink’s current services and mission and will directly support those working to identify and connect with the resources and services they need.”

HopeLink received a nearly $600K contract from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to help clients with serious mental illness access permanent housing with supportive services in Fairfax County. The new offering by HopeLink will support a team of six people who will help reduce homelessness and hospitalization stays by connecting clients with affordable housing. Using the proven housing first approach, which prioritizes getting people into housing and then providing supportive services, HopeLink will help people stabilize their lives through stable housing by giving them time to achieve their personal goals while living independently in the community.

In addition, Fairfax County Department of Family Services awarded HopeLink with a $331K contract to help children and young people up to age 25 access mental health and substance use services. Finding and accessing children’s and young people’s mental health and substance use services can be difficult. HopeLink will start a Care Navigation program to create a single point of entry and build a team of care navigators. A navigator collaborates with the young person and their family to develop a care plan, which considers the young person’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances as well as cultural factors. Navigators help to determine what level of service may be needed and helps youth and families connect to those services with barriers and challenges in mind. Throughout the process, the navigator provides ongoing support, education and guidance to the young person and their family.

The program builds on HopeLink’s engagement and subject matter expertise in child and adolescent behavioral health care and complements other HopeLink services such as 988/Crisis Chat and Transition to Independence Process (TIP), which provides intensive support over an 18-month period for Northern Virginia youth (14-29) who are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. TIP is a youth-driven, highly effective program that helps youth and young adults with emotional and behavioral disorders transition to adulthood so they can live independent, fuller lives.

About HopeLink Behavioral Health

HopeLink is a leading nonprofit helping those living with diverse behavioral health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and safety. HopeLink provides people they serve with skill training and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives through a range of services including Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Program Services, Mental Health Outpatient Therapy, Mental Health Skills-Building, TIP, Individual Supported Employment, Peer Support Services, Coordinated Specialty Care. HopeLink is a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center and Regional Crisis Call Center answering calls, texts, and chats from across Virginia and the nation. For 24/7 support from HopeLink, call 988. For 24/7 chat support, visit 988lifeline.org/chat. www.HopeLinkBH.org.