Building a Mentally Healthier Memphis
2026 Mental Health Lunch & Learn Event Series
Since 1981, Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South has provided affordable, accessible professional counseling services while honoring the personal and spiritual values of each individual.
In 2025, Samaritan served 896 individuals across the Mid-South and provided over 3,200 counselingsessions, with over 95% of sessions subsidized by Samaritan’s fundraising efforts. Our sliding scale fee structure ensures that mental healthcare remains available to uninsured and underinsured members of our community.
Mental health directly impacts workplace productivity, employee retention, leadership resilience, family stability, and overall community well-being. The need continues to grow — and so does the opportunityto lead.
The 2026 Lunch & Learn Series
Our annual series convenes community and business leaders for focused conversations on today’s most pressing mental health challenges. Each session features respected regional experts delivering clinical insight and practical strategies for real-world impact.
2026 Featured Topics & Expert Speakers
Caring for the Caregiver
Janice Williams, RN — Registered & Faith Community Nurse, Caregiver Coach, Author & Speaker, Founder of Caregiver’s Respite, supporting family caregivers throughout the Mid-South.
May 13, 2026 | First Baptist Church
Lighting the Dark: Proactive Strategies for Youth Suicide Prevention
Jeremy Pitzer, LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Clinical Lead, Samaritan Counseling Centers
September 2, 2026 | Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Rd.
Good Grief: A Natural and Healthy Emotional Process
Nova Moss, Ph.D. — Continuing Education & Content Director, Mental Health America (MHA) of the Midsouth
October 2026 | Location TBD
Audience Snapshot
· 225+ engaged attendees per series
· Business leaders & HR professionals
· Healthcare & nonprofit executives
· Educators & faith leaders
· Community advocates & engaged families
Marketing & Community Reach
· 750 direct mail invitations per event (3 total mailings)
· 1,000+ email subscribers
· 6 promotional e-newsletters featuring each event
· Website and social media promotion
· Press outreach and community visibility
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
| Benefit | Impact | Hope | Wellness |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $1,000 | $500 | |
| Logo on all Marketing | Featured Placement | Standard Placement | Standard Placement |
| Logo in event program & slide show | Featured Placement | Standard Placement | Standard Placement |
| Recognition from Stage |  | | |
| Reserved Seating | Table of 8 | Table of 6 | - |
| Vendor Display Table | | | - |
| Press Release Recognition | | | - |
| Social Media & Email Spotlight | | - | - |
| Category exclusivity | | - | - |
Sponsorship Commitment
The fair market value of the marketing/advertising from a Sponsorship is 12.8%.
The tax-deductible amounts for the Sponsorships are as follows:
$500 Sponsorship is $436; $1,000 Sponsorship is $872; $2,000 Sponsorship is $1,744.
For questions or to confirm your sponsorship:
Email Kristin Fox-Trautman;