We trace our roots to the 1940s, following the World War II service of conscientious objectors assigned to state mental hospitals. There, they saw conditions that shocked them.
When they returned to their communities after the war, these Mennonites, Church of the Brethren and Quakers shared their concerns and discussed constructive ideas for change. This led to the establishment of five Mennonite mental health centers and the creation of Mennonite Mental Health Services, a division of Mennonite Central Committee.
The initiative of these conscientious objectors eventually altered American attitudes and practices regarding mental health.
Mennonites also developed retirement centers, acute care hospitals and agencies serving youth and those with developmental disabilities, beginning in the late 1800’s. In 1988, the mission of Mennonite Mental Health Services broadened to include all health and human service providers affiliated with our relating denominations.
Since 1994 Mennonite Health Services has had relationships of accountability with Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Brethren, and Brethren in Christ.
“On May 6, 1946, Life magazine published a lengthy exposé, based largely on CPS reports, on the conditions in U.S. mental hospitals. This article generated a public outcry that eventually captured the attention of former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and led to the creation of the National Mental Health Foundation.” From A Quick Guide to Anabaptist Values by Emerson L. Lesher and John D. Roth
To purchase A Quick Guide to Anabaptist Values for MHS Alliance Organizations contact Deloris Rhodes