The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-12-12

The society has been endeavor- ing to achieve its mission for IA years. The demand for its services is growing rapidly. If the i'm portant task of sponsoring child guidance work is to be continued Waterburians must avail them selves of the opportunity to make an ideal investment-the salvag- ing of young minds. Richard M. Hunt of 56 Kellogg street is treas Ilrer of the society and will gladly acknowledge contributions.
 A little background of the Wa terbury Mental Hygiene society, it's plans and its aspirations may be gleaned from the following state ment released to explain the ur- gency of the appeal:
 The Waterbury Socieyt for Men tai Hygiene is appealing to you at Christmas time this year for help in carrying on its child guid- ance clinic. Of course everybody gives what they can to make chil- dren have happy Christmas; the toy shops do a rushing business, the store windows are filled with gay and appealing gifts, the Christmas tree will soon go up on the Green, and Santa Claus is king. But in the midst of this busy and happy season, this so- ciety asks you to realize that 8 gift to the child-guidance clinic may mean to a child not just a happy Christmas, but a happy life.
 What is the Waterbury Society for Mental Hygiene?
 The Waterbury Society for Men tai Hygiene is organized to im- prove and protect mental health. To this end, it maintains a child guidance clinic in Lincoln House which is ocen three days a week. Last year about 800 people from Waterbury and the neighboring towns contributed to the support of this clinic. It is hoped that this number may be raised to 1000 this year. Any contribution no matter how small, will be well comed and may be sent to the Wa terbury Society for M e n t a Hygiene, 35 Field street.
 Who does the Waterbury So- ciety of Mental Hygiene serve?
 The Waterbury Society of Men tai Hygiene serves children from three to eighteen, without dis crimination as to race or creed. The children are sent by parents, teachers, and by Lincoln House, the Diocesan Bureau, the Juvenile Court, Children's Community Gen. ter, Visiting Nurses association and Corner House.
 Is the Waterbury Society for Mental Hygiene able to meet all the demands that are made?
 No, it is not. More money is needed for a full-time clinic. A psychiatric social worker is need ed to follow up the cases treated at the clinic. Tutors are needed to give special training to children with reading difficulties. The So- ciety appeals for your help in meeting the many demands which the community makes.
 Why is the work of the Water bury s ,ciety for Mental Hygiene important?
 The work of the child-guidance clinic is important because it cor rects mental maladjustments in children and thus prevents future tragedy. It is now generally recog- nized that childhood is probably the most important time in a per- sons life. The seeds of character are sown then and the child is father to the man. The family, the school, the church, all have great est importance in shaping child'S life. But parents and teachers of today, as well as ministers and so- cial workers realize that there are problems which arise in dealing with children that they cannot adequately handle. They may be problems which, if they are not corrected promptly, may lead to diseases comparable to tuhercu-