AUGUSTA – Crisis & Counseling Centers will host its 2016 annual Celebration & Art Reception on Wednesday, May 11, at Governor Hill Mansion.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Family” and will honor the work of C&C’s family-focused programs, including G.E.A.R. Parent Network, Generations youth and family counseling and Maine Mothers Network. Two clients will share their personal journeys of healing and recovery, which were made possible with the support of C&C’s family programming.

This event also presents local art to the community to promote the therapeutic benefits of creativity. Twenty-four pieces will be on display, including art by local artists, students, clients and well-known artists Pierre Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe and Dominic Pangborn.

The celebration will recognize some of C&C’s key community partners for a variety of accolades, including the Western Maine Collaborative as the CEO Special Recognition Award winner. This collaborative is comprised of Evergreen Behavioral Services, Oxford County Mental Health Services, Rumford Group Homes and Tri-County Mental Health Services, and the award lauds them for collaborating with C&C to achieve better system coordination, regional efficiencies and improved quality of care, according to the release.

Crisis & Counseling Centers will also honor Lives in the Balance with its Organization of the Year Award, recognizing the group’s ongoing partnership with G.E.A.R. Parent Network and tireless advocacy on behalf of families and behaviorally challenging children. District Attorney Maeghan Maloney will receive the Public Safety Award for her exemplary and skillful leadership in changing substance abuse treatment policy and criminogenic behavior in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

More than 120 business leaders, legislators, agency heads, public safety personnel and others will gather for this opportunity to connect and commend C&C’s life-affirming work.

The evening will include an art reception, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will hear client testimonials, award presentations and commentary from Board President Kim Lane and CEO Michael Mitchell. Musical entertainment will be provided by local student flautist William Fahy.

This event would not be possible without the support of Presenting Sponsor Norton Financial Services, as well as additional funding partners. Tickets are now available for $15 per person, $25 per couple or $90 for eight. To register for C&C’s Annual Celebration & Art Reception, visit crisisandcounseling.org or call 213-4523 by Friday, May 6.