Rotary Recap June 12, 2026
- Mental Health Matters: Learn how York-based RISE Integrated Mental Health is providing innovative, integrated care to our community.
- Community Connections: Co-founders Amanda and Julie shared the challenges and rewards of building a local business dedicated to helping neighbors thrive.
- Club Updates: Members approved support for Rotary District reorganization and received updates on upcoming Fourth of July events and Car with a Cause ticket sales.
York Rotary Club Recap
June 12, 2026
President Darcy called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and the York Rotary Club’s SIX-Way Test.
Guests & Kindness Dollars
Darcy welcomed three special guests from RISE Integrated Mental Health, who joined us as our featured speakers.
Rotarians shared a variety of Kindness Dollars and happy thoughts:
- Jud reminded members about the upcoming Heart to Heart celebration at Foster's.
- Mike Villas shared that he was simply happy to be here.
- Tim was also happy to be in attendance.
- Frank contributed a dollar in honor of a recent celebration in New York City.
- Larry reminded members that Foundation contributions for the current Rotary year should be made before July 1.
- Brad thanked a thoughtful individual who stopped to help clean pollen off this year’s Car with a Cause vehicle at Kennebunk Savings Bank.
- Steve J. offered a "scooter dollar."
- Jackie thanked her Rotary Family for the outpouring of love she received during a difficult time.
- Darcy enthusiastically declared, "I like it hot and humid!"
Featured Program: RISE Integrated Mental Health
Our program began with Amy Hopkins, who led an engaging icebreaker centered on positivity and personal strengths. Amy shared that although she has lived in York for 25 years, this was her first visit to the Community Activity Center. She noted that "community" could easily be her middle name and emphasized that connection, kindness, and helping people discover available resources are values shared by both RISE and Rotary.
Amy challenged members to identify and share their personal "superpowers" with those around them, setting the stage for a discussion about the power of community support and mental wellness.
Amy introduced RISE Integrated Mental Health, an outpatient psychiatric treatment center that has been serving the community for nearly two years. RISE provides comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals experiencing complex mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, OCD, substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant conditions. Their integrated approach combines psychiatric care, therapy, group support, medication management, and advanced neurotherapeutic treatments.
Co-founders Amanda and Julie shared the story behind RISE.
Amanda, a York native, spent many years practicing in Massachusetts before feeling called to bring these much-needed services back home. She explained that demand was immediate when RISE opened its doors, highlighting the significant need for mental health resources in the region.
Julie, who has lived in York since 2015 and previously worked at York Hospital, described how she and Amanda connected through their children and a shared vision for community-based care.
Together they built an integrated model that provides specialized evaluations, coordinated treatment plans, and close collaboration with primary care providers.
The founders emphasized that medication is only one piece of the mental health puzzle. Their goal is not to keep patients in treatment indefinitely, but rather to help people regain stability and return to living healthy, fulfilling lives. Services include therapy, group programs, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine-assisted treatments, and specialized partnerships, including work with veterans through the VA to address suicide prevention and trauma recovery.
Amanda also highlighted RISE's Women's Mental Health Program, developed in partnership with Amy Hopkins. The program blends coaching, education, wellness practices, and community support to address issues that women often don't have sufficient time to discuss during traditional medical appointments. The program includes WAVE (Women Alive, Valued, and Empowered), a weekly women's mental health group that meets each Wednesday.
During the question-and-answer session, Darcy asked about the challenges and successes of starting a York-based business.
Julie shared that finding an affordable, appropriately sized location was one of their biggest hurdles. The team ultimately found a home on Marketplace Drive, behind Walgreens and next to Darcy's office. Both Amanda and Julie reflected on the many challenges of building a highly regulated healthcare practice from the ground up, including licensing, facility requirements, staffing, and maintaining exceptional clinical standards. Despite those challenges, demand continues to grow, with RISE receiving approximately six to ten new patient inquiries each day.
The presenters encouraged members to spread awareness of the services available and to reach out if there are underserved populations or community groups that may benefit from additional mental health support.
To learn more about this important, AMAZING organization, please visit their website at https://riseimh.com/.
Club Business
Certification of Club Action
Upon a motion by Jud, seconded by Larry, it was unanimously approved that the York Rotary Club support the proposal from District 7780 leadership to reorganize and create a new Rotary district.
Announcements
- Next week's meeting on June 19 will be held at the Village Fire Department as a field trip meeting. The Community Activity Center will be closed. The meeting will begin at the usual time.
- Volunteer sign-ups for both Four on the Fourth and the July 3rd festivities are now live. Members are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
- Car with a Cause tickets are available from Brad, and Darcy will be making deliveries this week. Ticket sales at the beach will begin next weekend.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 a.m.