Leading with Purpose
By Kim Mcdevitt

Can you share a little about yourself? Where are you from, and what is your current role and organization?

I am the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. I’m also a mom of four and a Yiayia to four grandchildren. I have lived in Lancaster County most of my life, but people are often surprised to learn that I was born in Sydney, Australia, and lived on an island in Greece before coming to the United States at age seven. I believe those early experiences in different cultures shaped my deep belief in community, connection, the idea that anything is possible, and the responsibility we have to support for one another.

What inspired you to get involved in nonprofit work, and what led you to the position you are in today?

My background is in Special Education and Psychology, and I have always been drawn to work that focuses on hope, empowerment, and helping people reach their potential. Early in my career, I realized that nonprofit organizations are powerful institutions for change. While each nonprofit is unique in its mission, they all have the ability to mobilize people, resources, and ideas to strengthen communities.

Throughout my nonprofit career, mental health has consistently been at the heart of all of my work. Whether supporting families, children, or individuals facing difficult circumstances, I saw how closely mental health is connected to a person’s ability to thrive.

When I was recruited to lead Mental Health America, it was initially because of my experience as a nonprofit leader. The organization was at a pivotal point and needed someone who could help stabilize and strengthen it. But within just a few months of stepping into the role, I began to see firsthand the disparities and unmet needs surrounding mental health in our community.

What started as a leadership opportunity quickly became something much purposeful. I realized that real change needed to happen, not only within the organization, but in how our community understands and supports mental health. That realization deepened my commitment to this work. Being able to lead an organization focused on advocacy, education, and support allows me to help move those conversations and solutions forward to create true change.

Can you tell us about your organization’s mission and the impact it is making in the Lancaster community?

Mental Health America of Lancaster County works to promote mental wellness through advocacy, education, and support. We are the only hub  for mental health resources in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. 

We offer 10 programs that support individuals across the lifespan and across the spectrum of mental health challenges, ensuring that people do not have to face those struggles alone. Each year, thousands of individuals in Lancaster County benefit from our services. Through education across every sector in Lancaster County, we are helping reduce stigma and change the culture around mental health. Our goal is to normalize conversations so that seeking support becomes as natural as talking about any other aspect of health.

Many mental health providers are limited by insurance and funding structures that do not always cover the needs people experience. Mental Health America plays an important role by stepping in to serve where there are service gaps and helping ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

What is one program, initiative, or success story from your organization that you are especially proud of?

There are so many moments that come to mind, especially when someone reaches out because they are feeling suicidal or a family member doesn’t know where to turn. In those moments, we have the opportunity to truly change the trajectory of someone’s life.  One story that really captures the impact of our work and how we provide a system of support, involved a gentleman who was part of our Compeer program, our friendship program that pairs trained volunteers with individuals experiencing social isolation. When his volunteer friend had not heard from him for more than a couple of weeks, we became concerned and reached out to us.  When we connected with him, we learned that he had recently lost his job and had fallen into a deep depression. That day, he was thinking about suicide. Our team immediately intervened. An advocate helped connect him to the support he needed, and through our CMAP program we were able to provide additional therapy sessions at no cost to him. We also helped address some of the basic needs he was struggling with financially.  Over time, he began coming into our office to volunteer, which helped him reconnect with others and build a sense of purpose. While he was there, we helped him update his resume and eventually secure a job. To this day, he is still in that position and often shares how life-altering that support was for him.  Moments like that remind us why this work matters. It shows how different programs working together can provide the support someone needs. 

Another initiative that reflects our commitment to those who are often forgotten happens during the holiday season. Each year, we provide more than 1,500 gifts to individuals living with severe mental illness, many of whom are isolated or have little family support. These gifts show them that they are not forgotten.

What are some of the biggest challenges your organization or the people you serve are facing right now?

The biggest challenge right now is that the need for mental health support is growing faster than the systems designed to provide it and resources remain limited.  Young people and adults alike are facing increased stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.  That’s why organizations like ours focus not only on providing support but also on advocating for stronger systems and better access to care, and to see mental health in the same we look at physical health.  They are one and the same.

What does leadership mean to you, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

Leadership to me is about influence and the courage to create change. Sometimes that means doing hard things or even taking an unorthodox path because it’s the right thing to do. Leadership also requires humility. No leader has all the answers. The most effective  leaders surround themselves with strong experts and work to build a culture where people feel supported and empowered to do their best work in service of the mission. .Non Profit leadership requires resilience and determination. The challenges can be significant, but the motivation is always the greater good of the community. When you stay focused on that purpose, it gives you the strength to keep pushing forward, even when the work is difficult.

What advice would you give to young professionals or community members who want to get involved and make a difference?

As a parent of four grown children, one of the values I tried to instill in them is that we all have a responsibility to share our talents and resources for the greater good of our community. I would say the same to you.

Start by finding a cause you truly care about. When you care deeply about an issue, the impact you can make becomes much greater.  Many people assume they need a lot of money or time to contribute, but the truth is that everyone has something valuable to offer. It might be your professional skills, creativity, your ability to connect people, or another great way to get involved is to do it with friends or colleagues. Volunteer together, attend events, or support causes as a group.

Lancaster County is fortunate to have over 3,000 nonprofits you can be involved with.   I truly believe that when people give their time, talent, or resources, we elevate the energy of a community. The goodness of giving has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we may ever see.

What does the phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” mean to you?

To me, the “Next Generation of Lancaster” represents a movement shaped by opportunity and responsibility. It’s about the next wave of invested thought leaders, professionals, and community members who are stepping forward to learn and shape the future of our community through fresh ideas and new energy while still honoring the values that have made Lancaster such a special place to live and work

What advice would you give to other young professionals looking to grow their careers in Lancaster?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Seek out networking groups, seminars, and industry events. It can feel intimidating, but everyone is figuring things out even if it doesn’t look like it. Showing up is often the hardest and most important step.

Looking ahead, what gives you hope about the future of Lancaster and the next generation of leaders in our community?

What gives me hope is seeing how invested the next generation of leaders is in creating a community that is more inclusive, thoughtful, and responsive to the needs of all people. The next generation of leaders understands that progress happens when people from different industries, backgrounds, and experiences come together to share ideas, mentor one another, and invest in the wellbeing of the community.  There is a growing awareness of disparities that exist in our systems and a genuine desire to address them through innovation and collaboration. They are willing to ask new questions and  challenge old ways of thinking to solve complex problems. Lancaster has always been a community that values connection and service, the next generation is building on that foundation in powerful ways..

This conversation highlights the leadership and mission behind Mental Health America of Lancaster & Lebanon Counties. Her journey reflects the power of compassionate leadership and the importance of strengthening mental health awareness, support, and connection within our community.