My mother, Janet Elenita Wright Livingston; Janet W. Livingston was the name she preferred, was an extremely competent, dedicated and exceptional individual who was instrumental in the development of Northern Wyoming Mental Health Center (NWMHC)  and Community Mental Health Services in northern Wyoming in the 1960s, back in the days when it was called Mental Hygiene Clinic. 

She began as a volunteer with the grassroots effort to establish community mental health in Sheridan, Wyoming.  She was involved in helping write the federal grants which funded the programs, and worked with the architect in the design and construction of the centers in four of the five counties.

She was president of the board when clinic services were established in Sheridan, Johnson, Campbell, Crook, and Weston Counties. 

From the early days of its founding, through the rough and tumble beginnings, major expansion and building, and then budget cutbacks and political unrest she was NWMHC’s constant advocate and supporter.  She gave unstintingly of her time and energy from the Center’s inception up through her enforced retirement in June of 1988 due to her failing health.  She lost her battle (her second) to breast cancer August 1989.

I have the retirement scrapbook that was put together and given to her in lieu of a retirement party.  There are many letters, cards, and photographs from her co-workers over the years each speaking of their admiration and respect for her dedication to mental health, often mentioning the thousands that were helped because of her. 

More than one chose to take a more personal note and speak of their individual friendships with her – cross-country skiing, parties at her home, how fine her wit and humor could be.  These show her for the human being that she was. 

By Tracy L. Livingston
livtleah1@hotmail.com
 
Exe. Director / Board President
Museum of Women’s History
2824 3rd Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101-1934
406.248.2015 (w)
mowh@imt.net