LEWISTON — Writers and musicians will take to the stage Saturday night to help cope with mental health issues and showcase their talents and inspirational stories for hope and recovery.

So-called “consumers” at Tri-County Mental Health Services will be featured during “Inspired Voices: An Evening of Hope and Inspiration” at the Franco-American Heritage Center. The program will start at 7 p.m. An art exhibit and reception will begin at 6 p.m.

The brainchild of Executive Director Catherine Ryder, who also directs the production, Inspired Voices is in its seventh year. The event blends performances by those seeking help with their disabilities and by professional musical artists in a variety of performances aimed at providing therapy for the performers and audience alike.

“People leave truly transformed,” Ryder said.

This year’s program is dedicated to veterans, said Ryder, who has worked at Tri-County for 21 years.

“I’m hoping we raise awareness in our community with what’s happening to our veterans,” she said.

Proceeds from the evening will go toward veterans outreach services and programming for veterans and their families at the regional not-for-profit agency.

Tri-County Mental Health Services provides hope and recovery to the people of Maine, according to its stated mission. It is committed to delivering “state-of-the-art mental health, substance abuse, habitation, and life skills services that are trauma-informed, recovery-based and integrated.”

Solo, accompanied and ensemble performances, often following a patriotic theme, will be featured throughout two acts. During one of the numbers, Franco-American war veterans will appear in full-dress uniform with a color guard.

A drumming group is led by two Maliseet Native Americans and composed of adults at the agency’s social learning center, which provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Some of the consumers will sing, play musical instruments and read original poetry.

Nick Place, who recently graduated from Boston Conservatory, serves as musical director and accompanies several of the performers on piano. Agency staff also will provide musical accompaniment.

The show will close with a spirited medley of the anthems of each of the branches of the armed services.

“We are committed to learning about the veterans’ experience and the challenges they face when returning home after serving in a combat zone,” Ryder said in the program notes.

Before the show, audience members are invited to view paintings, drawings, sculpture and crafts created by the agency’s consumers on the lower level where hors d’oeuvres will be served with a cash bar.

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