Martha’s Vineyard Community Services is hosting an evening with the Hon. Patrick J. Kennedy on Friday, August 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown.

Mr. Kennedy, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Rhode Island, will talk about his personal battle with mental illness and addiction, as well as his political efforts on that front and the history of mental health care in the U.S.

Local photographer and mental health advocate Michael Blanchard will introduce Mr. Kennedy. The event is a fundraiser for Community Services’ New Paths Recovery Program and the Joseph Jerome Memorial Fund.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at mvcommunityservices.ejoinme.org/PatrickKennedy.