Cape Counseling Newsletter • Spring/Summer 2013
Cape Counseling Behavioral Health Services ~ 128 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Tel: 609-465-4100 Visit online at www.capecounseling.org or like us on Facebook
CPC Modular New Building By Sam Totora, Director of Children & Families
CEO’s Corner!
Greg Speed, CEO
Genoa Pharmacy Grand Opening By: Greg Speed CEO The CEO is pleased to report that the Grand Opening for the Crest Haven site Genoa Pharmacy on July 12th was a great success. The ribbon cutting symbolized the spirit of celebration, achievement and partnership between Cape Counseling Services and Genoa Healthcare. The Pharmacy opened its doors to CCS customers on June 24th. Genoa Healthcare provides integrated pharmacy services that will improve the lives of the clients of Cape Counseling Services. Genoa has developed convenience adherence packaging in order to improve patient compliance with medications. Gargey Bhatt, Cape Counseling’s Pharmacist has been a wonderful addition to the CCS staff. Although an employee of Genoa, Gargey has attended multiple departmental staff meetings to learn the broad array of clinical services provided by CCS. In so doing, he has become a highly regarded ‘subject matter expert’ for pharmaceutical services. Genoa’s specialized packaging option creates many benefits for programs such as Cape Counseling’s Residential facilities, Case Managers, the PACT team as well as clients who may have difficulty keeping their medication organized. In the near future, Cape Counseling Services also intends to utilize Genoa’s integrated phlebotomy and laboratory services as well as such value added services as the Clozaril monitoring program and the a-typical anti-psychotic metabolic monitoring program. These programs include complete blood count with differential, complete metabolic panel, fasting lipid panel, fasting glucose and/or A1C, and liver function test. As health care continues to evolve, the CEO clearly sees the Genoa Pharmacy as a move towards the integration of psychiatric and primary health care.
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On February 21, 2013, Cape Counseling Services took delivery of a three unit wide modular building to house it's Children's Partial Care program. This 1800 square-foot building gives Cape Counseling Services’ Children's programs exclusive space in which to run its program for children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The building will be ready for use just in time for summer programming. The Children's Partial Care Program has been run by CCS since 1986, and is fully licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Children and Families. The program has been selected as one of ten programs in the state to participate in a pilot Recognition of Accreditation project, recognizing and rewarding our successful accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. JCAHCO is a national certifying organization that insures excellence in standards and programming. The children's partial care program serves children aged eight years to 18 years. The program runs after school with transportation being provided by the program. The children are taught skills to manage their emotions and behavior in group activities, individual and family therapy, and in monthly family nights. There are several evidence-based interventions provided in the program. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training groups provide the children with skills to manage their emotional upheavals, tolerate distress and interact in socially appropriate ways. Non-violence communication (NVC), also known as Compassionate Communication, teaches the children how to recognize what they are feeling and needing and to express their needs in ways that maximizes the likelihood of that others will want to meet their needs, and also teaches the youth how to respond compassionately to other people's needs. Adventure based counseling (ABC) combines physical activity with opportunities for the children to challenge themselves to do activities than they may not think they are capable of doing - physically, emotionally, and intellectually - and to learn something about themselves in the process. This is an exciting way to bolster self-esteem and having fun while doing so. The program runs from after school from 2:45 pm until 7:00 pm during the school year, and 9:45 am to 3:00 pm during the summer. The youth receive a snack upon arrival to the program and end their day with a well-balanced meal. The children are generally involved with the program from 6 to 9 months. The program has several openings at this time.
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To apply for the program, parents and/or guardians may call Cape Counseling Services Access Department at 609-465-4100 then press prompt 2. Schools and other social service agencies can make referrals with parental permission.
Pictured above: Gargey Bhatt (Pharmacy Manager), Kristine Gabor (Freeholder), Gerald Thornton (Freeholder Director), Greg Speed (CEO) and Jason Kan (Genoa Regional Manager)
Family Success Food Pantry Fully Stocked! By Allison Raisch, Program Manager The FSC is excited to have received two very generous grants to help us supplement our food pantry. This spring we received $5000 from The Mustard Seed to supplement our food pantry with fresh produce, hygiene items, and baby supplies. We were also generously awarded grant money from the United Way, which we used to purchase a refrigerator and freezer so we can stock items like milk, cheese, eggs, fresh fruits and veggies, meats, and frozen fruit and veggies. With these extra resources we expect to have our pantry well stocked throughout the month. And it couldn’t have come at a better time, as this month we served over 115 families and 300 individuals in the month of April alone. We are also appreciative of a $1000 grant we received from Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors. Although this money was not earmarked specifically for the food pantry, we have used some of those funds towards constructing a community vegetable garden to help supplement our food bank even more. This was an idea brought to us from our Teen Group which meets 2 Thursdays a month, and is being supervised by volunteers Evelyn Lovitz and Mike Adams.
POEM
Written by a 15 year old resident of Rainbow of Hope. Roses are red, Violets are blue. Thank you for making me brand new; I couldn’t have done it without you. Whenever I’m down You guys turn it around. We go through our ups and downs. But we always know how to turn it around, without making a frown. I will never forget Rainbow of Hope. And I will always remember that this place is no joke. Thank you for giving me hope and joy. You guys made me successful and much more…. I will always remember to stay strong and
NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!
Scholarship Winner-SBYS at Cape May Tech HS
Mental Health IOP Program Information
Written by Noel Hiers, Program Manager
Written by Carlos Martinez, Program Manager
The School Based Youth Services program located at the Cape May County Technical High School recently announced this year’s scholarship winner as Taylor Henry. The scholarship is a $2,000 award given out as $500 initially and $500 for the next three years provided that the student continues to be successful in their studies. Taylor earned the award by submitting a winning essay. Honorable Mention, in the amount of $100, was given to Alexandrea Byron. SBYS extends their gratitude for the generosity provided by the West Cape May Business Association, the staff of Cape Counseling Services and Cape May Technical Schools, as well as the various local businesses which contributed to this year’s scholarship. It is a testament to the strength of community in Cape May County when businesses invest in the future of local students. Drew Gandley of the Well Center for Massage and Kevin Celli of Willow Creek Winery were able to meet this year’s winner at the annual Student Recognition Luncheon which celebrates the success of upcoming graduates. Last year’s winner, Mike Krieg was also in attendance to accept his next installment of support and to report that he is making good use of the funds earning a spot on the Dean’s list at Atlantic Cape Community College. If any individual or business would like to support this local scholarship which is awarded annually to a graduate of Cape May Tech, please call or email: nhiers@capemaytech.com or phone: (609) 465-2161 ext. 683.
The Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program at Cape Counseling Services is beginning its fourth year assisting consumers in creating new doorways to mental health. Clients who are deeply depressed or dealing with serious and persistent mental health issues attend groups that help them learn coping skills and tools to deal with the issues that have overwhelmed them for years. Many people who seek mental health services might not be able to identify what “wellness” means to them. At times, they can be overwhelmed with depression, anxiety and addictions which have the possibility of leading them to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This program is designed to meet the needs of those in danger of being hospitalized due to these issues. This program allows consumers to continue to remain in the community while receiving the support and care that they need to increase their quality of life. One of the tools that is utilized in MHIOP is the Wellness and Recovery Action Plan or WRAP, developed by Mary Ellen Copeland. The philosophy of the Plan builds on five key concepts that people are taught to incorporate into their everyday lives assisting in personal recovery: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Hope Personal Responsibility Education Self-Advocacy Support Network
The Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program uses group therapy as its key treatment modality, but incorporates several elements: Evidence Based Treatment Practices Mood Management Crisis Planning Regular Medication Education/ Counseling and Access to a Prescriber
Pictured above are: Drew Gandley, Taylor Henry, Mike Krieg and Kevin Celli.
Program Manager Carlos Martinez, M.Div., MSMHC, LPC Program Manager (609) 465-4100 ext.6315 Referrals are always welcome.
Beacon Animal Shelter By a Rainbow of Hope Resident.
Hi, I’m a resident at Rainbow of Hope. I would like to share with you about my experience of volunteering at Beacon Animal Shelter. I’ve been volunteering at the animal shelter for about one month now and I look forward to it every time. They have kittens, cats, puppies and dogs. My personal favorite animals there are the cats. Every animal there is sweet. The cats and dogs have all types of personalities. You have the playful ones, quiet ones, lovable ones and even lazy ones. Every time I go to the animal shelter it brightens my day. It also makes me feel great when I volunteer because I feel like I make a difference.
Project Restoring Hope
“A Day for Dolly” Fundraiser – Raised $2700 for CCS.
By Kathy Reeves, Director of Performance Improvement, Compliance & Disaster Relief Services
By: Greg Speed CEO
The New Jersey Sandy Relief Foundation has funded a proposal submitted by Cape Counseling Services CEO Greg Speed, to provide trauma based and case management services to households of Cape May County affected by Hurricane Sandy. Project Restoring Hope staffing includes a Trauma-Home Based Master’s Level Licensed Clinician, a Case Manager, and is supervised by Kathy Reeves, LCSW, Director of Performance Improvement, Compliance, and Disaster Relief Services. Informational workshops are being provided by Project Restoring Hope staff as requested for community groups, law enforcement, and health care organizations. Restoring hope and resilience is the key goal of any clinical intervention with individuals or family members experiencing trauma. Traumatization occurs when a person’s internal and external resources are inadequate to cope with external threats. Studies indicate that 20% of the population experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a traumatic event such as Hurricane Sandy. Toxic stress often appears several months after a major life crisis and/or disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. Untreated toxic stress can lead to irritability, impatience, severe mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances, excessive worry, confused thinking, behavior changes such as loss of appetite, poor hygiene, conflicted relationships, loss of control, a sense of shame, poor decisions, chronic alienation, substance abuse, violence and suicidal behavior (including ideation, threats, and attempts). Project Restoring Hope program goals include: To restore hope and resiliency To assist residents in establishing a “new normal” To establish a trauma informed problem solving framework for dealing with future disasters. Project Restoring Hope provides supportive, therapeutic services to Hurricane Sandy affected families while helping them navigate through the complex process of household restoration by FEMA, private insurance, grants, and other resources. Project Restoring Hope is a participant of the Long Term Recovery Group Case Management Committee, which identifies households with unmet needs and assigns resources to assist the household with construction assistance, mold remediation, appliance restoration, and other restoration linkages. To date, Project Restoring Hope has met with over 22 households in the Cape May County area, including Ocean City, the Wildwoods, and Lower Township. Services provided include trauma assessments and support, a review of unmet needs, and linkage to the resources available to resolve unmet needs. For further information, a request for services, or a speaker, please call Kathy Reeves, LCSW, Director of PI, Compliance, and Disaster Relief Services at 609-778-6119.
A number of CCS staff participated in the May 3rd 2013 Fundraiser at the Avalon Golf Club in memory of a former PACT consumer who passed last year. The event was extremely successful. Through the efforts of Mary’s sister, Esther Read, $2700 was raised to benefit individuals with mental illness receiving services at Cape Counseling. In her Mission Statement, Esther Read writes “Mary was my dear sister who recently passed away and was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. I currently have a younger sister who likewise has the same mental illness. I have dealt with this through my family all of my life. Watching them suffer constantly is heartbreaking. Therefore, I want to help others who are suffering. I feel very passionate about helping any family that is in need of more assistance. Mental Illness and Schizophrenia are often forgotten and it frequently deprives you of a happy life. Schizophrenia is an extremely difficult illness that is hard to manage. I am grateful that there are many counseling programs out there that promote Well-being. Cape Counseling has been there for my sisters, through every step.” Esther continues to write, “I wish these proceeds to go to someone who cannot afford their medications or to help someone in need of food, clothes, hygiene and other belongings that they have lost along the way (during their mental illness).” It is with these sentiments that Esther was successful in selling over 100 tickets to the May 3rd Memorial Benefit. Another very positive outcome of the event was that Esther was able to meet and share her experiences with Margie Rovira, who likewise, has been a strong supporter of Cape Counseling Services, raising funds for Suicide Awareness & Prevention through the Dragon Boat Races. Dragon Boat, Hope Matters will sail again at the second Annual Dragon Boat races in Cape May on September 28th. On behalf of the Cape Counseling Services and the Board of Directors, the CEO would like to officially thank Esther for her dedication and perseverance in helping to contribute to Wellness and Recovery.
Recent Personnel Updates: What’s New at CCS! By Greg Speed, CEO Stephanie Langley, LPC, LCADC assumed the position of Director of Access, Screening, and Support Services on 7/15/13. Stephanie has done an excellent job as the Program Manager, Outpatient & Recovery Services. Stephanie has held a number of positions at Cape Counseling Services beginning in 2004 including the Access Department, Outpatient, Choices Recovery Program and her current position as a program manager. Stephanie will be a most valued member of our Leadership Team and an asset to Access, Screening & Support Services Minerva Rosado-Ramos, M.A. - CCS is pleased to welcome Minerva as the Children’s Partial Care Manager. Minerva assumed the position on July 15th. She received her Master of Arts, School Psychology degree in 2009 from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR. She is a licensed psychologist who brings a wealth of experience working with children and families. Her most recent employment was providing psychological evaluation, individual and group therapy to children and youth in Puerto Rico. Welcome to CCS! Kathy Reeves, LCSW- has recently expanded her role within the Agency to include Disaster Relief Services as part of Cape’s Project Restoring Hope grant. Kathy’s new title is Director of Performance Improvement, Compliance and Disaster Relief Services. Kathy will be supervising 2 part time associated with the Project Restoring Hope grant as well as the County Disaster Casemanagement Coordinator. CCS is pleased to have Kathy’s leadership with the Long Term Recovery Group.
Cape Regional Medical Center /CCS Screening Behavioral Unit: Enhancing Emergency Care for the Community By Greg Speed, CEO At the June 26th CCS Board meeting, the CEO reported that Cape Regional Medical Center had completed the Capital Project creating a separate Behavioral Health Emergency Department. From the days when the Emergency Department physicians would call for a mental health screening in the 1980’s and patients were placed on a scatter bed basis, sometimes in hallways, the opening of a behavioral health Emergency Department has clearly been a tremendous enhancement to the way crisis psychiatric services are provided. The CEO would like to thank Cape Regional’s Medical Director, Dr. Richard Falivena, CRMC Medical Director, the Emergency Department Medical Director, Dr. Domenic Coletta and Deb Baehser, Vice President of Patient Services for their advocacy and commitment to improving psychiatric services for the residents of Cape May County. Individuals with a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder clearly deserve the best care possible, not only psychiatrically, but for their overall health. The Psychiatric Behavioral Health Unit opened its doors during the first week in June 2013. It consists of a 5 bay area, 4 of which are separated by a curtain and one of which is essentially a separate room that upon a doctor’s order can provide seclusion and proper restraints as indicated. There is a Nurses’ station, patient restroom, and consultation bereavement room. The approximate cost for the demolition and the capital development of the Behavioral Health Unit was approximately $600,000. In the spirit of true partnership, the CCS Board of Directors has pledged a donation of $50,000 to CRMC to be paid out over the course of the next 2 years from the agency’s unrestricted funds. The CEO believes that this level of financial commitment will demonstrate Cape Counseling’s commitment to serving our joint patients who are served by the ED and Screening Department. In closing, the CEO would like to add that Cape Counseling’s Screening Program has successfully competed in a recent RFP process conducted by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Every 7 years, DMHAS takes 3 Screening programs and places them up for re-bidding. CCS would like to thank Cape Regional Medical Center in the persons of Deb Baehser and Diana Stover for their strong support during this application process.
My Journey at ROH
Upcoming Events at the Family Success Center
By ROH Resident
By Allison Raisch, Program Manager
Hello! I’m going to tell you about my journey at Rainbow of Hope! My first couple of days at Rainbow of Hope was very strange for me because I was the new girl in the house, plus I was living with people I barely knew. I was very quiet, shy, and I mostly stayed to myself. I thought coming to Rainbow was a waste of my time. I came to Rainbow of Hope to work on family issues, controlling my anger and many more. I had a therapist who I had to see twice a week to talk about my problems. I disliked therapy very much and I didn’t attend as often. I though therapy was stupid and a waste of time for me. I had better things to do, like not go to school, get blizzards, and argue with staff and my peers. I was doing whatever I wanted. I thought I was big and bad. I was doing this negative behavior for 3 months straight. On one afternoon I sat down and thought about all the negative things I’ve done and how it affected my treatment throughout Rainbow of Hope. I realized that if I kept continuing with this negative behavior that I won’t be prepared for the real world! As I was thinking I was coming up with a plan. My plan was to get back on track by going to school, finishing my blizzard and attending my session twice a week. I wanted to change my negative behaviors, so that I can go home and see my family. The very next day I went and told my therapist about my plan and she thought it was a great idea. After two weeks past I was getting myself together and focusing on my treatment. I was becoming more positive, calling my family every day, and following the rules at ROH. As I was doing these things, I was feeling good about myself. I was starting to realize that Rainbow of Hope was working for me. I was actually letting the program work for me, after a couple of months passed I started to become more of a leader to the residents of ROH and successful at the same time. So that was my journey through out Rainbow. Thank you for listening!
In addition to our regular ongoing programs (playgroups, teen group, infant group, breastfeeding support group, etc), the Family Success Center has begun planning different events for the end of summer into the fall season. In August, Pat and Peggy will be teaching another Safesitters Training, in which participants become certified Safesitters upon passing the test at the end of this 8 hour class (registration required). Our Parent Advisory Board has suggested holding a yard sale to help raise funds for the center, and we are planning on having this event in early September. Also in September we will be having another Family Beach Day in Wildwood, which is just a great opportunity for families to connect with one another and enjoy the beach without the crowds of summer. Our newly formed Parent Support Group is also back on the calendar on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8pm, with childcare and light refreshments provided. This group is for anyone who shares responsibility for raising a child (not necessarily a biological parent) and we are looking for parent leaders to help take charge of this group. In the fall, Christine Zellers from Rutgers SNAP-ED program will be back teaching a 6 week Nutrition class. This class is excellent as it is tailored to the specific needs of the people in the class, and participants will receive individualized Meal Plan Guidelines based on their diet and health needs. Registration is required for this class. We will also be planning another Take Control of Your Health, which is a 6 week workshop designed to help you plan for and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Everyone can be doing something to make their lives healthier, and this class is a great way to gain that information and support to help you attain your goals. Registration is also required for this workshop series. While many of our families are parents of young children, we get plenty of requests for help with parenting teenagers. In the fall we will hold an Active Parenting for Teens class to help meet this need. We are always looking to provide opportunities based on what our families and the community need, so if you have a suggestion for a class, workshop, or activity please let us know! We can be reached at 609-778-6226 or visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FamilySuccessCenterOfCapeMayCounty
A Community’s Fond Goodbye: Frank S. Unkle, Jr. By Greg Speed CEO Words often fall short in expressing the sorrow, grief and sense of loss that we share when someone like Frank leaves us so suddenly. I am certain that every one of us, who knew Frank, thought how unfair life can sometimes be. Amidst my sadness and disbelief, taking refuge in church, last week’s gospel reading spoke about Frank. “There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, "Teacher, what must we do to inherit eternal life? Jesus responded, "You shall love The Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." In the 32 years that I have known Frank, no one has loved his neighbor more than him. His staff and his clients were part of an extended family. He was the very fabric of our community. Frank's life was filled with passion, a passion to improve the lives of the disabled; a passion that was fueled by Compassion. Frank was a servant leader. A leader who values everyone’s contributions, staff, board and consumers alike. A leader who put his focus on serving others FIRST, before his own aspirations to wield executive power. He was a leader who focused primarily on the growth and well-being of people first, despite their challenges with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Frank’s stewardship will be missed. The Arc and our community of health & social service organizations will continue to serve those in need because his legacy is imbedded in our hearts.
Farewell, good friend.
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