ANNUAL REPORT 2004 �
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High Notes in 2004 Community Care Corporation became Touchstone Mental Health as of November 1, 2004. We chose a new name, and a graphic designer volunteered to create our new logo. All our programs adopted the name Touchstone to make it clear that they are part of the same organization.
We remodeled Breckinridge House into Assisted Living Apartments. Staff and clients at Breckinridge House moved into temporary apartments for three months to allow us to remodel the building into Touchstone Assisted Living Apartments. Garvin Enterprises, the property’s owner, and Hennepin County partnered with our agency to pay for the project’s cost.
We raised over $12,000 to furnish the new Assisted Living Apartments. A client’s sister volunteered to manage a large Rummage Sale at Elim Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale. The sale generated $5,600; Thrivent Financial issued a grant for $800; and an anonymous donor contributed $5,000. We purchased new living room furniture, nightstands, floor lamps, some beds and dressers, and televisions.
As part of a grant’s renewal, we began offering Acupuncture to clients. The Chemical Health Division, part of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, renewed a grant for $132,230, covering two additional years to improve services to clients with co-occurring substance abuse. The renewed funding includes offering Acupuncture to clients eligible for those services.
We received a new grant to research the impact of Healing Touch on our clients’ well being. Healing Touch International awarded a grant to provide Healing Touch to a small number of clients. We also initiated a quarterly consortium of mental health professionals and practitioners of Integrated Services. We are seeking additional funding.
Our Rule 36 group home, Sentinel House, became Touchstone Residential Treatment and geared up to start providing intensive treatment. Touchstone Residential Treatment prepared to begin offering more intensive, short-term treatment, effective in January 2005. Staff revised policies and prepared to implement evidence-based practices. We have filled several new positions in 2005, including a Clinical Supervisor and additional counselors.
Our Mission We collaborate with persons living with mental illness and those who support them to create community and opportunities for well being..
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Dear Friends, Everyone living with mental illness faces the dilemma of whether to stay private or go public. Many people still attach great stigma to biological brain and emotional disorders. We greatly appreciate the clients who shared their stories for this annual report. No one should silence the songs of their lives and their accomplishments. Our clients experience success by learning about their own symptoms and ways to cope: by asking for support from others, talking with their psychiatrist when medications need changing, and achieving goals to make life meaningful. We also thank the staff who allowed us to describe their work and the special relationships that they create with clients:
Sentinel House provided residential treatment to 37 clients in 2004. We renamed the program Touchstone Residential Treatment.
Breckinridge House offered longterm supportive services to 11 clients in the first 10 months of 2004. The program completed a huge makeover and became Touchstone Assisted Living Apartments on November 4, 2004. The new program initially served 9 tenants, with space for up to 12. Capacity will increase to 15 sometime in the future.
Project Connections provided homebased case management to 123 clients who live in an array of housing and programs throughout Hennepin County. We renamed the program Touchstone Case Management Services. The names of the organization and programs may have changed, but the quality of our services continues to be exceptional. Helen Raleigh, LICSW
Kelly Robert
Executive Director
Board Chair
Mike’s Song Clients, and sometimes their families, often speak to Michael Ronn about the security they feel at Touchstone Residential Treatment facility and about the good meals and the caring staff. They also appreciate the staff ’s help in obtaining Social Security, ensuring medication compliance, and finding housing when they leave. As Residential Treatment’s Office Manager, Mike plays a big part in making sure that our clients and their families feel that way. He answers and routes many phone calls each week, coordinating with professionals to make sure that clients obtain funding for our services. Mike also answers questions from clients about which bus to take, how to forward mail, and directions to places like doctors’ offices, the public library, or GED programs. His efforts can lessen clients’ anxiety in an already anxious time. With a Master’s Degree in Library Science and several years working in libraries and banks, Mike finds that he often uses his experience and skills to assist clients. By helping clients find the information they need to address issues in their lives, such as finding free or inexpensive health care or informative sources about an illness, he supports their recovery. Mike likes knowing that what he does helps people going through a time of need. He was looking for meaningful work when he joined Sentinel House in June 2001, and he has found both emotional and spiritual rewards there. It is always a good day when he hears that a former client is working and living independently, managing her or his illness, and making plans for the future.
Singing Independence Prior to moving into Touchstone Residential Treatment about a year ago, Rose was hospitalized at Abbot Northwestern after the police had found her disoriented, unable to speak coherently, and without shoes in 10-degree weather. She indicates that she was anxious and experienced insomnia and racing thoughts.
wanted to apply for Social Security Disability. She was very anxious and fearful of being overwhelmed by the process. At times, Rose has found it difficult to take action due to her anxiety.
Before her admission, she had lived with an alcoholic friend, a man 20 years older, and she described the house as very unkempt and cluttered. Although she lived independently, her life was chaotic, and she found it difficult to remain organized enough to accomplish her goals or to stay healthy.
Because she was very concerned about attending an in-person appointment, the staff at Touchstone scheduled a telephone intake with the Social Security Administration. In this intake, she provided much of the preparatory information that they required. This step allowed her to experience a small success.
Hospitalized for the first time in 1978 at age 15, she had experienced about five admissions prior to 2004. Residential Treatment was the first group home in which she had resided. The staff at Residential Treatment, assisted her by monitoring her medication, helping her evaluate her support systems, and providing a way for her to move out of her chaotic living situation. Rose is grateful to them for treating her as an adult, not a child. When Rose arrived at Touchstone, she knew she wanted to become more independent, and early in her treatment, she indicated that she
Later in treatment, the staff helped her to contact Chamberlin Edmonds, an agency that assists in the application process for Social Security Disability. In what seemed like record time, Rose received notice that she was eligible. Building on these successes that reduced her severe anxiety, she diligently attended a Day Treatment program and went to medical, psychiatric, and dental appointments as scheduled. In addition to her medical and psychiatric care, Rose knew that she needed better personal support to insure her ability to live independently. Although she is estranged from her family, she has developed other relationships that provide her that support. During her treatment, she even visited friends in New Hampshire with no problems. Working closely with her case manager, Rose found an affordable apartment in a clean attractive building in a nice neighborhood. Touchstone discharged her to independent living, and she maintains her apartment to this very day.
Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. William James (1842 - 1910)
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Singing Accomplishment Touchstone Case Management Services has worked with Jane for 3 years. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am 26 years old. I had my first psychotic episode at 15 and a second one at 23. During both, I was hospitalized for over a month. I take several medications and now seem to be on a good combo of Serequal and Lamicatl. I am diagnosed Bipolar. I am a graduate of Western Wisconsin Technical College with a degree in Graphic Design and am currently working on a Bachelor’s at Metropolitan University. I teach art part-time for a company called Young Rembrandts. I also nanny for a nice family. I like redecorating, painting, creating in general. I have a nice social life and good friends and family to support me. How has your Touchstone Case Manager helped and/or supported your well being and increased your mental health stability? Kara recognizes when I’m not doing well and helps me accordingly, whether it is seeing that my daily living skills are lacking or that my hygiene is not where it should be. She has always seen my potential where other people see sickness or problems. She reminds me that I can do anything with my life. She has helped me set goals in several areas of my life, like getting an apartment; locating therapy groups, community groups, and employment; and returning to school. What do your Touchstone Case Manager and Nurse do that is helpful? Kara and Renee are honest and straightforward when they respond to issues I am having. They are good listeners and give outstanding advice. Every time I meet with them, I walk away with new information and tools to use in my life. They help with paperwork, doctor appointments, economicassistance issues, and other important tasks. Most important, they see potential. What are your future goals? Continue to take classes at Metro; finish school. Volunteer with other people with mental illness. Teach DBT (Dialectical
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Behavior Therapy). Travel. Read one-hundred books by the end of this year. Stay on the right track, keep a regular sleep schedule, and keep taking medication (Haven’t missed a day in almost 4 years!) Very important— Get off SSDI! How has your life changed in the last 3 years? I went from a barely functioning person to a wonderful, excited about life, positive, productive member of society. I couldn’t shower, take out the trash, or even drive due to being sick. At one time, things were looking pretty bleak. Now I work, have stable friendships, and go to school. Sometimes people don’t expect much out of me because of my illness. Because of the Touchstone staff, I want to continue to surprise those who didn’t think I could do or amount to much. I have my drive back. Each day in the last year, I feel like I haven’t felt better. And I feel happier and happier as time goes on. What have you learned about your mental health and recovery that could be helpful to others? Medication! Medication! Medication! I feel that if I do the following, I likely won’t get sick again: 1. Take medication properly. 2. Make all doctor appointments. 3. Get regular sleep. 4. Exercise. 5. Avoid mood altering drugs. 6. See my case manager and my nurse regularly. 7. Don’t isolate. 8. Learn as much as I can about my illness. 9. Take the time for personal growth (therapy, reading). 10. Remember to work on confidencebuilding experiences. 11. Surround myself with positive people. 12. Set goals and share those goals with people who will support me. This list is a little bit of information from the 10 months I had in DBT.
Heather’s Song A nature walk, visits to local attractions, biking, a day at the State Fair, and hayrides—what do they all have in common? The answer is Heather Gnotke, a Case Management Assistant at Touchstone. Each of our staff offers unique talents that create a wellrounded and holistic team. Heather’s many contributions over the past year have included the creation of a Leisure Skills Group. Often our clients lack opportunities to connect with peers in an environment that focuses on leisure and fun, vital components of a person’s overall wellbeing. In July 2004, Heather started two groups for clients that allow them to try new activities, including meeting new people, and to develop new skills and positive peer relationships. Heather has turned her groups into an important part of clients’ lives and a component of their recovery. Currently, each group meets once a month for an activity that the group plans and negotiates with Heather. Clients come when they can and when they are interested in a specific activity. The most amazing and heartening fact is that they make the effort to come and to continue coming. Heather’s success includes the development of positive relationships among each group’s members, a growing interest in planning and trying new things, their anticipation of the group’s next outing, and positive feedback from staff and clients about the outcomes. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, with a 4-year degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Heather also works individually with clients to assess their leisure skills, supporting them in finding healthy activities that they enjoy.
Kari’s Song Many clients’ families have told Kari Skinner that they sleep better knowing their family members live at Touchstone Assisted Living Apartments. Clients tell her that they treasure the support and stability they find there. They take great comfort in knowing they have a permanent place to live. Also, because the facility experiences little turnover of staff, clients know the staff very well and have built comfortable and trusting relationships with them. Kari herself feels that building those relationships is the most important thing she does. She recognizes that a strong therapeutic bond allows clients to come to her if they have concerns or are experiencing symptoms. They trust her to help them cope with whatever issues come up. Kari has worked at the Assisted Living facility since 1996 when it was Breckinridge House, first as a Mental Health Worker, and since 2001, as a Mental Health Counselor, now called a Mental Health Coordinator. In addition to her work at Touchstone, she currently studies at the Alfred Adler Institute in their Master of Psychology program. She has always enjoyed working with people and has always been interested in psychology. She really enjoys working with clients to set goals that enhance their well-being, self-esteem, and general happiness. A quick learner, she is dedicated to the clients and easily perceives their point of view. She advocates for clients’ self determination and has sensitivity to the impact that decisions have on their daily lives.
Singing Involvement Joe has begun teaching chess to the Northwest Community Support program’s staff and members. He says that recreational activities and teaching chess add meaning to his life. He also comments that his favorite part of life is dinner time and morning meetings since he gets to see other residents at Touchstone Assisted Living Apartments then. He feels very close to staff and residents and enjoys visiting with them. Joe’s life was very different before he arrived at Breckinridge House in August 2002. Prior to that time, he had lived in a variety of other residential treatment and board and care facilities. Socializing was very difficult for him. He describes feeling very anxious and depressed back then. He often felt isolated and was anxious about going into the community. Breckinridge House initially attracted Joe because he was looking for longterm housing with supportive services. When Joe came to our facility, he did not participate in activities and had minimal contact with other residents. Our staff worked to reassure him and gave him positive feedback to increase his self-confidence. Joe also learned that he could go to staff with any type of concern. As he became more comfortable, he began
to interact more and started attending activities and groups. More animated and outgoing with staff and residents, Joe eventually participated in all groups and activities and even became President of the House’s meetings. He also became more confident about going into the community. He now attends day treatment three days a week and a community supported drop-in program in Crystal twice a week. Joe’s life changed again when Breckinridge House became Touchstone Assisted Living Apartments in November 2004. He likes feeling more independent by living in his own apartment with roommates and enjoys the greater privacy he has now. He goes grocery shopping with staff once a week and likes to spend time with his roommate. They often take walks to Taco Bell together to get a soda or coffee. One thing Joe does miss about Breckinridge House is the greater amount of time he spent with other residents in that shared living environment. Learning to structure his time in his own apartment provides a challenge as well. He enjoys watching the Twins play baseball or the Vikings play football as a way to pass the time. Joe continues to set more goals for himself. His next goal is learning the bus system. Joe has gained a lot from our facility, and we have gained a lot by his presence.
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear. Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom? Bob Marley
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Donors 2004 INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous (4) Glen Albert Alice Adamson Nancy Abramson Sandy Accola Patrick Alford Doug Anderson Jane Anderson Louise Anderson Marie and Dick Barron Sara Barron-Leer David Baune Brian Bergs Judy Bernier Sarah Brew and Denny Draghiciu Rhonda Simpson Brown Jonathan Burris Cheryl Butz Teresa Carlyon Tim Cashin Judy and Ken Clapshaw Bill Cochrane Margo Cohen and Cynthia Anderson Patricia Dahlman Vicki Dalle Molle Sue Davies Marlys Denhardt Sumitra Dorner M. L. Drinkwitz Bonnie Dudovitz Signe Middlefort Dysken Marilyn Ehline Vanessa Foley Sonja Funk Lyn and Michael Gerdis Kathleen Glynn Judi Gordon Ruth Graf Cindy Gunthier Judy Hanks Ken Hepburn Blake Holaday Anne Holzinger Judy Hornick Carol Johnson Greg and Janet Johnson Lorrie and Marlyn Johnson Sharon Toll Johnson Barclay Jones Merrie Kaas Birgit Kelly Kraig King Brenda Knowles Barbara Koropchak Arthur and Kathy Lebow Jennie Leskela and Douglas Choate Dr. Richard and Madeleine Linck Sandy Manning Mary Martin
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Nicole Mc Mahon Helen Michel Bonnie Morrow Diane Murphy Allen and Christine Nelson Gayle Nissen Doreen Obi Kris Olson Pat Page Katherine Pollock Norma Prokosch Jean Quam Helen Raleigh Rosemary Raush Connie and Bill Riggs Kelly and Rafael Robert Patrick Robinson Julie Roles Mary Kay Romportl Mike Ronn Margaret and Carl Roser David Sagula Gloria Sagula Ellen Schmitz Carol Schoenecker Nancy Schultz Rick Schweikert Charlotte Sebastian Nancy Shannon Wendy Sharpe Jodie Siems Linda Silver and David Ramp Liz Sjaastad Carol Skube Elaine Sloan Barb Sobocinski Stan Sobocinski David Staehlin Lisa Stevens Maura Sullivan Devona and Harley Swiggum Tami Swiggum Carla Sykora Bev Thompson Molly Tomczak Cathy Van Der Schans Fern Wilcox Charlotte Wieweck Carol Williams Claire Wright Peggy and Milton Wright
IN MEMORY OF CYNTHIA RIGGS
Anonymous (1) Larry and Susan Bourgerie Jennie Leskela Diane Martin David and Karen Miller Connie and Bill Riggs
David Sagula Ann Sample Lisa Stevens
IN MEMORY OF
Jane Garvin in memory of Hal Garvin Jennifer Ward in memory of Kenneth Ring
IN HONOR OF
The Gerdis family in honor of Janice and Lawrence Badje Lyn Badje Gerdis in honor of Alyssa, Jaden, and Abby Jeannette and Harold Nelson in honor of Allen Nelson
BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Greene Espel P.L.L.P. Minneapolis Foundation, J. Peter Brull Fund Healing Touch International Foundation, Inc. Merwin Long Term Care Osseo Lions Club NW Minneapolis Chapter of Thrivent
IN KIND DONATIONS INDIVIDUAL
Glen Albert Pearl Anderson Kathleen Bakke Angie Baratto Marie and Dick Barron David Baune Ron Bell Joan Bilinkoff Katy Boone Larry and Susan Bourgerie Sara Brew Holly Cashin Michelle Ducayet Terry Farland Heidi Fedje Nancy Foster Mary Gaetz Jane Garvin Tom Garvin Lyn and Michael Gerdis Kathy Halloran Roanne Klein Lori Krelitz Dorothy Kroll
Dr. Richard and Madeleine Linck Connie Long Ann Martin Ana Martinez Lorraine McGowan Christine and Allen Nelson Melissa Osterhoudt Harriet Peterson Helen Raleigh Mike Ronn Richard and Ardelle Ronn Liz Sjaastad Richard Skinner Mark and Amy Smith Mike Smith Barb Sobocinski Pat Swantek
Ronald Villejo Peggy and Milton Wright Patty Zlotkowski
BUSINESS AND
Pilgrim Cleaners and Launderers St. Paul Shrine Circus Startbright Cleaners U. S. Bank
ORGANIZATIONS
Chatterbox Pub Cub Foods Dick’s Bar Elim Lutheran Church Mark of Excellence Homes, Inc. Merwin Drug Minnesota Renaissance Festival Minnesota State Fair Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
Touchstone Mental Health Statement of Functional Expenses For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 with Comparative Totals for 2003 EXPENSES
2004
2003
Salaries $1,525,041 Payroll Taxes 121,688 Benefits 122,829 Contract Services 56,134 Program Expenses 29,963 Office Supplies 15,696 Food and Beverage 49,757 Equipment 56,234 Advertising 6,635 Data Processing 11,953 Maintenance and Repairs 6,279 Reimbursed mileage 29,253 Postage 3,827 Printing 6,703 Occupancy 179,486 Insurance 54,021 Telephone 18,554 Conferences and Meetings 15,714 Interest 876 Licenses 4,306 Dues and Subscriptions 3,997 Utilities 22,047 Bad Debts — Depreciation 24,995
$ 1,435,804 113,315 115,257 59,079 32,866 13,153 50,430 34,609 4,816 7,017 3,018 30,326 2,048 1,452 190,743 50,262 16,200 15,464 784 3,510 6,363 26,508 2,993 25,649
Total Expenses
$ 2,241,666
$ 2,365,988
Touchstone Mental Health Statements of Financial Position December 31, 2004 and 2003 ASSETS Current Assets
2004
2003
Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses
$ 107,492 344,005 36,088
$ 421,026 98,548 49,538
Total Current Assets
$ 487,585
$ 569,112
188,245 250,000 56,979
139,204 — _ 59,197
495.404 (157,929)
198,401 (152,161)
337,475
46,240
Investments Deposits
232,833 3,108
317,240 2,276
Total Other Assets
235,941
319,516
$ 1,061,001
$ 934,868
Property and Equipment, at cost Furniture and Equipment Leasehold Improvements Vehicles
Less: Accumulated Depreciation Total Property and Equipment, net
Other Assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities
Current Maturities, Long-term Debt $ 3,694 Accounts Payable 28,016 Accrued Expenses 155,499 Deferred Income, Medical Asstnce 103,327 Total Current Liabilities
$
— 15,323 129,750 353,327
290,536
498,400
8,370
—
298,906
498,400
Net Assets Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted
749,631 12,464
424,702 11,766
Total Net Assets
762,095
436,468
$ 1,061,001
$ 934,868
Long-term Debt, net of crnt. mat. Total Liabilities
Net Assets
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
Touchstone Mental Health Statement of Activities For the Year Ended December 31, 2004 With Comparative Totals for 2003 SUPPORT AND REVENUE
2004
2003
Government Contracts $ 1,351,820 $ 1,335,772 Medical Assistance 1,031,481 749,226 Grp Residential Housing Rev. 233,653 185,582 Investment Income 9,149 15,555 Donations 41,215 17,470 Client Fees/Other Revenue 8,882 4,813 Gain on Sale of Equipment 4,945 — In Kind Contributions 10,470 3,155 Net Assets Released frm Restrctns — — Total Support and Revenue
EXPENSES
2,691,615 $ 2,311,573
Program Services Management and Admin Fundraising
2,137,029 212,129 16, 830
2,035,547 192,450 13,669
Total Expenses
2,365,988
2,241,666
Change in Net Assets
325,627
69,907
Net Assets, Beginning
436,468
366,561
Net Assets, Ending
762,095 $
436,468
Funding from Medical Assistance, contracts with Hennepin County, a grant from the Chemical Health Division of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services, a grant from Healing Touch International, and donations from community members like you make our services possible. We are grateful for your continued support.
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Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Robert, Chair Business Consultant and Family Member Jonathan Burris Burris Law OfďŹ ces Bill Cochrane Retired Business Executive and Family Member Michaela Diercks United Healthcare Sharon Toll Johnson United Hospitals Dr. Merrie Kaas University of Minnesota Liz Sjaastad Family Member
STAFF Angela Adams Glen Albert
Touchstone Mental Health 300 Clifton Avenue Carriage House Minneapolis, MN 55403
Kristin Asmus John Bangura Angie Baratto Roy Barker Julie Bates Brian Bergs Thirisia Blakemore Ingrid Bloom Cheryl Butz Amy Carter Margo Cohen Nils Collins Julie Davis Nancy Davis Nicole Denor Lynne Derby Tenneh Diggs Emmanuel Doh Sumitra Dorner Christina Downing Japhet Durojaiye Lisa Edwards Daniel Flynn Esther Folayan Vanessa Foley Scott Fridley Kristen Fritsinger
Lyn Badje Gerdis Heather Gnotke Deborah Gruel Judy Hanks Marcus Hering Deborah Hesli Barbara Hill Deborah Holman Cherilyn Johns Peggy Kamholz Courtney Karsch Birgit Kelly Betsy Kovisto Kate Kramschuster Nathaniel Langworthy Michael Louder Bob Marion Michael Miller Fardowso Mohamud Nicole Mohns Bob Moncrieff Dawn Nguyen John Nienstadt Martha Nzimbi Dorene Obi Lynnet Obure Chinyere Ogba
Melissa Osterhoudt Wendy Parks Obe Queeglay Helen Raleigh Rose Raleigh Rosemary Rausch Patrick Robinson Michael Ronn Brook Rutten Alison Sample Diana Schansberg Ann Schendel Karla Schmitt Jennifer Schwager Kari Skinner Monica Smith Barbara Sobocinski Jennifer Strick Renee Svoboda Tami Swiggum Kara Vangen Nancy Van Zile Deborah Williams Martin Williams Claire Wright Peggy Wright Milton Wright
Katherine Wurpts
VOLUNTEERS Dick and Marie Barron Jane Barron Sara Barron-Leer Judy Bernier Michelle Ducayet Suzanne Gregory Tanya Mellen Teresa Meschini Christine and Allen Nelson John Norwine Helena Hering Meg Peck Clarence S. David Sagula Vi Sandgren Cathy Smith Jeanne Starr Evie Stejskal Mary Sutherland Mari Vangen