from touchstone mental health
Kind Words Volume 11 Issue 1 spring 2011
Bringing Horticulture into Therapy
Inside this issue Horticulture
1
From the Heart
2
Hope Blooms Again
2
Donor Thank You
3
My Story
5
Double Your Impact
6
Every activity we participate in has an impact on how we think and how we feel and some activities can have a profound influence on our physical and mental health. Research in Therapeutic Horticulture has indicated that our environment also plays a critical role. Throughout ancient history, there is evidence of the therapeutic benefits of nature and a human need for a relationship with nature to maintain a healthy balance. Long ago human beings relied on their observations of nature to trigger instinctual responses needed for survival and to adapt to adverse conditions. Recent studies have indicated that simply viewing nature reactivates those innate responses, stimulates the immune system and can reduce anxiety and pain. Therapeutic Horticulture is the purposeful delivery of plant and plant related activities to bring about measurable health and well-being for individuals and/or groups. Horticulture therapists modify the environment as well as the garden activities to capitalize on an individual’s strengths, maximize experiences of success, reduce stress and improve competency. Plants have a way of fascinating us and can draw our attention into the reality of here & now with very little effort. Working with plants triggers something deep inside that promotes our natural self-healing capability. This can in turn prompt physical activity, social interaction, clarity of focus and relieve us from stress inducing thought. Cultivating plants can also teach us how to take better care of ourselves. When faced with illness, fear & depression can immobilize us into withdrawal from life. Feeling diminished may create the feeling that we have lost the ability to offer something meaningful to the world. Caring for plants provides physical confirmation of our ability to care for life & can remind us of our own self-care needs. It provides an outlet for pent-up emotions & an opportunity for reflection. Plants teach us that every living being goes through periods of new beginnings, growth, emptiness, death & rebirth. They inspire identification with the spirit of life that resides in all living things.
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For more information, you may contact: Cindy Berlovitz CTRS, Mental Health Services, Abbott Northwestern Hospital at cynthia.berlovitz@allina.com or Jean Larson Ph. D., HTR, CTRS, Center for Therapeutic Horticulture, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum at larso095@umn.edu.
a treat for your heart
Board Members Leslie Connelly, Chair Eric Cannon Leigh Erin Irons Merrie Kaas, Ph.D. Donna Langer-Hansen
Katie Lichty, Esq. JoAnn Meyer Liz Sjaastad Darrell Washington
Management Team Martha Lantz, LICSW , MBA Executive Director
Michelle Wincell, LICSW Director of Operations
Lynette Anderson Finance and Human Resources Director
Jennifer Baumgartner Development Director
Bharati Acharya, LPCC Director of Case Management
Glen Albert, LICSW Director of Assisted Living
DeDe VanSlyke, LPCC Treatment Director, Residential Treatment
Editorial Staff Jennifer Baumgartner Martha Lantz
Programs Assisted Living Apartments
7376 Bass Lake Road New Hope, MN 55428-3861 (763) 536-8134 assistedlivinginfo@touchstonemh.org Care Coordination
2829 University Ave SE Ste. 400 Minneapolis MN 55414 (612) 874-6409 carecoordinationinfo@touchstonemh.org INTENSIVE REHABILITATION AND Case Management SERVICES
2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 874-6409 intensiverehabilitationinfo@touchstonemh.org Intentional Communities
310 East 38th Street, Suite 223 Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 767-3881 intentionalinfo@touchstonemh.org Residential Treatment
2516 E. 24th Street Minneapolis, MN 55406-1209 (612) 722-1892 residentialinfo@touchstonemh.org Touchstone Mental Health | PAGE 2
The Assisted Living Community wished to share a heart healthy “Sweet Treat Soup” with newsletter readers this quarter. A 2 cup serving of soup helps fulfill the 4 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables the American Heart Association recommends for a heart healthy diet. The vegetables’ colors (green, yellow, white and orange) are also rich in heart healthy vitamins. In an effort to be good to our hearts, the following recipe was prepared and served to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but this heart healthy treat could easily be enjoyed all year round with friends! • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • 1 cup of baby carrots • 1 cup of hearts of celery • 1 cup of fresh or frozen pearl onions • 1 cup of sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen sweet corn • 1 cup of fresh or frozen sweet peas • 2 cloves of garlic minced • 10 cups of vegetable or chicken stock • 2 tablespoon dried Italian spice blend
Cut up vegetables (excluding garlic) in one inch chunks. In a large stew pot or Dutch oven heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add carrots, celery and pearl onions. Stir and cover. Heat until vegetables are tender but not mushy, approximately 7 minutes. Add garlic and 2 tablespoon of Italian spices and stir for 30 seconds. Add the sweet potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft, approximately 25 minutes. Add sweet corn and peas and cook for 2 minutes, longer if using fresh. Remove from heat and serve with a piece of warm whole wheat bread. For more information on heart healthy eating including recipes and shopping tips check out the American Heart Association’s web site at www.heart.org.
Hope Blooms Again May 5, 2011 Help Touchstone Mental Health cultivate hope, healing and well-being at our second annual Hope Blooms breakfast event. The free breakfast is a fun and inspiring morning filled with health and wellness insights and information about Touchstone’s integrated approach to care. The event helps Touchstone raise $85,000 for our Health and Wellness services, education outreach and training so men and women can maximize their health, well-being and independence. Please contact Jen Baumgartner at (612) 767-2161 or jbaumgartner@touchstonemh.org if you would like to join us on May 5th, if you would like to host a table of friends or have a business interested in sponsoring.
“where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson
A
n Inukshuk is built in layers (foothold, cornerstone, core, pillar, keystone, and pinnacle) with each layer serving an integral role in stabilizing the beautiful guiding structure. Just as an Inukshuk needs every layer to be complete, Touchstone Mental Health needs support at every financial level. Thank you for making it possible for Touchstone to serve as an Inukshuk, or stable guide, in the lives of those we serve. Without you, we are incomplete.
THANK YOU donors Your support helps Touchstone serve as a guide and supporting presence for our clients as they travel their paths of hope, healing and well-being.
January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010
Pinnacle
Core
$5000 + $250 – $499 Donors providing our Culminated Success Donors providing our Fundamental Heart Leslie and Michael Connelly Bharati Acharya Louise Anderson Keystone Eric and Jennifer Baumgartner $1000 – $4,999 Kari Baune Donors providing our Cohesive Stability Jonathan Burris Lynette Anderson David Carlson Christine Arenz Marianne Carolan Ross Carter Terrence Crowley Tim and Holly Cashin Patti Cullen Merrie Kaas Casey and Mishele Cunningham Collin Kaas Sarah and Fredrick Deschamps Donna Langer-Hansen Nancy Devitt Martha Lantz Michaela Diercks Kim Makie Nichole Fairbanks Katie and Marshall Lichty Denise D. Farr Debra Lindell Sharon Hundley Joan C. Niedfeldt Michael Gardos Reid Martha Shipp Paul Goering Liz and John Sjastaad Lynn and Jean Hyland Emily Lagace and John Faughnan Pillar Marlee Jansen $500 – $999 Donors providing our Principle Support Thomas Jogodka and Linda Goss Mary B Jones Anonymous (2) Glade and Lois Lantz Glen and Sandy Albert Chris and Molly Lee Sharon Anderson Dana Lindsay and Tim Pabst Teri Berg-Nelson Tom Martineau Noah Bly Kathleen Moore Deborah Bohn David and Judy Myers Dianne Brennen Mark Olesen Ross Carter Julia and Brian Palmer Bob and Marley Dusek Katherine Pollock Jane Garvin and James Jacobson Helen Raleigh Barbara and Tom Kirby Tonya Rowe John McDonough Carol Rynders Joann and Carl Meyer Sandra Shadley Barbara and Gary Milton Leslie Sobiech Karen Palm and Lynne Sparks Kathleen Stockhaus-Lee Clare Poulose Jim and Sarah Stowell Shelly and Steve Rucks Kevin Turnquist Dick and Rita Sanderson Marjorie Van Slyke Diane and Bob Slayton Char Voight Amy Spartz Carol Watzke Ken and Mary Sutherland Chris Wilson and Millie Acamovic Lawrence Stirtz Michelle Wincell Leslie Sobiech James Woodburn Colleen Watson and Mary McDougall
Cornerstone
Mary Ann McLeod Lynda and Peter Michielutti $100 – $249 Carolyn Muska Donors providing our Firm Base Christine Mueller Roxanne Abbas Todd Myers Dorthea and Gordon Anderson Peggy Matthies Nelsen Sue Anderson Marshall Meier Ruth Baeumler Nasreen Mohamed Cynthia Baier and Scott Swenson Judith Nassar Scott and Sara Barron-Leer Georgia and Donald Nygaard David Baune Diane Ollendick-Wright Jodi and Andrew Benson Elisa Pluhar Harlow Berg Julie and Lee Prochnow Joan Blace Helen Raleigh Sara and Walter Broughton Srividya Raman and Ganapathy Jean Bundt Venkataraman Susan Campion Connie and Bill Riggs Linda Chlan and James Grindle Timothy and Melissa Ridley Katie and Mark Cooney Mark and Julie Ritter Sara Ann and Daniel Currell Jennifer Roeser Steven and Peggy DeLapp Karin Roof Gregg and Diane Dertinger Debra Roth Nancy Devitt Danielle Salus Grethe and Thomas Dillon Mark and Mary Sanderson Signe and Maurice Dysken Judi Sateren Sara and James Evans Tamra Schmalenberger Wasil Fiedorow Heidi Schreiber Brian Geurts Karen Shipman Jeff Gorman John Shrewsbury Starla Hendricks BJ Smiley John Hill Gregory and Constance Spartz John Hobday Rebecca Spartz Nancy Houlton Beth St. John Kathleen Hustad Jim and Sarah Stowell Leigh Erin Irons and Ryan Brauer Robin Stubblefield Leah and Mark Jensen Kathy Swanson Ronald and Cynthia Jogodka Renee and Timothy Svoboda Lorrie Johnson David and Carol Thersleff Sharon T Johnson Kirk and Suzanne Thompson Mary M. Krakow Joel Tillman Karen and William Lee Sue Towey Renee Levesque Sarah Truesdell Scott and Linda Lichty Tracy van der Leeuw Dana Lindsay and Tim Pabst Kara Vangen Cindy and Paul Lorah Jeanne Voigt Susan Mallison Holly and Donald Weinhauf Gwen and Michael Martin Theresa and Douglass Williams Connie Masterson Sharon M Wilson Juliana and Dwight Maxa Stacy McClendon PAGE 3 | Touchstone Mental Health
Ann Lee and Robert Barbeau Robert Legler Renee Levesque Foothold Bonnie Lingbeck and Charles Lingbeck Up to $99 Gloria Livingston Donors providing our Chief Foundation Cynthia Long and Allan Williams Anonymous (11) Peg Lonnquist Sue Abderholden Debra Lundell Marshall and Drucilla Anderson Jeffery and Rebecca Maciej Steven and Mary Austin Heidi Malat Laura Bale Susan Matthies Cindy and Elliot Berlovitz Katey and Mark McCabe Robert Birk James McLean Birgit Birkeland Margot McManus Ingrid Bloom Louise and John McNamara Ann and Stephan Burgeson Marshall Meier Roxanne Burke Jacqueline and Salem Mize Kelli Carlson-Jagersma Melanie Mogg Kathleen Caron Christine Mueller Gwen Carlson Jason and Tami Muhlstein Lupe Castillo Megan Mulkey Kathleen Confer and Charles Campbell Beth and Joseph Naughton Lydia Conn Pamela Neuenfeldt Lisa Curtin Georgia and Donald Nygaard Mike and Amy Dickson Maureen O’Connell and Dale Walde Nancy and Robert Dillon Leslie and Kevin O’Laughlin Joanne Disch Diane Ollendick-Wright Emil Engelica Jacqueline Oelfke Mary Ann and Lee Fabel Thomas and Marilyn Page Lisa Fay and Gregory Cardinal Marian and Curtis Palm Judith and Richard Fehn Abby and David Pinto Mathew Flannery Jamie Pfister Sherri and Wayne Fuller Mark Price Fay Gallus Patrick Quinn Charles Garetz Barb Radtke and Julie Ryan Lyn Gerdis Roshini Rajkumar Scott and Candace Gislason Rosemary Rausch Ann and Brian Gleeson Debbie Ringdahl Kate Goodrich Kent Robbins Cheryl Grady Kathy Rothstein Cynthia Gross Sarafin Samson Molly Grove and Jeff Bailey Janet Schmitt Deb Gruel Lea Seaquist Alicia Grund Laura Senn Dan and Mary Jo Haag Issatta Sheriff Michael Haddad Rosemary Shetka Linda Halcon Gretchen Snope Keith Hansen Lynne Sparks Sue Hanson Craig Stirtz Christine Harnack John Strenger Kathryn Hartley Robin Stubblefield Mary and Terry Hearst Colleen Talbert Andrea Hendel Karen Tarrant Richard and Stacy Henderson Peggy Trezona Debra Holmgren JoAnn Verweij Cindy and Bruce Idelkope Barbara and Joseph Waselak Penelope Jones Holly Weinkauf Kim Klose and Sara Ford Bonnie Weisman MJ Kolodjski Douglas and Theresa Williams Katherine Kovar Sharon M. Wilson Bob Kumagai Rachel Wittrock Jan Lassen Maureen Wosepka Michelle Wincell Gary and Cary Zahrbock
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In-Kind Support
Aster Cafe Jill G. Dawn W. Betsy Hautley Channel 45 The Carter Center Fashionista Sanderson Creative Seven Restaurant Adam Bale Productions Kathy and Peter Polga John and Mary Shearen Studio Laguna Photography Scott and Jen McKinnon Henry Emmons Broadway America Seven Restaurant MN Wine Merchants Elite Destination Homes WE Fest Inc. You Moving Forward MN Landscape Arboretum Hansen Music Barefood Catering Michael A. Schaeffer and Olive Brooks The House Boardshop Hennepin Theater Trust MN Wild Andrew Zimmern Lydia Conn
Karen S Fink In Honor of Lee Jeff Gorman In Honor of Liz Sjaastad Linda Halcon In Honor of Ingrid Sittler Sue Hanson In Honor of Will Geertz-Larson Christine Harnack In Honor of Jeff Haas and Colleen Haas Deborah Holmgren In Honor of John Trautman Megan Mulkey In Honor of her sons Amy Spartz In Honor of David Jacobs Rebecca Spartz In Honor of Amy Spartz and David Jacobs Mary and Ken Sutherland In Honor of Kathy Ann Cashin Sue Towey In Honor of Jim Pappas Colleen Watson and Mary McDougall In Honor of Joseph Watson-Tracy Touchstone Residential Treatment Staff In Honor of our residents
Donations in Memory
Donations in Memory of Justin Jogodka Steven and Mary Austin Roxanne Burke Foundation & Corporate Lee and MaryAnn Fabel Support Fay Gallus Bremer Bank Dan and MaryJo Haag Barton School Foundation Tom and Linda Jogodka GiveMN.org Ronald and Cynthia Jogodka Healthcare Interactive Penelope Jones The Fredrick and Margaret Weyerhauser Jan Lassen Foundation Charles and Bonnie Lingbeck Jelinek Metz McDonald LTD Gloria Livingston McQuillan Lahti Associates Inc. Allan and Cynthia Long Metropolitan Health Plan James McCLean Minnesota State Fair Salem and Jacqueline Mize The Medica Foundation Rosemary Shetka Organization Silver Cycling USCF 9595 Barbara and Joseph Waselak US Bankcorp Foundation Barton School Foundation Donations in Honor Donation in Memory of Cynthia Riggs Anonymous Michael Gardos Reid In honor of wonderful and courageous Connie and Bill Riggs daughter Leah and Mark Jensen Lynette Anderson In Memory of Alvina Striedel In Honor of Helen Raleigh Colleen Watson and Mary McDougall Sharon Anderson In Memory of Dr. Richard McDougall In Honor of Daniel Anderson Carolyn Muska Sara Barron-Leer In Memory of Donald Muska In Honor of Richard A Barron Clare Poulose Lupe Castillo In Memory of Mark Dodge In Honor of Communities of Color Dick and Rita Sanderson Linda and James Chlan In Memory of Scott Sanderson In Honor of Dr. Merrie Kaas Theresa and Douglass Williams In Memory of Nick Christensen
My Story By Christine Leonhardt We would like to congratulate Christine whose story was recently highlighted by NAMI Minnesota. Christine is a member of our Intentional Community, and Touchstone’s Speakers Bureau. She has taken an active role in advocating for men and women living with mental illness within the Twin Cities. This story was originally printed by NAMI Minnesota newsletter.
Finally, at age 57, Christine Leonhardt is on the road to recovery. After struggling for years to manage her bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, Christine has found the support and resources she needs to be successful. With the help of her case manager, residential treatment programs and supportive housing, Christine has taken control of her illness and her life. While Christine has battled mental health issues virtually her whole life, the first signal that something was truly wrong came in 1986, at the age of 33. Following the death of her son who was just 18 months old, Christine’s life entered a tailspin. Christine was hospitalized amidst a severe bout of depression coupled with anxiety, panic attacks and paranoia. Tragically, at the time Christine did not receive a formal diagnosis or even help understanding how to handle what she was experiencing. After her release from the hospital there was no follow-up. Christine feels that the problems she faced later on could have been prevented if she had access to the services and supports she needed back then.
because of touchstone, christine is able to live in her own apartment while having access to the services and supports she needs. Despite all this, Christine bounced back, and for a time life was good. She found work as a hospital administrative assistant and an information technology support person. An avid fisher, she would spend her weekends out on the lake with her boyfriend, who was a “bass pro.” In 2006, Christine’s life began to unravel again. As her illnesses progressed, Christine began experiencing more and more manic episodes and found it increasing difficult to “keep herself together.” Her relationships with family and friends became strained, and she lost interest in her favorite activities. Whereas before Christine had been impeccably organized, managing surgery schedules and other administrative duties at her office, she found herself constantly frazzled and struggled to keep things straight. Conflicts with coworkers became a regular occurrence, and she changed jobs several times. Eventually, the only work she could handle were temporary positions where she could avoid the office politics. After losing her sixth job and being evicted from her apartment, Christine “crashed and burned.”
Around this time, Christine admitted herself to Hennepin County Medical Center. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and received medication. Soon after her visit to the hospital she was admitted to the Nancy Paige Residence. From there, Christine transitioned to the Anchor House intensive residential treatment services (IRTS) program. These programs helped Christine learn to manage her illness and begin to turn things around. Christine was connected with a case manager through Hennepin County who helped her navigate the system. Soon after, she enrolled in a supportive housing program at Touchstone Mental Health. In this program, Christine is able to live in her own apartment, while still having ready access to the services and supports she needs. Sadly, Christine’s experience has left lasting scars. Because of her untreated illness she lost her job, her apartment and numerous friends. She has been “completely rejected” by her family, including her three sons, all of whom live with mental illnesses as well. She says living with bipolar is like “constantly riding a merry-go-round,” ceaselessly bouncing between emotional highs and lows. Despite her struggles, Christine remains optimistic. Now that she is in a better place, Christine likes to give back; spending her free time helping other people in her mental health support group learn to use computers. She is working to rebuild bridges with past employers and hopes to resume her work in the medical field soon. Still, Christine worries about the lingering stigma surrounding her illnesses, especially explaining her mental health issues to potential employers. Christine is adamant that, to be successful, people living with serious mental illnesses need support and guidance. She is “ever so grateful” for all the professionals, particularly those at Hennepin County, who have provided her with the “best possible care.” Christine would not be where she is today without the tireless efforts of her case manager and the staff at the residential treatment and supportive housing facilities who helped her understand and manage her illnesses.
PAGE 5 | Touchstone Mental Health
Mission
Touchstone Mental Health inspires hope, healing and well-being.
Vision
Touchstone Mental Health is a center of excellence, providing quality programs, services and products to assure that people living with mental illness can enjoy the highest quality of life and achieve their greatest personal potential. Touchstone builds on its history of innovation to deepen, grow and sustain its programs to meet existing and emerging needs.
TWO WAYS to Double Your Impact this Spring! Join us at Hope Blooms on May 5th from 7:30 - 9 a.m. at The Depot. Every gift of $500 or above will be matched, up to $10,000. For more information contact Jen Baumgartner at (612) 767-2161.
Help Touchstone achieve our $100,000 Otto Bremer Foundation Matching Grant. Every dollar donated to Touchstone’s Rising Cedar Campaign by November 2011 will be matched by the Bremer Foundation up to $100,000. Funds will be used to deliver health and wellness programs and services for more than 5000 Twin Cities’ men and women living with mental illness. For more information contact Jen Baumgartner at (612) 767-2161 or jbaumgartner@touchstonemh.org or visit www.touchstonemh.org.
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