FROM TOUCHSTONE MENTAL HE ALT H
Kind Words VOLUME 5 ISSUE 3 WINTER 2005–2006
BUILDING INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY By Helen Raleigh, LICSW, Executive Director
Inside this issue Repairing A Late-Model Vehicle
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Wishlist: Clients
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Holistic Practices Consortium
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Visual Journaling
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Wishlist: Program and Staff
4
Mind, Body, Spirit
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Volunteers 2005
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Donors 2005
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We are excited to announce that Hennepin County Behavioral Health awarded Touchstone Mental Health $210,000 of one-time funds on October 19, 2005 to create an intentional community for adults living with serious and persistent mental illness. These funds allow us to implement an agency-wide strategic plan to expand housing. What is an intentional community? It involves a group of people who choose to live together, sharing a common purpose and working cooperatively to create a lifestyle that reflects their shared values. They may live together on a piece of rural land, in a suburban home, or in an urban neighborhood. They may share a single residence or live in a cluster of apartments. The media typically promotes the myth that shared living began with hippie communes in the 1960s and ended with the arrival of yuppies in the late 1970s.
2 8 2 9 U N I V E R S I T Y AV E N U E S E SUITE 400 MINNEAPOLIS MN 55414
The truth is quite different. Today hundreds of thousands of individuals live in intentional communities or extended families based on something other than family ties.
These communities often function as replacements for the extended families of people who have lost touch with their biological families or whose families, for whatever reasons, cannot offer support or regular contact. Intentional communities open the decisionmaking process to all members. To create our intentional community, we will locate a cluster of one- and twobedroom apartments in mainstream properties in a specific neighborhood. A Resident Manager, who will be available after hours, will reside in an additional apartment. This apartment also will serve as space to prepare a daily communal meal, hold support groups, and plan recreational activities. Individuals also can meet there with their assigned Case Managers. Our staff will assist members in ongoing discussions about how to create a supportive community that fosters wellness and recovery. We plan to use the granted funds: • To lease or master-lease apartments that will qualify for transitional subsidies and Section 8 on an ongoing basis Continued on page 2
LIKE REPAIRING A LATE-MODEL VEHICLE By Peggy Wright
Board Members Kelly Robert, Chair Jonathan Burris, J.D. Bill Cochrane Michaela Diercks Sharon Toll Johnson Merrie Kaas, Ph.D. Liz Sjaastad
Management Team Helen Raleigh, LICSW Executive Director Glen Albert, LICSW Director of Supportive Housing Birgit Kelly, LICSW Program Director Margo Cohen, LICSW Treatment Director Peggy Wright Communications and Development Director Gabriel Bain Technology Coordinator
Editorial Staff Helen Raleigh Peggy Wright
Programs ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS 7376 Bass Lake Road New Hope, MN 55428-3861 (763) 536–8134 assistedliving@touchstonemh.org CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES 2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55414-3230 (612) 874–6409 casemanagement@touchstonemh.org RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT 2516 E. 24th Street Minneapolis, MN 55406-1209 (612) 722–1892 residential@touchstonemh.org
TOUCHSTONE MENTAL HEALTH
Revamping an established program that offers around-the-clock services is much like repairing a late-model vehicle while the motor is running. In January 2005, our Residential Treatment program became an Intensive Residential Treatment (IRTS) program, requiring major changes. We had to accomplish these changes while the program continued to provide services to clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We needed to revise policies and procedures, hire additional staff, train all staff in new requirements, develop new therapeutic groups, and identify ways to tie progress notes to goals established during treatment. In 2004, state legislators revised the requirements under which Rule 36 Residential Treatment programs operate, establishing IRTS, creating new standards that programs must meet, and shifting much of the funding of services to Medical Assistance. The Adult Mental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Human Services
(DHS) had recommended that the legislature make these significant changes. The Rule 36 treatment system has existed since the early 1980s. This model of treatment offered safe, therapeutic settings to clients for 6 months, a year, or longer. The group homes operating under this system have provided residential treatment to thousands of people over the past 23 years. The new IRTS programs offer shorter-term, more intensive treatment. In addition to being stressful, the conversion to IRTS demanded a lot of time and attention from our staff while challenging them to maintain the quality of our services as they began moving individuals to the community more quickly. Treatment for persons with serious and persistent mental illness is very expensive. The constraints of insurance and governmental funding have forced hospitals in Minnesota to focus on stabilizing clients during very brief hospital stays. Now Residential Treatment programs must focus on preparing clients to re-enter the community in a very short time. Continued on page 3
INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY, Continued • To rehab apartments as needed to meet the standards required for subsidies, including accessibility • To pay for start-up expenses, such as deposits for utilities, moving expenses, furnishings, food, and special needs • To hire and train a Resident Manager and a Housing Development Coordinator, who will focus on expanding our efforts to create more supportive housing This plan possesses great potential for replication in other communities.
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We will receive the funds in December 2005. We must accomplish our plans by December 31, 2006. We will choose participants from a list of persons who currently receive services from Touchstone Mental Health. You can find more information about intentional communities at www.ic.org. For more information about our intentional community, contact Glen Albert, Director of Supportive Housing at (763)-536-8134.
REPAIRING A LATE-MODEL VEHICLE, Continued Impact on Persons Admitted Ninety days can seem a short amount of time to persons with serious and persistent mental illness. Yet it is the new initial length of stay in Intensive Residential Treatment facilities. Upon admission to our facility, many persons are still experiencing symptoms, such as delusions, feelings of paranoia, or severe depression. Most individuals need a few weeks to adjust to living in an intensive setting with up to 13 house mates. Adjusting prescribed medications to their most effective levels also can take some time. To be capable of living in the community, individuals also must learn to recognize their symptoms and develop new ways to cope. Our staff can request approval for clients to stay longer than 90 days, if their situations fit the criteria for medical necessity. DHS does not consider lack of housing an appropriate reason for extending the length of stay. Upon discharge, people move to various settings, including independent living, shared
housing, board and lodging or board and care facilities, assisted living apartments, adult foster care, family members’ residences, and occasionally, hospitals for even more intensive treatment. Some individuals respond well to the short-term treatment while others find it difficult and stressful to leave after such a short period of time. Some say that they feel pressured to get well in what they see as an unrealistic time frame. Their stress is often exacerbated by the fast pace of the activity around them—other people being admitted and leaving, most of whom are worrying about where they will go upon discharge.
WISH LIST Clients PERSONAL CARE ITEMS OR SERVICES
• • • • • • • • • •
Effect on Touchstone The program actually became more expensive to run because we needed to add staff—a Clinical Supervisor, a fourth Mental Health Counselor, and additional Mental Health Workers. Every day and evening shift must include at least one staff member on duty who meets specific DHS criteria as a Mental Health Practitioner. If we Continued on page 6
OUR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT TEAM Staff Name
Education
Job Title
Margo Cohen
MSW , LICSW
Treatment Director
Sima Seaver
M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy
Clinical Supervisor
Sarah Peterson
LGSW
Mental Health Counselor
Carol Santana
M.S., Psychology
Mental Health Counselor
Elena Walker
M.A. in Counseling
Mental Health Counselor
Judy Hanks
MA, Public Affairs
Mental Health Worker Supervisor
Kate Kramschuster
BA, Sociology
Independent Living Skills Specialist
Kristin Asmus
BA, Psychology, CNA
Nurse Assistant
Ruth Solberg
Registered Nurse
Nurse
Michael Ronn
M.L.S., Library Science
Office Manager
OTHER ITEMS
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Dental floss Dental work Deodorant Donations for medication copays Gift certificates for new shoes, clothing Hair care Multivitamins Shampoo & conditioner Toothbrushes & tooth paste YM or YWCA or health-club memberships
Bedroom Rugs (approx. 3x5) Bus passes Craft kits Firm pillows Gift cards or certificates to coffee shops, McDonald’s, Target, Cub Lamp shade for large floor lamp Long-distance phone cards Magazine subscriptions Movie tickets Portable TV with built-in VCR/DVD Scrabble game Table lamps VCR tapes/DVDs Variety of art supplies
TO U C H S TO N E M E N TA L H E A LT H
HOLISTIC PRACTICES CONSORTIUM: The Stories in our Bones: Healing for Healers REFLECTION … DEEP LISTENING… RENEWAL…
WISH LIST Programs and Staff • • • • • • • • • •
Black pens Cordless mouse (1 or more) Flat-panel monitors Furniture dolly Garbage bags (40 gal & 12 gal) IBM blank diskettes Laundry soap, dryer sheets Services from a print shop Snow Removal for Residential Sites White copier paper
We recognize that our work and personal lives often contrast sharply with the essential energy of the Holiday season: its deep silence, stillness, and soulfulness. These qualities, so intrinsic to nature and spirit, can become obscured by social and celebratory demands. We are aware that many providers experience much stress at this time of year as personal and clinical demands increase. Often we notice that the holiday mood is at odds with the suffering and discomfort we witness in our work with our clients. Their stories frequently go unacknowledged, stay underground, and enter our bones. Undigested stories of hardship may result in burnout or a sense of becoming bone-tired. We want to create a deep space for relaxation, reflection, and renewal at the consortium, making sure that we all feel balanced and rested enough to participate fully in the healing process for our clients. Kathie Bailey, LICSW , will act as a Guest Facilitator. She
is a psychotherapist in private practice with over 20 years of experience in therapy, body awareness, and the expressive arts. She currently is facilitating a visual journaling group and will talk about her work journaling and visioning with her clients. She will guide us all in an experience of these techniques. Her practices are models for creating something fresh and new that can help clients with serious and persistent mental illness. This meeting is open to all practitioners who work with people, including those in social services, the healing arts, and conventional and alternative medical settings. Bring a friend. Networking and sharing resources are aspects of our mission. We will hold the consortium on November 18th, a Friday morning, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. If you plan to come, please contact Kara Vangen or Birgit Kelly at (612)874-6409.
VISUAL JOURNALING Go deeper than words to give voice to your soul Visual journaling is not necessarily about creating art, although artists can find it helpful. It’s a way to process our experiences, to investigate our feelings and emotional reactions to events, and to obtain access to a deep knowledge of ourselves through our inherent visual imagery. Words are a secondary form of communication that humans invented to relate to each other. Controlled by the left side of the brain, words offer interpretations of our feelings based on our system of beliefs. They allow us to analyze, evaluate, and judge every experience. TOUCHSTONE MENTAL HEALTH
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Images are our first and deepest emotional language. Creating images subverts the rational, logical, and conscious mind, reaching a source of deeper wisdom that we all possess. In her Journaling groups, Kathie Bailey, the Guest Coordinator at our Consortium, teaches a step-by-step method of generating inner images. Then participants express them with simple art materials and explore the messages they reveal. Guided inner journeying, body awareness, and facilitated group sharing focus the process.
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Accumulating evidence suggests that our thoughts and feelings alter the status of our health in two significant ways: • Through our behavior, such as by choosing to smoke, exercising regularly, or getting enough sleep • Through the natural processes of our bodies, such as through the release of hormones like cortisol Cortisol is a hormone that our bodies release in response to stress. High levels of cortisol generally appear together with lower counts of, and suppressed activity in, natural killer cells that protect our other cells from disease. The Mind-Body-Spirit approach to medicine bases its practices on this evidence. In September 2004, Barbara Sobocinski, R.N., and Kara Vangen, Case Manager, received scholarships through the Center for MindBody Medicine in Washington, D.C. The Otto Bremer Foundation funds these scholarships. These monies enabled them to participate in professional training in Mind-Body Medicine in October 2004 and in advanced professional training in 2005. This training educates and prepares professionals to lead Mind-Body Skills groups. Participants in the training receive extensive information on scientific and other research and learn techniques of relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, breathing, and movement. They examine the roles of emotion, spirituality, family history, and art in their own personal journeys toward wholeness and wellness. In the advanced training, they practice being presenters of these techniques to small groups.
Using techniques that reduce stress can help decrease our cortisol levels and improve the functioning of our immune systems. Relaxation supports the natural defenses and self-repair systems of our bodies.
Thoughts
Regular practice of such techniques also can improve our emotional well-being and help us to cope with stressful events. Many techniques exist to help us relax, and teaching them is the most important tool of MindBody-Spirit medicine.
When all thoughts Are exhausted I slip into the woods And gather A pile of shepherd’s purse.
Whether you are seeking relief from stress, prevention of disease, or creation of maximum wellness, Mind-Body-Spirit skills can help anyone who suffers from various life-threatening or chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, and fibromyalgia.
Like the little stream Making its way Through the mossy crevices I, too, quietly Turn clear and transparent. Zen Master Ryokan
Specifically, learning techniques that allow us to relax can: • Enhance our immune system and help the body to fight illness • Reduce the physical symptoms of illness, decreasing pain and fatigue and increasing energy • Help us to manage pain, anxiety, and stress • Decrease depression and anxiety • Improve our sense of well-being and increase our involvement in life • Provide us with greater insight into and a positive perception of the world around us
From Childe Harold THERE is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more, From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal. George Gordon, Lord Byron
Barb and Kara plan to start teaching MindBody-Spirit skills to the staff of Touchstone Mental Health in January 2006. They hope eventually to offer this training to the persons we serve.
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TO U C H S TO N E M E N TA L H E A LT H
VOLUNTEERS 2005 Wonder... People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; And they pass by themselves without wondering. St. Augustine
Beyond The Change Appeared And left behind What we had feared And in this quietness There is a cloudlessness That lets us see Beyond Our years Silent Lotus
TOUCHSTONE MENTAL HEALTH
Lena Angela Adams Gabe Bain Kimberly Beedle Ingrid Bloom Karena Boenigk Cheryl Butz Naomi Campbell Margo Cohen Virgina Collins Christy Downing Esther Folayan Vanessa Foley Muriel Gill
Kathy Glynn Heather Gnotke Deb Gruel Judy Hanks Chandra Hawkins Deb Hesli Roberta Holmes Birgit Kelly Kate Kramschuster Tina Lee Jennie Leskela, Douglas Choate, and Aidan Rebecca Madsen Bob Marion
Sukhvender Kaur Nijjer and Family Dorene Obi Helen Raleigh Connie and Bill Riggs Julie Roles Michael Ronn Brook Rutten Clarence S. David Sagula Diana Schansberg Ann Schendel Karla Schmitt Sima Seaver
Kari Skinner Cathy Smith Mo Smith Barb Sobocinski Ruth Solberg Sue Stewart Suzanne Sularz Renee Svoboda Jeff Tietje Mari Vangen Claire Wright Peggy Wright Katherine Wurpts
REPAIRING A LATE-MODEL VEHICLE, Continued have a census of nine or more clients in the program, two staff must be on duty and awake on overnight shifts. The shorter length of stay has increased the intensity and workload for staff. The new tasks include: • Performing a greater number of intake interviews • Providing more groups and more frequent individual counseling sessions • Ensuring that progress notes are written daily • Completing functional assessments and treatment plans within 10 days after admission, then reviewing and updating them every 30 days thereafter • Submitting written requests for DHS approval of extensions beyond the initial 90 days • Working more intensely with community case managers by starting to plan for discharge at the time of admission
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The new rules also required our program to implement three Evidence Based Practices using approved guidelines. These practices provide information and teach skills that move people towards greater stability and independent living. These practices have demonstrated positive outcomes in multiple research studies for people with mental illness. They include: • Illness Management and Recovery • Dual Disorders Treatment for persons with co-occurring substance abuse problems • Psychosocial Education for families of clients The rules also require staff to complete 24 hours of training annually. Mental Health Workers must complete 30 hours of training prior to working directly with clients. To inquire about openings or schedule an intake appointment, please call Sima or Margo at (612)-722-1892.
DONORS 2005 Individuals Roxanne Abbas Alice Adamson Elene Aiken Marcie Allen Rose Allen Anonymous (8) Marie and Dick Barron Deanna Belden Brian and Paula Bergs Judy Bernier Joan Bilinkoff Ingrid Bloom Larry and Susan Bourgerie Jonathan Burris Cheryl Butz Casey and Mishele Cunningham Julie Dappen Michaela Diercks Marilyn Ehline Jane Garvin Lyn and Michael Gerdis Judi Gordon Ken Hepburn Deb Hesli Elfriede Hesselberth Lorrie and Marlyn Johnson Sharon Toll Johnson Dr. Barclay Jones Barbara Koropchak Robert Koski Susan LePicart James Lockridge Cindy Lorah Sandy Manning Mary Martin Joe and Wanda Mayhew Barbara McAfee Colleen McCann John Mitchell Leslie Neeser Allen Nelson Sukhvender Kaur Nijjer Mary Ann Papke Paul Perea Pat Peterson Helen Raleigh Connie and Bill Riggs Kelly and Rafael Robert Michael Ronn Margaret and Carl Roser David Sagula Ann Schendel Judy Schleich Karla Schmitt Kari Schmitz Rick Schweikert Charlotte Sebastian
Liz and John Sjaastad Barb Sobocinski Paul Sobocinski Devona and Harley Swiggum Maryann Syers Bev and Earl Thompson Kate Tilney Kara Vangen Peggy Wright Milton Wright Sharon Yungbauer
In Honor of Anonymous in honor of Robin K. Smith Anonymous in honor of Brook Rutten Brian and Paula Bergs in honor of Helen Raleigh Don and Betty Cashin in honor of Kathy Cashin Holly and Tim Cashin in honor of Kathy Cashin Tom Cashin in honor of Kathy Cashin Mary and Ken Sutherland in honor of Kathy Cashin Charlotte Wieweck in honor of Allen and Christine Nelson
In Memory of Jane Garvin in memory of Hal Garvin Connie and Bill Riggs in memory of Cynthia Riggs David Sagula in memory of Cynthia Riggs Jennie Leskela, Douglas Choate, and Aidan in memory of Cynthia Riggs
Businesses and Organizations Caminar Software Central Minneapolis Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans The Healthfund of Minnesota Healing Touch International Foundation, Inc. Merwin Long Term Care Noah’s Remodeling, LLC Osseo Lions Club
In Kind Donations Individuals Glen Albert Marcie Allen Roger Anderson Gabe Bain Kathleen Bakke Lola Behling Coni Bell Emily Benson Judy Bernier Mary Blegen and others at U. S. Bank Karena Boenigk Lillian Bondhus Sarah Brew Jean Carlson Margo Cohen Chris Czyscon Julie Davis Carlton Declercq Michaela Diercks Michelle Ducayet Brian Eager Linda Eijadi Judy Enerson Karen Evans Terry Farland Donna Farr Esther Folayan Carol Freeberg Brian Geurts Muriel Gill Deb Gruel Gary Gunstrom John Hofmann Lorrie Johnson Birgit Kelly Roanne Klein Dr. Arthur Lebow Dr. Tripti Meysman June McKinney Christine Nelson Patricia Nelson Dorene Obi Barbara Radke Helen Raleigh Rosemary Rausch Julie Roles Richard and Ardelle Ronn Julie Ryan David Staehlin Diana Schansberg Dolores Seal Blanche Sevenson Kari Skinner
Cathy Smith Mo Smith Lois Strickland Suzanne Sularz Renee Svoboda Tami Swiggum Jim Trombley Ron Villejo Claire Wright Peggy and Milton Wright Mary Yerks
Businesses and Organizations Breadsmith Broadway Pizza Elim Lutheran Church J. Roles Designs Minnesota Twins Baseball Club Nonin Medical, Inc. Pilgrim Cleaners and Launderers Seward Co-op Simon Delivers
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Hope is the thing... Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be the storm That could abash the little bird That kept so many warm. I’ve heard it in the chillest land, And on the strangest sea; Yet, never, in extremity, It asked a crumb of me. Emily Dickinson
TO U C H S TO N E M E N TA L H E A LT H
2 8 2 9 U N I V E R S I T Y AV E N U E S E SUITE 400 MINNEAPOLIS MN 55414