May 2012
www.wellspringky.org
A Message from the Executive Director When Governor Steve Beshear unveiled his budget in January, it included an expansion of Medicaid services in two areas: substance abuse treatment and residential supports for adults with severe and persistent mental illness who have been unsuccessful in living in the community. Both are key to Kentucky’s ability to provide the kind of assistance necessary to help our fellow citizens achieve recovery and live healthy, productive lives. Happily, both of these initiatives made it through the 2012 General Assembly intact, and reflect the urgent need for Kentucky to do more to address these critical needs in our state. Most Kentuckians are aware of the tremendous toll substance abuse takes on our state, but some may not understand the high costs associated with keeping people in hospitals or institutions simply because of a lack of appropriate supportive services. Not only are institutional beds expensive, but there are human costs, as well. It may sound ironic, but people with mental illness do not recover in hospitals and rarely in personal care homes.
Their symptoms may remit and their conditions stabilize but, in our field, recovery has a broader definition and includes such things as quality of life, self-direction, and community participation. Unfortunately, a significant number of individuals with severe mental illness currently reside in our state hospitals for
apartments. While the programmatic details have yet to be fleshed out, we do know that the 915(i) waiver will start out small. For Year 1, the legislature has approved $600,000 in state general funds and “Many of those living in institutional settings Year 2 funding will increase could live in their own homes or apartments to $1.2M. This initiative is with adequate support.” Wellspring’s expected to demonstrate Executive Director, 90 days or more, some for more than a year, both positive client Kathy Dobbins while many others reside in personal care outcomes and financial homes. These settings keep people with men- savings. We fully anticipate that this will be the tal illness apart from the broader community, case, and believe that the end result will be a although most would prefer to live in their own win for our state, and for those who have been homes, in their own communities, nearer to living on the margins of society simply because family and friends. Many of those living in the supports for living more inclusive lives have institutional settings could live in their own been lacking. homes or apartments with adequate support. Sincerely, Kentucky’s 915(i) services, an expansion of the state’s Medicaid plan, are designed to support participants in community-based Katharine R. Dobbins settings, including in their own homes or Executive Director
Introducing LASH: T he Lo ui s vi l l e A ll i a nc e fo r S up p o r tiv e Ho us i n g When funding through HUD’s Supportive Housing Program was announced, Wellspring, the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the Phoenix Health Center for the Homeless, and the Home of the Innocents moved decisively, with the support of the local HUD Continuum of Care, to secure a grant aimed at the problems surrounding the growing epidemic of homelessness in our community. As a result, our collaboration, known as the Louisville Alliance for Supportive Housing, received a HUD grant to provide housing, supportive services and housing management for 38 homeless adults and 8 homeless single-parent families. Of these, Wellspring will serve 18 adults who have a diagnosed mental illness; some will also have a substance abuse diagnosis. In addition, Wellspring has committed to serving as the Housing Manager for all of the project’s clients.
Peer Support Counselor, William Woodward, in a counseling session.
With 30 years of experience in supportive services and housing services management, Wellspring has the expertise and community relationships to handle the myriad demands of this role. Matching funds of $38,000 are required to complete this undertaking; Wellspring is working to solidify support to meet this requirement. Organizations, groups and individuals who are interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Kathy Dobbins to discuss this opportunity.
Save the Date!
The Art of Recovery An evening of mental illness awareness through art and advocacy.
Friday - August 3, 2012 The Speed Art Museum Presented by: