November, 2011
www.wellspringky.org
Wellspring Named a Partner in SAMHSA Housing First Grant! In September, the Homeless Coalition walked the streets of Louisville Metro and surveyed homeless people as part of the “100,000 Homes Campaign.” The results were startling; a large number of the participants reported major health risks, and the average length of homelessness was five years.
from these health conditions, we can move people off the streets and into successful, fulfilling lives.”
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But on September 23 the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a grant award that will address those issues for at least 75 adults in our community. This three-year $1.5M grant “will help rebuild the lives of people and families who are chronically homeless because of a behavioral health problem,” explains SAMSHA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “By providing housing that supports recovery
The grant will target chronically homeless adults with severe mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. Taking a Housing First approach, the first priority of this grant is to connect those in need of housing with permanent housing and will involve a number of
community agencies, including Wellspring. “We are excited to have a significant role in this important effort to provide housing to some of the most vulnerable homeless adults in our community and pleased that Wellspring will now be able to offer ‘Housing First’ as one of the choices in our array of supportive housing options,” says Kathy Dobbins, Wellspring Executive Director. Phoenix Health Center for the Homeless, a division of Family Health Centers, Inc., is the lead agency in this program. Wellspring will offer case management, peer support services and art therapy as part of the intensive individualized services designed to increase recovery and sustain permanent support housing.
H ea lt hy M ind s, H ea lt hy Bo die s: We llsp ring Clie nt s ’ Lif est y le C hang es I mprov e T heir L iv es Like many Americans, Wellspring’s participants are becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We first heard that the Crescent House program fellows had changed their dietary habits, and then the ladies at Concord Apartments started frequenting the Family YMCA. Ardery House residents began reexamining their shopping lists and food preparation techniques, and participants across the programs have redoubled their efforts to quit or reduce smoking.
Crescent House residents are eating healthier and feeling better because of it.
Wellspring Open House
2
Welcome Board Members!
2
Tribute to Cornelia Atherton Serpell
2
Letter from the Chairman
3
Art Show & Sale a Success!
4
Wellspring Wallopalooza Golf Marathon
4
Humana Volunteers at Shelbyville
4
Kentucky Colonels & Women’s Club Grants
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Holiday Wish List
5
Mayor Fischer Visits Wellspring!
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Client Health Initiatives Purchasing food with lower fat, sodium, and sugar content. Choosing to prepare food in healthier ways.
The Concord ladies are visiting the YMCA multiple times a week!
The result? Residents are more active, feel more positive about themselves and are more confident about making changes that can improve their lives. We applaud these efforts and commend Wellspring’s program staff for all the support they offer to our residents in beginning and sustaining important lifestyle choices.
crisis stabilization services
Inside this issue:
supported housing
Including more fruits and vegetables in daily menu plans. Taking up weight-bearing exercises, joining swimming classes, walking, and biking. Using smoking cessation tools to reduce cigarette smoking.
independent housing