Sept newsletter 2014

Wellspring Administrative Center 225 W. Breckinridge Street Telephone: (502) 637-4361 Fax: (502) 637-4490

www.wellspringky.org Officers and Directors

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Louisville, KY Permit No. 1105

P.O. Box 1927 Louisville, KY 40201-1927

Paul A. Coomes, Chair Dawn Franklin Croft, Vice Chair Phillip J. Keller, Treasurer Meredith Brown, Secretary Robert P. Bordogna Trinity Campisano Rif S. El-Mallakh, MD Rich Freeman William Friel Alan MacDonald Gregory A. Mayes Cissy Mills Nancy Neill George W. Rapp, Jr. Jack Trawick Elmore A. “Ack” Willets, III Jefferey M. Yussman

www.wellspringky.org from the Ceo’s corner: Wellspring celebrates CARF Accreditation

Honorary Lifetime Members

Nancy B. Bell Barry Bingham, Sr. Roberta Fischer Rev. Richard H. Humke Clifford C. Kuhn, M.D. Malcolm R. Mathews, Jr. Cornelia A. Serpell Jackie Swigart, Ph.D. Bosworth M. Todd, Jr.

Founding Board Chair

Philip P. Ardery (1914 - 2012)

Management Team

Katharine R. Dobbins, LCSW Chief Executive Officer kathy.dobbins@wellspringky.org Robert L. Brodbeck Chief Operating Officer bob.brodbeck@wellspringky.org T. Patrick Rhodes, LCSW Director of Programs patrick.rhodes@wellspringky.org Nancy L. Doctor Development Director nancy.doctor@wellspringky.org

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Wellspring’s Mission:

To promote the recovery of persons with mental illness through leadership in the development of quality housing and rehabilitation services.

Wellspring’s Janet Massey receives Inaugural Peer Excellence Award Congratulations go to Wellspring’s Janet Massey who was recently awarded an Inaugural Peer Excellence Award for the Seven Counties region. Janet was nominated by several individuals for her ground-breaking work in Peer Support.

As a Kentucky Peer Specialist for more than a decade with Wellspring, she is an expert in the field and has been a leader of others.

“Jan” was in the trenches as an early advocate on the ground and now chairs Wellspring’s Peer Support Advisory Council. Since joining Wellspring in 2004, she has worked at both of our Crisis Stabilization Program sites and is currently on our Rx: Housing team.

Awards were part of the 2014 Statewide Consumer Conference presented by Kentucky STARS (a NAMILexington program) and Bluegrass.org.

Janet Massey with Kentucky STARS director David Riggsby

Volunteer of the year Nominate now!

Wellspring’s Annual Open House will be held on December 3rd at our Administrative Center - 225 W. Breckinridge Street. At this event we will present the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award. To help us identify the most deserving person, we welcome nominations from individuals who know Wellspring’s work in our community. Visit our website to download a nomination form or call (502) 637-1457 to have a copy be mailed to you. www.wellspringky.org

It was welcome news, indeed, when we received notice that Wellspring’s Crisis Stabilization Program had achieved CARF’s highest award – a Three Year Accreditation! It was the crowning achievement of our most recent and broadly ambitious threeyear strategic plan and it was sweet reward for many hours of effort from our steadfast team of Wellspring Board members, executive staff, CSU leadership staff, and a broad swath of other dedicated folks from across the agency. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, an internationally renowned organization establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the Patrick Rhodes, Director of Programs and Kathy Dobbins, CEO quality of their programs and services. Over the years, Wellspring’s dedication, commitment and effectiveness have been widely recognized; CARF’s commendation brings a seal of approval from a preeminent authority. Pleased as we are to have earned this recognition, the Survey Summary CARF provided us is what gives us the greatest sense of pride. Let me share just a few of the points that mean so much to us: Persons served are treated with dignity and respect…staff (are) providing quality care, …which is recognized by those served.

The setting…is warm, pleasant, and conducive to a therapeutic environment.

The senior management team members demonstrate

SEPTEMBER 2014

NEW BOARD MEMBERS BRING TALENT & ENTHUSIASM Rich Freeman joined the Wellspring Board of Directors, effective last month and will serve on the Finance committee.

A graduate of Indiana University with a BSc and MBA, Rich is the Area Sales Manager at Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals; he brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience to Wellspring that sets us in good stead moving forward on new initiatives.

Wellspring welcomes back

Alan K. MacDonald to the Board

of Directors. Alan is an attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLC specializing in corporate governance issues. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt University Law School, Alan’s broad legal experience lends itself well to the Nominating & Governance committee and we look forward to his strong guidance and counsel once again. their strong commitment to (program) stability, and continuity of quality care.”

And, finally, a commendation for Wellspring’s “ extensive collaborative relationships with various individuals and groups within its region that enhance its ability to achieve maximum recovery efforts for the persons served.”

To all who have had a role in helping us to this historic juncture, we send our deepest appreciation. We thank you for your support for Wellspring and for your commitment to helping assure that individuals with mental health issues receive the caring, compassionate and complete care that they deserve.

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supportive housing | affordable housing | crisis stabilization services | housing first

Ruthie’s story: after 27 years, a new chapter begins

“I was only 25 years old when I moved into Wellspring Apartments.” chuckles Ruthie Marlatt. “It’s hard to imagine now - I was so young then. I watched them building those apartments and kept thinking what a nice place that would be to live.” Ruthie had participated in Wellspring’s Ardery House program twice, she shares. “It took time, but they helped me learn the skills I needed to maintain stability, and they helped me set goals - and build routines so I could achieve them.” She always had the love and support of her family, but nevertheless, wanted her independence. “So, I was really thrilled to be one of the first residents to move into the new apartments when they opened. My own place!”

Ruthie beams. Over the years Ruthie Ruthie recently won 2nd had some wonderful experiences place in the Seven Counties working in horticulture and the food Story Slam at Actors Theatre her full story is available at: service industry, but kept feeling her www.wellspringky.org artistic side calling to her. “So, when I became a Peer Support Specialist and got the chance to work in Art Therapy, it seemed really natural to me.” “It hasn’t been all ‘happy, happy’” she reflects. “Sometimes it has been so hard to keep it all together that I’ve felt exhausted. I’ve been through a lot of situations where I say it’s just not fair!” But looking back on her life, Ruthie feels good about it. “I have my family, my studio space at Creative Diversity, and a great circle of friends. I love my Peer Support work in Art Therapy at Recovery Zone. Plus, I’m a volunteer with Protection & Advocacy, where I get to work for the rights of individuals with disabilities.” Now, after living for 27 years at Wellspring Apartments, Ruthie is taking another big step and buying an eastend condominium in a location that will make it possible to keep her routine and maintain all the important relationships she’s built up so carefully.

Looking at it all together “creates a pretty good picture,” Ruthie thinks. “Really,” she adds, “Wellspring is probably the best thing that ever happened to me!”

Ruthie is just one of the hundreds of people you can help “write the next chapter” of their story this year. Like all of us, they’re

working to develop satisfying, hopeful, and contributing lives in our community.

Will you join us in supporting their efforts? Through our Crisis Stabilization, Supportive Housing and Affordable Housing Programs, this year we will help more people find mental health recovery than ever before. Our work is growing, and we need your investment to grow with us!

Please make your donation today. What works for you? $500 can help each person the CSUs will serve this year. $250 will provide 15 Supportive Housing clients with their TARC tickets. $100 would help stock the Art Therapy Program’s shelves. $50 gets a resident the non-consumable items EBT doesn’t allow.

Whatever you can do, we can put to use. Let’s keep the stories going – they all have so much to share!

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Art makes a house a home

Early this year, one of our clients passed away unexpectedly. Throughout Wellspring, the shock and the pain of the loss were immediate.

But we also took comfort in knowing that she left this world from a place of dignity and safety, peacefully asleep in an apartment that she had chosen for her home. Over the days that followed, we sadly realized that the sole piece of “art” in her apartment was her Certificate of Completion from Wellspring’s Ardery House Program. It’s a harsh fact, but wall art is something most of our clients simply cannot afford. And art is not a “necessity,” according to any of our funders.

So – we set out to help our clients find art that would help make their apartments homier, and more comforting. But how? We had no money for that, either. Luckily, the very next week, Greg Bayers from the Foundations Group at Southeast Christian Church called to see how they might be able to help Wellspring. “Job One,” we said, “is go find us some art!” The group jumped in, collecting a wonderfully eclectic assemblage of paintings, prints, etchings and engravings. And then, Café Press joined in – and wall art, boxes packed with clocks, journals, note cards, and even coffee mugs suddenly appeared!

Spalding University’s Rick Barney arranged for a room large enough for clients to come and “shop” for their selections, and Judy Fields with the Louisville Womans Club brought even more art, and arranged for refreshments. Our volunteer corps, Marian Amin, Kathy Zollner, Sandy Morrell, Patti Ogden and Meredith Brown masterfully handled all of the set up and assisted the clients with their selections. An exhausting day, for sure – but one that made a huge difference for Wellspring’s clients and their homes.

Greg Bayer

Make a gift today... online or via mail, it’s easy either way!

Mark Your Calendar!

Remembrances...

WILLIAM WOODARD was a Peer Specialist on the

Wellspring Night at The Village Anchor Sunday, October 26th 5pm - 10pm

Rx: Housing Program Team for vulnerable homeless persons. He helped to build the Peer Support Groups which each week averaged 12-14 peers in attendance. “Willie” was an inspiration to both staff and peers and in 2013 won the “Champion of Life in Recovery” Award.

Willie was a champion even as he became very ill with cancer and left this life on August 1st, 2014. Many of our clients have shared ways that he was instrumental in their recovery. His wisdom, kindness, and sense of humor will be missed greatly. Penned by Janet Massey

The Village Anchor Pub & Roost 11507 Park Rd Anchorage, KY 40223 Metromix 2012 Best Restaurant in Louisville!

Reservations are recommended.

Mention Wellspring when you call ahead!

Menu and reservations at www.villageanchor.com

SHARON HOWELL was a long-time Wellspring

employee working in the Crisis Stabilization Program almost from the start. What strikes me about Sharon is that she was a very positive, encouraging person who gave her all to help the clients that the Crisis Unit served. During Sharon’s time in the Crisis Unit, she worked on both the Clinical and Program end of things. Whether working with clients in a one-on-one or group basis, or doing the program stuff like shopping for supplies, Sharon gave her best to brighten the Crisis Unit and to provide support for any and all who walked through the threshold. Sharon loved working in the garden and tending to the plants. Sharon’s presence is greatly missed. The Crisis Unit is a greater, richer place because of her contributions. Penned by Ryan Schafer

a portion of proceeds will benefit Wellspring!

STOCK THE SHELVES Thursday, October 23rd 12:00 pm—7:00 pm

Papers Unique & Gifts

141 N. Sherrin, Louisville KY 40207 www.papersunique.com

SEPTEMBER Shampoo Conditioner Bar/liquid soap Deoderant Toothpaste Toothbrushes Lotion Socks Underwear

OCTOBER Table lamps Floor lamps Light bulbs Extension cords

NOVEMBER Paper towels Plates Napkins Tissues Toilet paper Food storage bags, etc.

Donations may be delivered to 225 W. Breckinridge St.

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Shop early for Holiday invitations, cards and gifts and get 20% off when you bring a donation of one or more of the following items: Paper towels Napkins Bath tissue Pot holders

The Woman’s Club of Louisville Grant

The Woman’s Club of Louisville has granted $990 to fund “welcome home” baskets at Wellspring’s Journey program, which provides up to 18 homeless women who have mental illness and substance abuse issues with their own apartments, coupled with Wellspring’s case management support. The donated baskets will help to foster a comfortable and welcoming environment while impacting their quality of life as they begin their own journeys to success. We are grateful to the Woman’s Club for recognizing the importance of this need.

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Kitchen & bath towels Shampoo Deodorant Toothpaste

Or Gift Cards: Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart.

New DEVELOPMENT MANAGER brings wealth of talent & experience

Wellspring welcomes Joanne Lloyd-Triplett as the new Development Manager. Joanne comes to us from Sister Cities of Louisville where she served for six years as the Executive Director.

Originally from Manchester, England she has lived in Louisville with her husband since 2004 primaily working in non-profit and for Metro Louisville.

They recently started their family in April of this year with the arrival of their daughter, Adelaide. “This is a year of new beginnings, and I am delighted to be working for an organization that does such incredible work in our community. I look forward to serving Wellspring’s clients.” said Joanne.

Your gifts are changing lives!

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