Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Countryside co-op option spurs interest

 

JEFFERSON - After two hours of presentations and questions Monday evening, the standing-room-only crowd at Countryside Home raised every visible hand in favor of looking further into making the county home into a worker-owned cooperative.
Were that eventually to happen, the skilled care nursing home would become the first in the United States to transform into a co-op, although there are models of related businesses - such as home-care organizations - making the transition….

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Countryside co-op option spurs interest

Monday, October 26, 2009

fightingBack.doc

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10/25/2009

‘We hold these truths to be self evident, all men are created equal’

Utilizing talent to fight stigma 

       People trying to recover from disabilities face stigma on a daily basis and it does not matter how significant our accomplishments may be. Days when we are not being reminded how sick we are and that we must be compliant, are good days. Needless to say, this environment provides no encouragement to folks trying to heal. As our individual capabilities and talents are limited, our aspirations and hopes are also limited.  Being able to express ones self artistically increases self-esteem, a necessary component of recovery.

      Considering the development of natural competencies provides much needed self-esteem, there is far too much under utilized talent among folks with disabilities. Art is an expression of ones inner self, and it can be therapeutic in the right environment. I started the Recovery Band to show that folks with disabilities are capable of attaining the same levels of achievement as any one else. As a result band members have grown stronger in our recovery.  Now we encourage others to find people in the system that will help them realize their full potential. 

       Unless and until consumers are given the opportunity to take charge of our own destiny no one will ever know what we are capable of. Recovery involves our active participation. Thus we must find and work closely with those willing to support our efforts to become independent through the utilization of our natural talents and abilities. Talented people with disabilities are by no means limited to the arts. There are computer experts, mechanics, teachers, lab technicians, office managers, etc. with disabilities who can also excel when given the proper support and encouragement. 

        When I was first diagnosed with an illness I looked to the system to lead me back to health. Today I see that I am in charge of my life and I must seek out leaders in the systems that have the realization of my hopes and dreams at heart. Recovery is a personal choice and by choosing recovery I also must take responsibility for my life. I urge every person seeking recovery to take a close look at what ever it is you do best, and then find someone willing to walk hand in hand with you on your journey in recovery.

Gerald Butler

Certified Peer Specialist

fightingBack.doc

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Nursing Home, Long-Term Care Trends: Robotic Technology of the Future (Video 2:04 mins.)

 

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Many people, particularly the graying pre-baby boomers, probably assume they won’t be around in the next 50 years.

But with the speed of technological inventions nowadays, who really knows? Longevity continues to increase while fertility rates decrease. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid struggle with ongoing adjustments as demographics evolve into a future we can only predict. Fortunately, research from the University of Louisville School of Nursing in Kentucky gives us a glimpse into the future with results reported in "Nursing Clinics of North America.” These are the predicted trends for long-term care:…….

Several interesting ideas. The one about robots? I don’t know. If I had memory problems and woke up each morning to a robot trying to “help” me?…..

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Nursing Home, Long-Term Care Trends: Robotic Technology of the Future (Video 2:04 mins.)

Recovery 2000: Fw: Next Peer Networking Call: November 12 at 3 p.m. EST

 

Persons, place and Things of interest to individuals recovering from mental illnesses, such as Depression, Bipolar illness, Attention Deficit Disorder,Anxiety,Schizoprenia and the effects of treatment with in the mental health system along with wellness tools. To become contributing member email therecoverygroup36@yahoo.com This is a open community with no screeining of post.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Fw: Next Peer Networking Call: November 12 at 3 p.m. EST

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, November 12, at 3:00 PM EST for the next Peer Networking call.
Our speaker will be Ruta Mazelis on the subject of " Working with Self-Injurers: The Helpful Response"
Ruta is nationally and internationally recognized for her work on this issue. The editor of "The Cutting Edge", a newsletter she put out for many years, she will be both informative, enlightening and an exciting speaker.  Do not miss this call and please let others know.
Call in:  888-537-7715
Pass code:   78462993# 
This call will be recorded and accessible on the peer networking website;  Please note that the last two calls on older adults and problem solving, are available and can be listened to at this time.

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Recovery 2000: Fw: Next Peer Networking Call: November 12 at 3 p.m. EST

Sunday, October 25, 2009

MindFreedom International Toolbar Download

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Have quick access to MindFreedom resources, search the site, list affiliates and sponsors, access social networking and other services……

Versions for IE, Firefox, and Safari

MindFreedom International Toolbar Download

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Welcome to NASGA!

Over the years, a growing uncaring and unjust judicial system has helped convert guardianship/conservatorship from an appropriate law to one which,  if misused, is damaging to the general public.  At present, it operates to ensnare the most vulnerable people in a larger and larger trawling net, now including those merely physically "incapacitated"!   It has  become a feeding trough for unethical lawyers and other "fiduciaries" appointed by the courts to protect, but many of whom become nothing more than predators.
Wards, instead of being protected by the system, are victimized by it. Strangers are given total and absolute control of life, liberty, and property of their wards. Wards of the state lose all rights involving self-determination, including:…….

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Welcome to NASGA!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Ray Gateway: Campaign to End Forced Outpatient Electroshock of Ray Sandford — MFI Portal

 

22 October 2009: It is official. After more than 40 involuntary, outpatient electroshocks (also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT), Ray has won. The court has agreed to his change of guardianship……

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Ray Gateway: Campaign to End Forced Outpatient Electroshock of Ray Sandford — MFI Portal

Bring Change 2 Mind

 

1 in 6 adults and almost 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Yet, for many, the stigma associated with the illness, can be as great a challenge as the disease itself. This is where the misconceptions stop. This is where bias comes to an end. This is where we change lives. Because this is where we Bring Change 2 Mind.

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Bring Change 2 Mind

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

David Oaks, Director: MindFreedom International

ABC News had just done a feature on mental health and had prominently featured MindFreedom International, a group that advocates for “psychiatric survivors” who have battled mental and emotional problems. But the second half of the show hinged on the lurid tale of a guy who had gone off his meds and committed an ax murder. Typical media sensationalism, says MindFreedom director David Oaks.

“How do you debate an ax murderer?” he vents. “There are no issues there. We’re pro-choice on taking psych drugs. So that was very frustrating.”……

David Oaks, Director: MindFreedom International

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fw: Mary Ellen Copeland's Free Webinar 10/21 and Events

Wednesday,  October 21, 2009
2-3pm EDT
Online and conference call

Author,
educator and mental health advocate, Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD, will be
speaking on how to frame a personal Wellness Recovery Action Plan for
those healing the effects of trauma.

Based on her book, co-authored with Maxine Harris, Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women's Workbook, this webinar will go through the key points of activities and exercises that encourage healing and wellness.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Expressions of Grace Yoga and Books

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LIFEFORCE YOGA® TO MANAGE YOUR MOOD with Amy Weintraub   

Friday, October 23 - 25, 2009

Fri, Sat, Sun morning. – $220 (11 Hours)
Fri, Sat, all-day Sunday - $250 (14 Hours/Teachers)
Fri night only – $45
All day Saturday - $120
A WEEKEND with Amy Weintraub, MFA, E-RYT 500
Author of Yoga for Depression
CEU’s Yoga Alliance

Expressions of Grace Yoga and Books

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Resources

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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Mental Health Resources

NAMI kicked off our efforts to increase inclusion and support of this community with a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Listening Session held at the NAMI 2007 annual convention. The resulting proceedings report outlines the specific goals and recommendations set during this discussion. Click here for more information and to view the Proceedings Document.

NEW resources:Image

A Mental Health Recovery and Community Integration Guide for GLBTQI Individuals: What

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | Resources

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

System Reform

Center of Healing Arts, Recovery,Growth, Empowerment

NAMI Marches Forward

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      The National Alliance on Mental Illnessheld it's 5 K Walk on Belle Isle and even the weather cooperated and it was a nice day. There were 2992 wristbands given out. The camaraderie was off the hook, plus I got to see old friends and make new ones. Veda Sharp(Detroit Wayne County CMH Director) Cindy Dingell (Board Chair/D-WCCMH)and Dr. Michelle Reid(D-WCCMH/ Medical Director) Were also in attendance. The cool thing is that they camenotas leaders, but as partners and supporters.

As we work toward system change we are thankful for progressive leadership and for organizations like NAMI. For far too long mental illness has been sort of Swept under the rug, even though it exists in every community nationwide. NAMI is getting the word out that we are the same as anyone else with an illness. With the proper support we are capable of doing some amazing things on top of becoming contributing members to society.

Recovery and the Arts

The system has grown to the point where there are tons of vital programs that teach us how to manage our illnesses. Adult Well Being Services(AWBS) Is making allowances for CHARGE to be an antonymous consumer run group. They are moving from a position of leadership to one of support and guidance for consumers seeking to move further along in recovery. This is how AWBS is helping transform the system from one of maintenance to one of recovery.

CHARGE is by no means just an art

Dinora Sikes has a food addiction and at one point she was obese. She decided to take charge of her life and dramatically reduced her weight. She then developed a program 'UPRISE' to help others suffering from physical health problems. Her program is centered on utilizing the mind, body and spirit in the recovery process. Since folks with disabilities die an average of 25 years earlier than the general population, and Health

During the early 70's Willie Waller was nationally recognized as an up and coming artist until he became ill. His family boxed up his artwork and put it in the attic where it stayed until 2004 when Willie got into recovery. He is now a Peer Specialist and his talents are art and giving other consumers hope. At CHARGE he will be further developing his art and encouraging others on their road to recovery.

I first met Patti Charleston at the Wayne County Peer Training and some of you may remember her choir's outstanding performance at the 3rdannual Empowerment Day. Patti has wanted be a choir director since she was a child. Patti is an assistant choir director at the Detroit Rescue Mission and to see and hear her one would never guess how far in life she has come. Patti is the CHARGE and vocal choir director.

Those in recovery must be in leadership positions in a recovery based system, and we thank Detroit Wayne County CMH, and the Department of Community Health for making it possible for consumers to design, build, and operate a program from a consumer perspective. We owe a particular debt of Gratitude to Adult Well Being Services for their guidance and support.

Gerald Butler

Do not forget the 'Disabilities Expo at Cobo Hall on the 16thof this month! It's free and informative