A Publication of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse
Dream Weaver Volume 25 Number 4
Founded 1991
Fall / Winter 2016
CET Gradua on Day by Bridge e L.
A er a lot of hard work, I finally (and happily) graduated from Cogni ve Enhancement Therapy (CET) at Easter Seals on Monday, October 31st. This was a year-long experience for me, star ng in September of 2015 along with about nine other Easter Seals clients.
1222 Catalpa Drive Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 544-2034 Fax: (248) 544-2152
Inside this issue:
I decided to try CET to help deal with the stress of losing my job in June of 2015. I wanted Page 2….From Members & Staff to learn how to handle my anger issues and, as I told my coaches, Katherine K. and Molly K., I was feeling kind of empty inside. In CET, I learned about Page 3……….................Advocacy perspec ve taking, which helps me see from another person’s point of view. Cover…....CET & D.C. Conference
Congratula,ons, Bridge.e!!
Page 4…………….…...Employment
We learned computer skills and I did many brain games like “Colormatch” and Page 5……….From Our Members “Tones”. Doing these types of games each week helped me to improve my memory and reac on mes. On gradua on day, I felt the support I have from Page 6…….…....Speaker’s Bureau Dreams Unlimited and my case manager, Robin D. I am glad that I finished the Page 7………………….…..Moments class, and now I know how to deal with stress be9er. Back page….….January Ac,vi,es Thank you to the Clubhouse Members & Staff who contributed to this edi on of Dream Weaver: Bridge.e L. Alex L. Emily B. Karen B. Tom F. Gregg S. Nancy H. Rita P. Norman S. Machelle S. Joyce R. Tom F.
Lynd-
Clubhouse Conference September 18th-22nd, members Pepa and Karen traveled to Washington, D.C. with staff Lyndsey and Joyce for the 2016 USA Na onal Clubhouse Conference. In addi on to work groups, they had an opportunity to meet with U.S. Sen. Gary Peters at his office in the Hart Senate Building.
The conference was designed to help par cipants create effec ve advocacy strategies, meet with representa ves from top government & na onal mental health advocacy organiza ons and get advice from states that have successfully found jobs and advocated for Clubhouse funding.
sey S.
It wasn’t all work, as the group had an opportunity to tour the Capitol & Arlington Cemetery and see the White House. Pictures at right are, (l-r), Pepa, Karen, Joyce and Lyndsey.
FROM THE MEMBERS & STAFF STAFF Coping With Loss by Alex L.
My younger brother recently enlisted in the Army and I realized that I wasn’t dealing with it well at all, probably because he’s going to be in the infantry. So, I started thinking of ways that I could cope. I’m hoping that at least one method will work for anyone in the same situa on. At frst, I just distanced myself from the fact, which is probably the least healthy op on because it came out in bursts of crying and aggression. The aggression was o en violent, which scared even me. Then, I started to do what I was trying to avoid in the first place: think about it, which, as it happens, helped considerably because it was kind of like facing my fears. Now, I’ve embraced the fact that my 18-year old brother, who has just graduated high school, is a hero. He hasn’t even completed basic training yet, but just the very act of enlis ng is a heroic one. I’m talking openly about it, even bragging. And, if the unthinkable does happen, he will have died to protect not only me, but both his and my friends too. Godspeed, Ma9.
Surprise Housewarming Party by Emily Burne9
On September 15, 2016, I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase my very first home. It was a wild, long process, but my Clubhouse family supported me every step of the way. They gave me encouragement and helped ease my stress and reminded me to laugh and to breathe. Everyone was so pa ent and understanding. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and I never expected what happened next. October 13th was already a big day. We had the talent show during lunch and Bingo started at 3:30. I was happily manning Surprise!! l-r: Nancy H., John D., Emily and Pepa H. the video camera, glad to be out of the spotlight. Everyone is so talented and we were all having a blast listening to people sing and play instruments. Pepa was the last to share her talent. She was introduced and came out of the kitchen holding balloons and a giant gi bag. “My talent is throwing par es and making people happy!” she said as she handed me the gi s and pushed me in front of the camera. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. “What’s happening?!” is all I could mu9er. Once I realized it was a surprise housewarming party for me, it seemed all I could say was, “I’m swea ng. I’m swea ng you guys.” I know this because there is video proof. They really got me! Once I got over the ini al shock I opened my wonderful gi s from my thoughIul Clubhouse family. They gave me some really beau ful presents for my new home. I received a few mugs, a toothbrush holder, relaxing bath products and even cash! A er I opened presents, cake was served and we all enjoyed it while we drank coffee. It was really wonderful. I truly felt like the most loved, luckiest girl in the world. I can’t imagine working anywhere other than the Clubhouse. Thank you everyone! 2
ADVOCACY NAMI WALK 2016 by Karen B. On Saturday, September 24th, three of us from Dreams ventured out to the NAMI Walk on Belle Isle. The monies that were raised were donated to NAMI (Na onal Alliance on Mental Illness). The weather was perfect – not too hot. People were there holding signs no ng that people in jail who suffer from mental illness need support too! There was a good number of par cipants, including people walking babies in strollers and people walking dogs. We walked for two Tom, Bridge.e and Karen joined the team! miles around Belle Isle with great views of the Detroit River, downtown Detroit, and Windsor, Canada, across the river. They served hot dogs and hamburgers a erwards and we were entertained with upbeat music played by a DJ. People were dancing on the grass and we were so happy to be there for such a great cause.
Amount donated to NAMI by Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse Members & Staff: $160.00
Mental Health Town Hall Mee ng: “Make Your Voice Heard!” by Gregg S. and Nancy H. Along with the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Oakland County (AMI), the Mental Health Associa on of Michigan, Michigan Protec on & Advocacy Service and the Michigan Disability Rights Coali on (along with many other agencies and advocates), a “Town Hall Mee ng” was held at the Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Administra on Auditorium on September 22nd. Represen ng Dreams Unlimited were Joyce Rupp, Program Manager, along with members Barbara F. and Karen B. They reported that the room was filled to capacity and that tes mony went on for nearly 3 hours. Also in a9endance were a panel of 8 state legislators who were there to listen to cons tuent’s concerns. Brief presenta ons were made by each of the Oakland County Clubhouses — Dreams Unlimited, Visions, Clubhouse Inspira on and Our House. Then, with a limit of 5 minutes, consumers, family members, providers and anyone concerned about upcoming changes in mental health funding were given a chance to speak up and voice their concerns, in par cular about looming legisla on to shi Medicaid mental health funding to private HMO’s (priva za on). Joyce reported that some of the most powerful speeches given were from Clubhouse members, including those from Visions Clubhouse and our very own Barbara. Barb spoke of the personal impact it will have on her to lose Easter Seals services, including Clubhouse, all because she has a “spend down”. Barb also shared how unfair it is that she can’t par cipate in “Freedom to Work” due to her age. This program would have allowed her to work, eliminate her spend down and maintain all services. On behalf of our members and staff, Joyce submi9ed 17 powerful le9ers which reveal the impact funding changes will have on consumers. When Joyce had an opportunity to speak, she quoted from one of our members’ le9ers: “Because of the services I have received over the course of my life, I have been able to be a produc,ve (taxpaying) member of society, working on the same job for 27 years….It makes me angry, sad, depressed and anxious to hear that so many mental health consumers who have been doing well in their recovery are now being told that they must ‘find other resources in the community’. Guess what?! Those resources don’t exist!” While for many the focus was on the impact that the priva za on of Medicaid funding could have, we are also very concerned about the impact the loss of services is having and will have on those with a Medicaid spend down; in the end, we all lose. 3
EMPLOYMENT My Second Transi onal Employment Job by Bridge9e L.
On Thursday, July 26th I started my second TE since becoming a member of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse. I am working at the Detroit Taco Company in Royal Oak as a dining room a9endant; I also do a lot of dishes. Toni and Emily are my TE Placement Managers. I was the first to be picked for the job and I felt shocked but excited. Tom and Toni talked to me about the new TE posi on and then they said that I got the job! So now I work on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The best thing about the job is I get to work with very good people like the owner Jeff, my manager Jesse, and coworkers that make me laugh. I get excellent ps too, which is always a nice way to end my shi . Also, I get paid every Saturday. I will be working at the Detroit Taco Company for 6 to 9 months and will complete this TE no sooner than January 26, 2017. Then, another member will be my successor. Good luck to the next member placed in this TE!
Community Impact Award
by Nancy H.
On a related note, Easterseals Michigan recently awarded Detroit Taco Company in Royal Oak the “2016 Community Impact Award”. This award is given to “extraordinary businesses that ac vely choose to make a posi ve difference in the community they serve”. We were introduced to Detroit Taco by Easterseals Case Manager Beth Omtvedt, sister-in-law of Jeff Omtvedt, Detroit Taco’s founder and owner. Beth arranged a tour of Dreams for Jeff and it was apparent from the very beginning that Jeff understood our mission and was ready, willing and able to give Transi onal Employment a try. He also trusted us to select the first member to be placed on the job. Ini ally, Bridge9e’s schedule was 2 days a week during the busy hours of “Taco Tuesdays” ($2 Tacos) and Fiesta Thursdays ($5 Taco Bowls). Bridge9e’s work ethic made such a good impression on Jeff and his management crew that Fridays were added to her schedule. In addi on to employing a member of Dreams Unlimited, Detroit Taco Company also hosts their “Meaningful Monday Dining for Dollars Ini a ve” with the inten on to “Change our Community One Taco at a Time”. Selected organiza ons receive 20% of the proceeds on the Monday they are matched with. Dreams Unlimited is grateful and excited to have this partnership with Detroit Taco Company and is looking forward to a series of successfully employed members. We predict that their experience with Jeff and his crew will prepare them for that “next step” towards having independent employment in the community.
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FROM OUR MEMBERS Yates Cider Mill Ou ng by Rita P.
On Saturday, October 8th, a group of eight Dreams Unlimited members and one staff person, Nancy Heinz, enjoyed a great day at Yates Cider Mill in Rochester, MI. It was a beau ful, sunny, warm day with so much to see. Our first stop was the cider mill where they press the cider, make and sell fresh donuts, apple pie, caramel apples and all kinds of autumn goodies. In addi on to the historic cider mill, Yates has other a9rac ons, such as the fudge store where we watched fudge of many flavors being made. Painted pumpkins were available for sale as well as hot, roasted sweet corn. We couldn’t resist trying some fresh cider and donuts, although we had to The Happy Adventurers — LeF share the picnic area with a few bees! We retreated to the riverside, where we to right: Charlene B., Bridge.e L., could watch families of ducks swimming around. There was also a peWng zoo, Akisi C., Nancy M., and Rita P. which we enjoyed from a distance. A er leaving the cider mill, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Na onal Coney Island. We all had a wonderful day, enjoying the sights, the sounds, the crowd and the weather — but especially the pleasure of each others’ company! What we are thankful for…. “A warm home in winter, clean clothes, food, clean water, Clubhouse, family who loves me, friends & more!” - Casey J.
“My new job!” - Gregg “For my DUC family and grandchildren!!” - Joyce “For being in God’s life, being blessed by the best and for the ice cream and cake at Dreams!” - Shayne R. “For a chance to get to know myself and others.” - Rei “Life, friends & family.” - David H. “Thanks, God, for walking.” - Pepa H. “Family & DUC Family.” - Brian B. “My group home, DUC and Drop-in.” - Norman S. “DUC, Detroit Taco Co., My Place Center, Lyndsey, Toni, Tom, Emily, Joyce and Nancy!” - Bridgette “Cats.” - Kitty “Dreams family, birth family and friends.” - Loretta “All the members at DUC. I am very grateful to be a part of DUC’s program and family. Love you all.” - Mandy M. I am thankful for good health and family,” - Rita P. “Friends, Family, DUC...my volunteer job & my future job!” - Karen B. Coffee and chocolate, grace and mercy.” - Tom F. “Dreams family, birth family, home, friends, full belly.” - Emily B. “My family; my DUC family.” - Akisi C. “For the good health of friends and loved ones.” - Nancy H.
New Member Perspec ve By Machelle S.
When I first came to Dreams, I was depressed and lonely and felt that no one understood me — I did not have any friends to talk to. So, at first I became friends with only the staff at Dreams. I was also scared that I would not fit in, but I started to work in the Hospitality Unit, and then, I began to work on the computers in Member Services as well. Making friends with other members became easier.
Machelle’s beau,ful smile!
When I work in the kitchen at the Clubhouse I feel more responsible, so that, when I get a job, I will know how to work. The more I a9end, the more I learn how to be self-reliant. Being here has made me see that there is a life to be lived. I can say that since I came to Dreams, I have found that the staff is nice and everyone is very friendly. My experience at the Clubhouse has taught me how to depend on myself and work towards my goal of going back to school to finish my degree. The Clubhouse has helped me to get my life back on the right track so that I can live my life again. I thank Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse for turning my life around. 5
SPEAKERS’ BUREAU Our Presenta on at Oakland University by Karen B.
On Wednesday, November 30, 2016, four of us from Dreams Unlimited, (Karen Block, Joyce Rupp, Lyndsey Shelby, and Gregg Streicher), ventured out to Oakland University’s William Beaumont School of Medicine lecture hall and had lunch with the medical students there and gave a presenta on all about Clubhouse. All four of us wore our “Dreams” shirts. We showed the students our new three-minute video commercial of DUC and gave them a power point presenta on explaining all about the history of Clubhouse and what Clubhouse does for an individual. We explained how Clubhouse is a place where one is “wanted, needed, and missed,” and how many Clubhouses there are in Michigan (41) and world-wide (320+ in 34 countries). We also told how the Clubhouse model was started in 1948 in New York when a small group of pa ents recently released from a psychiatric hospital got together and started Fountain House, the very first Clubhouse. I then I told my own story, sharing the history of my illness and how much Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse helps me. Gregg shared his journey of mental illness as well, including how Dreams has played a role in his recovery. Many of the students reacted with concern when Gregg disclosed the nega ve impact being prescribed the wrong medica ons can have on a person with a diagnosis of mental illness. We both spoke about our jobs – my current work as a volunteer at St. John Providence Hospital, and all about the new job he will be star ng soon as a bookkeeper for a small business. They listened intently and at the end of the presenta on a student there wanted to know what she could do to help our Clubhouse. This was a great experience for both the students and Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse colleagues. Thank you, Oakland University!
L to R: Daniel (our host and future MD), Lyndsey, Gregg, Karen and Joyce
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MOMENTS…
Happy Birthday Dreamers!
Happy Holidays!
Remember when it was 80° out???
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D r ea ms Un limited tur n ed 25 yea r s o ld o n D ec embe r 1, 20 16! W e w ill be c elebr a ting in Ma y d ur ing Menta l H ea lth Mo nt h. ..w a tc h f o r a n a nno unc ement! 1222 Catalpa Drive Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Phone: (248) 544-2034
January 2017 Activities Sun 1
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5 Bowling & Dinner Leave at 3:30 pm, bring money for dinner.
Clubhouse is Open
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MLK Day Clubhouse is Open
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BINGO & Dinner at Dreams - 4:00 pm Cost: $2.00
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