A Publication of Easterseals Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse
Dream Weaver Volume 27 Number 2
Founded 1991
Spring 2018
OCHN Board Meeting and AMI Oakland By Emily Burnett
1222 Catalpa Drive Royal Oak, MI 48067 Phone: (248) 544-2034 Fax: (248) 544-2152
Inside this issue: Cover…..Presentations to OCHN & AMI Oakland Page 2…..DUC Accomplishments Page 3……..………Public Relations Page 4……………From Our Interns Page 5…………….National & State
Dreams Unlimited was invited to give a presentation to the February 20th meeting of the board of the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), formerly known as OCCMHA. The board invited all four Clubhouses in Oakland County to present separately to share the great work we are doing in our Clubs. Dreams’ members Gregg S. and Karen B. were joined by Emily B. and Program Manager Joyce R. as presenters. Joyce began by introducing the panel, as well as the many audience members who came specifically to support Dreams. Two members from the Dreams advisory board, one Occupational Therapy intern from Eastern University, 3 Clubhouse members, and one Clubhouse staff were in attendance. She then gave a brief overview of the Clubhouse model. All four clubs tried to focus on different areas of strengths throughout the 4 presentations so that the board will be able to get a bigger picture of the importance of Clubhouse within the mental health system. We at Dreams decided to focus our presentation on outcomes and the Clubhouse employment program. Karen and Gregg both gave detailed accounts of their multiple experiences in the 3 types of Clubhouse employment: Independent, Supported, and Transitional. All the presenters spoke of how our unique employment program was designed to give members extra support and result in more success.
We were asked to give the same presentation at the February 22nd AMI Oakland meeting. There were around 12 people in attendance and all were very interested in Thank you to the Clubhouse learning about the Clubhouse Model. They were especially interested to hear about a Members, Staff and Interns who contributed to this edition survey Dreams has been giving to Clubhouse members around the state. We have been asking members to self-report on their frequency of past hospitalizations and compare of Dream Weaver: that to their mental health hospitalizations since becoming a member of a Clubhouse. Emily B. What we have found is a member’s frequency of mental health visits to the hospital is Joyce R. significantly decreased once they are a Clubhouse member. We are hoping this Nancy H. information will prove to Jennifer B. Rachel M. stakeholders that Clubhouse Bridgette L. actually saves the state and Pepa H. Medicaid money.
Page 6 ………..Talented Members
Jamaica L. Nora B. Eric A. Shayne R. Jennifer B. Rachel M.
Both audiences were very impressed with our findings and with our presentation as a whole. We were honored to be able to share our passion for Clubhouse with both our funders and our advocates while spreading the message that “Clubhouse Rocks!”
CLUBHOUSE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Meeting held at Dreams Unlimited on March 9, 2018
On March 15th Dreams hosted 6 new staff from Clubhouses around the state to train them on the operation of a successful Clubhouse.
Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse Speakers’ Bureau Eastern Michigan University – January 24, 2018 Occupational Therapy Program – Joyce welcomes Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce members and explains the Clubhouse Model during the March Coffee Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit Connection hosted by Dreams. Around 60 members from Royal Pepa: Four members (Karen, Bridgette, Pepa and Ian) and one Oak businesses attended the March 9th meeting. Staff member (Emily), went to Eastern Michigan University to speak about our experiences at the Clubhouse. Each of us had something different to say. I spoke about housing, dining, and my family, friendships, social/recreational and belonging to Easterseals which has helped me to have a sense of direction in my life. In the five years I have been at Dreams Unlimited, I have learned to enhance my social skills, my cooking skills, how to get along with other personalities and have had the experience of having a second family. Each time you come, you learn a little bit more. It’s a really good place to come to.
During the meeting Clubhouse colleagues gave tours to 9 chamber members and even gained an advisory board member in the process! Welcome to the club John Miller!
Emily: This was my first experience with the DUC Speaker’s Bureau, and I just loved it. Hearing the members talk about the Clubhouse and how it’s changed their lives was so inspiring and reminded me why I do what I do, and that I have the best job EVER! Rachel (EMU Intern): The profession of Occupational Therapy focuses on getting people to do what they want to do, need to do, and have to do in their daily lives in order to find meaning and purpose. The Clubhouse is a place where people voluntarily come to feel structure, gain skills, form healthy habits and routines, and benefit from social support from one another and the staff. This is exactly what our philosophy entails. The familial feeling I get when I walk through the doors is overwhelming and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be here for a part of my education with these inspiring individuals!
Everyone loved the homemade breakfast!!
Bridgette: I had a great time talking to everyone in OT about my supported employment and sharing a little of my newsletter article with the students. When I am at Clubhouse, I feel like I am with my family. I feel like they are the only family I have. I had a chance to speak about the challenges I face with my mental illness and how Clubhouse supports me through all of them. I will definitely be back soon. Go Eagles! 2
MORE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Our 25 Minutes of Fame By Nancy Heinz & Jamaica LeNoir Go to: https://youtube/sG9_8L3VB_8
Left to Right: Nancy Heinz, Ryan Gray, Jamaica LeNoir, Aaron Castle, David Taylor
Nancy’s story: Many moons ago, Dreams Unlimited made a connection with David DeWitt Taylor, aka Dazzlin’ Dave, to be our DJ for our Valentine and Halloween Parties. Recently, his mom/manager, Barbara Taylor, asked me if I was interested in being interviewed on David’s longtime cable show “Community Corner,” produced by Orion Neighborhood Television (ONTV). Of course, I said “yes”, but on the condition that I could include a member. After the initial introductions and Jamaica’s moving testimony (see below), the questions were tough, but David, Ryan and Aaron made us feel welcome and showed that they were truly interested in what we had to say about our families, education, careers and, especially, Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse. We were asked about job requirements & job descriptions at Dreams, staff educational backgrounds, the referral process, how members get to Dreams, who pays for Clubhouse services, our hours, what are our daily activities, and even whether or not we have yearly goals and what is our 5-year plan! The guys were especially impressed when we shared the scope of Easterseals Michigan’s services and the fact that Dreams Unlimited has been operating for over 26 years. And now, here is Jamaica’s story: “Hello everyone; my name is Jamaica LeNoir. I am a member of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse. I like going to Dreams because it keeps me motivated and it gives me something to look forward to. I am diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder & Schizophrenia. I have had it for approximately 10 years; so far, I haven’t had any mishaps. I believe, however, that Dreams Unlimited is the coolest place to come. It helps you to get your life back on track. It also helps you stay motivated and improve job skills like culinary arts and computer skills; Dreams also helps you find employment. As a member I get to go on field trips to places such as Frankenmuth, downtown Detroit, bowling and to an apple orchard. The food is great! In the kitchen, we make all of our food from scratch. I participate a lot in the Hospitality Unit; that’s where the cafeteria is. At first, I was not going often. I felt that I was not sick and I felt so embarrassed. I believed that this was where crazy people go, or so I thought! But I started to attend more and I got used to it. The staff members are really nice—they are awesome! There are all kinds of people from different backgrounds that come to Dreams. I have met some real good friends there. Dreams is a great place to go to for people with mental illness. This program is through Easterseals; I recommend it to everyone who is battling mental illness. I believe people should donate more to help towards mental illness; it is epidemic! Most people out here are mentally ill and don’t know it. If we can come up with solutions, we can cure mental illnesses. That’s all I have to say—any questions?” 3
FROM OUR INTERNS By Jennifer Best I am a sociology student at Eastern Michigan University. I have a major in sociology and a minor in psychology. I am the first sociology intern at Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse. The purpose of the internship is to get a feel for applying sociology outside of the classroom setting. As a sociology student, I see how important the relationships built at the Clubhouse can be. There is a wonderful support system with the members in which there is a sense of companionship and encouragement. The Jennifer (in ivory sweater) with a few of her Clubhouse friends members are open to listening and supporting others with Clubhouse and personal performances. It is nice to see how the members can help boost the morale of others while simultaneously working together in order to complete the work-ordered day activities. I have been enjoying getting to know everyone and spending a handful of Wednesdays with them. I am very thankful that the members and staff have welcomed me to experience their involvement at Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse.
My Experience at DUC By Rachel Milowski I was placed at Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse for my Level I Fieldwork experience through Eastern Michigan University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) program. I’ll admit, I’d never heard of a Clubhouse, nor did I realize that OTs work with individuals who live with mental illness, so I was really excited to begin my journey here, as well as have the ability to share my experiences with other students, as I am the only one who attends a Clubhouse for Fieldwork. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to work side-by-side with these members, members who attribute their successes to Clubhouse. I continuously hear that the work-ordered day and “keeping busy” is but a slice of what prevents hospitalization. What I have really discovered is the sense of family I feel when I walk through the doors. Members praise one another for their accomplishments, celebrate birthdays, spend time with one another outside of the building, and call one another to communicate that they are missed when they haven’t been around for awhile. That feeling of being wanted, needed, and missed is so crucial not only to the Clubhouse Model, but also to a human’s basic and overall need for love. Well, love is exactly what they have for one another. Dreams embodies the philosophy of Occupational Therapy, in that the occupations the members engage in, be it obtaining cooking or clerical skills or socialization, spending time in a meaningful way is crucial to their individual recoveries. This is a truly unique and special place, and I hope to always be involved in some way. (Rachel will definitely stay involved at Dreams as she has agreed to be on our Advisory Board!) 4
NATIONAL AND STATE ACTIVITY On the Road as an Advocate By Nora Baylerian
I recently attended the Schizophrenics Anonymous (SA) Conference in Houston, Texas, both as a presenter and participant. Many of the speakers were professional in the field of Mental Health and covered a broad range of topics, including the enthusiasm US legislators are showing for research on neurological activity of persons with schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. These legislators are also fighting to maintain Medicaid for persons with mental illnesses. We learned that, according to www.LEAPinstitute.org, there are 3-4 million people with schizophrenia yet 50% do not get treated. Persons with mental illness die 20-25 years sooner than those without. Also discussed was magnetic therapy as a new treatment form and the effectiveness of Clozaril; in spite of side effects, it has been a wonder drug for me. I was asked to present on the six steps for recovery that are used in my SA meetings which Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse has hosted for over 20 years. These six steps were for the benefit of those learning how to be an SA leader. In addition, I did a presentation on “How to Avoid Burnout” which DUC staff member Nancy Heinz helped me compose. Because of my many years as an SA Leader, I was presented with the “Joanne Verbanic Award”. The weather was beautiful and I was able to oversee the entire city from the 49th floor of the Houston Club where the awards banquet was held. Many thanks to DUC for helping me prepare for this trip with correspondence regarding travel arrangements and my presentation for the conference.
Marty Alward was recently honored with the “Key to Recovery Advocate” Award by NAMI Michigan. Marty is the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and is pictured above with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. Marty is the liaison between Michigan Clubhouses and MDHHS; he also our Clubhouse champion. Congratulations, Marty!
Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse selected TJMaxx as the 2018 recipient of Clubhouse Michigan‘s “Employer Recognition Award” in appreciation for our successful job placement at the Beverly Hills store. David H. is pictured above with DUC staff Lyndsey S. and Jennifer W. at the state capitol building in Lansing. On the right, David is pictured presenting the award to Karen Cousino of TJMaxx. David completed a successful Transitional Employment with Karen and is now working in a Supported Employment position at the Beverly Hills location.
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FROM TWO OF OUR TALENTED MEMBERS My name is Eric Anderson, and I have been a member of Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse for about six months. When my DUC go-to staff person, Jennifer Wilczek, approached me to ask if I would be interested in making an owl house for the DUC property, I said, “Yes!” Royal Oak, where DUC is located, and other nearby cities have been looking at ways to control a rodent issue without poisons that can be harmful to the environment, people and pets. Owl houses have proved successful, because they provide a habitat for owls, which feed on rodents. DUC’s Owl House
Eric with Larry Orr, Owl House Expert
Jennifer asked me to make an owl house for DUC because she knows I have a background in finish carpentry and woodworking. She researched what would make a successful owl house in terms of what kind of wood, location and size of the opening for the owls, safe location for the house, away from people and squirrels, etc., and nesting materials. I’ll be using cedar for the house, and pine wood shavings for nesting material inside. The house will be mounted on a metal pole 12 feet off the ground. I’ll also need glue, nails, screws, a saw, drill and hammer; I plan to make the house in my sister’s backyard. I learned carpentry from my father, who did it mostly during summers off from his teaching job. In the past, I’ve made Adirondack chairs and a porch swing. When I come to DUC, I enjoy signing up for outdoor chores, like mowing the lawn, raking leaves and pulling weeds from the flower gardens. Hello to all my people. My name is Shayne Respress. I call myself Shayno8 Hip-Hop Deacon because I do spiritual hip hop. I’m trying to get a few young people off the streets and into the church house. I know it will be hard, but it’s worth a try. A lot of you youngsters don’t believe in God, but to tell you the truth you need God in your life. So you should truly find a church home, and try him out. The best thing in life is our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He’s the one that wakes you up in the morning, not that alarm clock. All he wants is the fruit of your lips and faith smaller then a grain of a mustard seed. Here’s an exampleI’m deleting Satan out my life The Lord is my only like I worship him day and night He’s a real insight that can switch up your life Make those dark days bright Keep on yo’ light Keep that relationship tight with the power Don’t let that tongue speak out sour But it might happen But I got to the point Where I can control my rapping.
-Shayno8 hip hop Deacon
Shayne has been a member of DUC for over 8 years; he graces us with his smile, his positive attitude, his hard work, the occasional rap, and yes, his colorful outfits!!