streamlines SPRING EDITION | 2020
A publication of
Images from vecteezy.com
4
in this issue
Mental Health During COVID-19
Tips for boosting your mental health during this challenging time
8
Full Moon Howl
Recap and photos from another recordbreaking year
18
Mental Health Awareness Month
Upcoming virtual activities and awareness campaign details
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STREAMLINES
Peace River Center’s Leadership Board of Directors, Chair Board of Directors, Vice Chair Board of Directors, Secretary Board of Directors, Treasurer Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Emeritus Board Member Board Member President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Human Resources, Director Development and Community Relations, Director
Peter C. Golotko, CPA/PFS, MBA Al H. Dorsett Major Paul Baggett, M.P.A., MSHRM, CPM Deborah Petrovich Weber, CPA David Scott Bergdoll, Esquire Robert S. Bodolay, RHU Cheryl Dee, PhD Clarence B. Grier, Sr., MA Michael Micallef, Jr., MA, MBA Stanley B. Reed, MAI J. William Gardam, MBA Candace Barnes, LMHC, CBHCMS-AC David J. Tournade, CPA Carol Gilmore, PHR Ileana Kniss
CLINICAL LEADERSHIP
Kirk Fasshauer, LCSW, FT, CTM, Director, Crisis Response Services and Professional Development James King, LMHC, Director, Special Projects Amy Nelson, LCSW, CAP, CBHCMS, Director, Recovery Services Linda Parker, PhD, Director, Victim Services Donna Rininger, LMHC, MCAP, Director, Specialty Services Charles Barrios, M.D., Medical Director Jacob Temple, DNP, ANP-BC, CENP, Director, Inpatient Services
ADVISORY BOARD
Kelly Aiken • Nancy Cattarius • Denise Crenshaw • Susan Curry • Erin Golotko • Rachel Hollis Joy Jackson Martin • Amy Laderer • Maggie Mariucci • Lisa and Steve Moseley Matt Mucci • Carole Philipson • Don and Carol Pickard • Clint Rhoton • Sandra Sheets David Shepp • Bevin Strickland • Stacy Walsh • Lindsay Zimmerman
JUNIOR ADVISORY BOARD
Jillian Schiller, Chair • Mark Motsch, Vice Chair • Ariel Vugman, Secretary Grayson Aceto • Yasmine Alamm • Jack Aranda • Nathan Calzat • Nicole Chambless • Adrianna Claypool Isabella Crowell • Cecelia de Zayas • Matthew Echenique • Anna Esterline • Jay Frontanes Taylor Haggins • Taylor Henley • Trent Henley • Landon Hopper • Logan Hopper • Chloe Lausell Elizabeth Lovely • Francheska Martinez • Sebastian Martinez • Steven Martinez • Olivia Maskas Mary McMann • Madeline Murphy • Haley Rizzo • Ben Schiller • Erin Simon • Zoe Steelman • Camryn Sunailitus Dezerae Teets • Anna Terlep • Carina Torre • Adeline Vilberg • Natalie Volpe • Claire Whitney
Questions? Comments? Contact Us! Community Relations Office 1933 E Edgewood Dr, Ste 101 Lakeland, FL 33803 863.519.0575 ext. 6196 communityrelations@peacerivercenter.org
@peacerivercenterfl @peacervrcenter @peacerivercenterfl
http://bit.ly/peaceriver-youtube
www.peacerivercenter.org
Welcome
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Message from the CEO Dear Friends: The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity to prepare for and maintain the health and safety of those we serve. Across Peace River Center’s locations in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties, we have been hard at work to ensure continuity of care while adhering to our number one priority: protecting our clients, employees, and community. Through all of this, Peace River Center remains operational to ensure our clients and patients are getting the care they need. We are being responsive to emerging rules and requirements as well as following CDC guidelines. First and foremost - We are here for you as you have been there for us. Coping with stress, fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 and its effects on your health, your job, and your loved ones can be overwhelming. Our Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) is a free 24-hour community resource available to anyone experiencing emotional distress due to COVID-19. You can reach our free 24-hour Crisis Line by calling (863)519-3744 or (800) 627-5906. In addition to higher levels of general anxiety and depression, these stressful times can cause a spike in domestic disputes and sexual assault. Our services are free and available by calling the Victim Services Crisis Lines: (863) 413-2700 (Polk) or (863) 386-1167 (Hardee/Highlands). Victim Services advocates are also set up with telehealth access to continue to provide interventions and safety planning. We are ready to provide services via Telehealth for psychiatry and primary care. We know everyone is following the “Safer at Home” order but that doesn’t mean you can’t access healthcare. Our Outpatient and Substance Use providers and therapists are set up with access to telehealth capability so clients can connect with their provider without having to be face to face. Clients are being screened prior to any in-office visits. Anyone showing current illness can connect with their provider via telehealth, with a rescheduled appointment, or in another appropriate manner. We are also accepting new clients. Free behavioral health treatment is available to qualifying individuals. To inquire about our telehealth options for psychiatric or primary care needs, please contact our Access to Care at (863) 248-3311. Recovery Services staff are also utilizing web based tools to connect and provide services and engagement during social isolation. Social isolation can intensify anxiety and depression, that’s why connecting with our clients daily or as needed by the client is imperative for recovery. Both of our Lakeland and Bartow Crisis Campus remain open and operate 24/7. Patient visitation has been modified to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff. Whether you or someone you know need immediate emotional support to stabilize your current fears and anxieties or you need help with your mental health and recovery beyond these uncertain times, we are here for you. We are in this together - as your behavioral health organization. Let’s keep in mind anyone at any time can experience a mental health issue. We must keep the conversation going and remove barriers so every individual who needs help reaches for help. With Mental Health Awareness Month coming in May, we ask for you to share our message, engage in conversation, and empower others to seek help. See our calendar of activities and join us to learn more. I can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support. Sincerely,
J. William Gardam, MBA President and Chief Executive Officer
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QUICK GLANCE TIPS
Look to Reputable Sources Like the CDC
MENTAL HEALTH during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Looking after your Stay Connected to Friends Via Social Media, Phone Calls
Limit Media Consumption to Protect Your Mental Health
Be Aware of Community Resources
Maintain a Routine Focused on Well-being
Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (COVID-19), can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things you can do to support and manage your well-being during such times. Here are some tips we hope will help you, your friends and your family to look after your mental health at a time when there is much discussion of potential threats to our physical health. Try to Avoid Speculation and Look Up Reputable Sources on the Outbreak Rumor and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control. Here are some valuable resources that are currently available on the CDC website regarding COVID-19: • The Florida Department of Health has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage: http://floridahealthcovid19.gov • The Center for Disease Control: https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ hcp/index.html • The CDC Site for Communities, schools, individuals information: https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/index.html
Try to Stay Connected At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family. Remember if you need to talk, Peace River Center’s Mobile Crisis Response Team is free and available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by calling (863) 519-3744. As your community behavioral health organization, Peace River Center has a variety of mental health programs including crisis stabilization, inpatient and outpatient services, group homes, substance use disorder services, mental illness recovery programs, and more. To learn more visit www.peacerivercenter.org/services or call Access to Care at (863) 248-3311. It is a good idea to stick to your daily routine. You may also like to focus on the things you can do if you feel able to: • stress management and relaxation techniques • keep active • eat a balanced diet Stay in touch with friends on social media but try not to sensationalize things. If you are sharing content, use this from trusted sources, and remember that your friends might be worried too.
Talk to Your Children Involving our family and children in your plans for good health is essential. We need to ask children what they have heard about the outbreak and support them, without causing them alarm. We need to minimize the negative impact it has on our children and explain the facts to them. Discuss the news with them but try and avoid over-exposure to coverage of the virus. Be as truthful as possible. Let’s not avoid the ‘scary topic’ but engage in a way that is appropriate for them. Try to Anticipate Distress It is normal to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced trauma or a mental health problem in the past, or if you have a long-term physical health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the effects of the Coronavirus. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other to look after our physical and mental health. We should also be aware of and avoid increasing habits that may not be helpful in the long term, like smoking and drinking. Try and reassure people you know who may be worried and check in with people who you know are living alone. Do Not Make Assumptions Don’t judge people and avoid jumping to conclusions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease. The Coronavirus can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or sex.
Try to Manage How You Follow the Outbreak in the Media There is extensive news coverage about the outbreak. If you find that the news is causing you huge stress, it’s important to find a balance. It’s best that you don’t avoid all news and that you keep informing and educating yourself, but limit your news intake if it is bothering you. Dealing with Being in Self-isolation or Quarantine If there’s a chance you could have Coronavirus, you may be asked to stay away from other people (self-isolate). For people who are in self-isolation or are in quarantine, this may seem like a daunting prospect. It will help to try and see it as a different period of time in your life, and not necessarily a bad one, even if you didn’t choose it. It will mean a different rhythm of life, a chance to be in touch with others in different ways than usual. Stay in touch with others regularly on social media, e-mail or on the phone, as they are still good ways of being close to the people who matter to you. Create a daily routine that prioritizes your well-being. You could try reading more or watching movies, having an exercise routine, trying new relaxation techniques, or finding new knowledge on the internet. Try and rest and view this as a new if unusual experience, that might have its benefits. Make sure your wider health needs are being looked after such as having enough prescription medicines available to you.
Follow Hygiene Advice Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds with soap and hot water (sing ‘happy birthday’ to yourself twice to make sure you do this for 20 seconds). You should do this whenever you get home or into work, after going to the bathroom or blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, as well as before you eat or handle food. You should also wash your hands whenever you return from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been. If you can’t wash your hands straight away, use hand sanitizer with 60%+ alcohol and then wash them at the next opportunity. Practical Steps to Take – Don’t Consider Preparation as Panic! The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC, recommends these simple strategies: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipes. Remember if COVID-19 is making you more anxious than normal or causing your mental health condition or illness to escalate, please call our Mobile Crisis Response Team. This free service is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by calling (863) 519-3744.
Adapted and reprinted with permission from a publication of the Mental Health Foundation, https://www. mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/listing.
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Board Chair Peter Golotko Named Philanthropist of the Year
Peace River Center Services Access to Care: (863) 248-3311 Child & Adolescent Services • Community Action Team (CAT) • Home to Stay Program • Resiliency Team • School Based Services Crisis • 24-Hour Mobile Crisis Response Team: (863) 519-3744 or toll-free (800) 627-5906 • 24-Hour Crisis Stabilization Units in Bartow and Lakeland Integrated Primary and Behavioral Healthcare • Wellness Clinic
Peter Golotko, CPA/PFS, MBA, President of CPS Investment Advisors and Chair of the PRC Board of Directors was selected as the 2019 Philanthropist of the Year. Peter was recognized at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Polk County Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day on November 15, 2019. PRC nominated Peter for his 18 years of board service, capital campaign leadership, and generous monetary contributions.
Outpatient Services • Individual, group and family therapy • Medication Management • Psychiatric Evaluations • Substance Use Disorder Counseling • Family Intensive Treatment (FIT)
Compassionate People • Positive Impact
Recovery Services • Adult Case Management • Club SUCCESS • Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) • Forensic Services • Forensic Intensive Case Management • Hand Up for Housing • Peace River Apartments • Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services • Residential Programs (Group Homes) • Short-term Adult Residential Treatment (SRT) • Supported Housing • Vocational and Supported Employment
Peace River Center, its Board of Directors and team would like to thank the following organizations for making a positive impact in the lives of the individuals we serve:
City of Lakeland $20,000 for clients served by the Lakeland Crisis Stabilization Unit Florida Blue Foundation $257,260 for Mental Health First Aid Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation $1,000 unrestricted donation The Furr & Wegman Architects, PA Community Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation $5,000 for Art Therapy Supplies and $5,000 for the Domestic Violence program Glades Electric Charitable Trust $2,000 for the Sebring Safehouse Domestic Violence Shelter
Iron Horse Family Foundation $45,620.00 for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training for Children’s Behavioral health therapists Lakeland Electric $1,000 to purchase kitchen equipment for Club SUCCESS Polk County CDBG $150,000 for a generator for the Bartow Crisis Stabilization Unit and Short-Term Residential (SRT) program PRECO $5,000 for Domestic Violence Shelter kitchen renovation Publix Super Markets Charities $5,000 for Domestic Violence Shelters
Victim Services • 24-Hour Domestic Violence Crisis Lines: (863) 386-1167 in Hardee/Highlands or (863) 413-2700 in Polk • Courthouse Advocacy • Domestic Violence Shelters • Rape Recovery Program 24Hour Crisis Line: (863) 413-2707 or toll-free (877) 688-5077 • Support Groups and Counseling
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Expanding Rural Mental Health First Aid with a $257,260 Florida Blue Foundation Grant Did you know more than 75 percent of all U.S. counties are mental health shortage areas1, and half of all U.S. counties have no mental health professionals at all2? That’s why we are grateful Florida Blue Foundation understands the need for mental health education and resources in under-served areas. Thanks to a four-year grant of more than $250,000 from the Florida Blue Foundation, PRC will expand mental health access in Polk, Hardee, and Higlands Counties. Officially launched on January 1, 2020, the funding allows PRC to train additional members in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), a course that teaches attendees how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives attendees the skills they need to reach out and provide initial
help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Since launching its MHFA program, which was previously funded by the GiveWell Community Foundation, Peace River Center PRC has trained more than 145 community members. The Florida Blue Foundation grant will enable PRC to expand, by adding additional trainers and offer Population Focused Modules for Rural Communities, First Responders, Veterans, etc. PRC offers community-based MHFA trainings, which are open
to all members of the public as well as closed trainings for specific organizations. PRC has trained individuals from the Polk County Tax Collector’s Office, Florida Southern College, Florida Polytechnic University, and First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. For information on scheduling a MHFA session, please visit PeaceRiverCenter.org/mhfa or call (863) 519-0575 ext. 6417.
Thomas, K. C., Ellis, A. R., Konrad, T. R., Holzer, C. E., & Morrissey, J. P. (2009). County-level estimates of mental health professional shortage in the United States. Psychiatric Services, 60(10), 1323–1328. 2 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2007). An action plan for behavioral health workforce development: A framework for discussion. Retrieved October 3, 2016, from www.attcnetwork.org/find/respubs/docs/WorkforceActionPlan.pdf 1
PRC Awarded $10,000 in #FloridaGives Campaign Peace River Center was one of five charities randomly selected from the #FloridaGives social media awareness campaign, which resulted in a gift of $10,000 from the Florida Blue Foundation. These unrestricted funds will be put to good use because 94% of the individuals PRC serves are at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level.
T
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2020 presented by
The 18th annual Full Moon Howl saw another record breaking year. Thanks to all of you who continue to support this one of a kind event, Peace River Center raised $297, 957.32 to provide behavioral health, mental illness recovery programs, victim services, and much more to our community. A new band, new software for the auction, a new way to engage you in our live auction and it didn’t disappoint. We continue to be humbled by all of our supporters who show up every year to help the individuals we serve. And to all of our Committee members who continue to work tirelessly and give beyond their time, talents and treasures. We would like to extend a very special thank you to Committee Chairs Lisa and Steve Moseley, Auction Chair Suzanne Aranda as well as Shoot Chairs Clay Watkins and Mike Ciavardone for their time and resources.
THANK YOU Full Moon Howl Sponsors! Title Sponsor Kelley Buick GMC
Shoot Sponsor CPS Investment Advisors
Dinner Sponsor John and Deborah Weber
Band Sponsor The Maya and Wesley Beck Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation
Match Sponsor Amy and Ed Laderer
Venue Sponsor Rocking H Ranch
Beverage Sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Paddle Sponsor Merrill Lynch
Full Moon Sponsors Alltrust Insurance • Badcock Home Furniture & More • Chastain-Skillman • Horne Construction, Inc. Land South Group • Miller Construction Management, Inc. • Mosaic Publix Super Markets Charities • Watkins Associated Industries Half Moon Sponsors AgAmerica Lending • Bank of Central Florida • Bartow Ford • Bessemer Trust • Bul-Hed Corporation CenterState Bank • CliftonLarsonAllen • Con-Sur, Inc. • Custom Drilling Services • Dixie Southern Industries, Inc. Dunson Harvesting • Farm Credit of Central Florida • High Tower Roofing • ITB Capital Management, LLC Keller Williams • Lock Insurance • MicroPath Laboratories • Mid-State Industrial Maintenance • OMS Original Solutions Company Inc. • Polk State College Foundation Springer Construction and Springer Peterson Roofing Crescent Moon Sponsors Allen & Co. • Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc. • Campbell, Trohn, Tamayo & Aranda PA • Centennial Bank • Central Florida Health Care, Inc. • Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. Denise and Ed Crenshaw • DSM • Duke Energy • GEICO • GrayRobinson • Kathy Haley • Marcobay Beth and Bobby Merritt • Thomas F. Plunkett, DMD • Pre-Con Construction, Inc. • Prime Meridian Bank R. F. Lusa & Sons Sheetmetal, Inc. • The Southern Group • Tradewinds Aircraft Sales, Inc. • Wall Titus Watson Clinic Foundation • Wilson Diamond Brokers Auction Donors
Aaron Corbitt • Adelaide Christian • Agnini Dental • All Creatures Animal Clinic • Amy Milligan • Arteology Badcock Home Furniture & More • Barrel Bands • Bartow Ford • Bay Street Bistro • Beef O’ Brady’s Beewired Jewelry by Belinda Mines • Bella Visage Medial & Aesthetic Rejuvenation • Benson’s Canine Cookies Bethany May • Big 4 Radio WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ • Bill and Tiffany Kilpatrick • BlackRock Milling • Bobby Lane Born and Bread • Brew Bus Brewing • Bump Galleto • Bungalow Boutique and Gifts • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Captain Mike Goodwine • Cathy Hall • Cathy Meier • Center for Great Apes • Chick-fil-A • Chop Shop Christian Lee Designs • Clearwater Marine Aquarium • Cleveland Heights Golf Course • Cob and Pen • Cobb Theaters Concord Coffee • Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant • Dave Shepp • Detroit Tigers/Marchant Stadium DEX Imaging • Doghouse Forge • Ellen Salm • Emily Plank • Etcetera with Amy Franklin Federal Bar Lakeland • Floralawn • Florida Aquarium • Florida Southern College • Flower Cart Florist • Frescos Fuzzy’s Taco Shop • Gaines Jewelers • Glazer’s Children Museum • Glory Days Grill • Greg Masters Lakeland Linder Airport • Land South Realty LLC • Harris Seafood • Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill Hunt Brothers Construction • Ileana’s Handmade Soaps • Jerry Coffey • Jim Ham • Julie Watkins • Just Move K Farrington Design • Lakeland Magic • Linksters • Longhorn’s Steakhouse • Lucido Chiropractic • Mary May Witte Meghan Garcia • Mick Pugliese • MIDFLORIDA Credit Union • Miller’s Marina • Mirko Pehar • Mission BBQ • Mister Car Wash Nails Bar and Spa • New Moon Sushi • Nineteen61 • Orlando City Foundation • Ovation • Palace Pizza • Panera Bread Patio 850 • PDQ Lakeland • Polk County • Dr. Pranay Patel • Radiology and Imaging Specialist • Ray Baseball Foundation Rob and Regina Harper • Ron and Diana Woodsby • RP Funding Center • Scott Orthodontics • Scott West • Scottie Horn Sheriff Grady Judd • Smoothie King of Lakeland • Streamsong • Rooster and Susan Curry • Suzanne Aranda Talk of the Town Restaurant Group • Tampa Bay Lightning • Terrace Grille • The Raven Faerie • Tijuana Flats TreeUmph! Adventure Course • TruMedSpa • Tuckers Southside • The Dr. Wallace Coyner Collection Watson Clinic • Wilson Diamond Brokers • WingHouse Bar & Grill • Zubie by Betsy Reeves
FULL MOO Thank You
2020 Steering Committee Committee Chairs: Lisa & Steve Moseley Shoot Chairs: Mike Ciavardone and Clay Watkins Auction Chair: Suzanne Aranda
Robert and Suzanne Aranda Wesley and Maya Beck • Rob and Laura Chase Mike Ciavardone • David and April Clements Susan Curry • Ed Dalton Carmine and Karen DeMichael Ian and Trisha Floyd • Ed and Meghan Garcia Rob and Regina Harper Marty and Angela Higgenbotham Tim and Elisa Holmes • Jay and Danease Horne Bill and Tiffany Kilpatrick • Jonathan and Ashley Link Corey and Jaimi Miller • Eliska Poirier Denny and Michelle Simmers •Robert H. Tate Clay and Debbie Watkins
ON HOWL
February 8, 2020
Six Ways to Lower Election Stress News and social media feeds have been filled with election talk, much of it negative. It’s enough to make even the most well-adjusted people feel anxious. For people who have endured traumatic experiences, the talk can re-traumatize. For children who are absorbing and observing their parents’ tension and fears, school discussions can upset, too. Behavioral health professionals say it’s especially important to pay attention to negative feelings that may arise. Unplugging, focusing on selfcare, keeping a long-term perspective, and finding personal fulfillment offer healthy ways out of this stressful place, regardless of who wins. In its Stress in America survey, the American Psychological Association found significant reported feelings that the previous election was a somewhat or very significant source of stress, regardless of party affiliation. People who frequently used social media were more likely to report the election was a very or somewhat significant source of stress, about 54 percent, compared to 45 percent for others. Younger people were almost as likely as seniors to report feeling election stress. And people with disabilities
were most likely to report election stress, with 60 percent saying it was a very or somewhat significant stressor. There are some ways you can manage the emotions and election concerns: • First, remember that close to half of the electorate is likely to be disappointed immediately after the election, so sensitivity is in order whether your candidate wins or loses. Maintain your boundaries. If you don’t want to discuss politics with a neighbor or classmate, politely say so. “I’d rather talk about something else. Did you see any movies this weekend?” is one easy way to change the subject. • Second, pay attention to your body. Are your muscles tensing? Is your breathing
speeding up, or does your stomach hurt while you’re on social media or watching results on TV? Take a break. Shut it down. It will still be there tomorrow. • Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are some of the best antidepressants around, and they’re free! Take a walk. Better yet, take a walk with someone you love, and talk about fun things, or make future plans.
Your most important vote is for your own well-being.
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Lower Election Stress Cont’d • Take care of yourself by eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep. • If you’re really feeling overwhelmed, write it down. What are you most afraid of? Make a list. Take that list to your therapist and discuss why those worst fears are unlikely to materialize. • Channel your energy and concerns into something positive, like volunteering for a good cause in our
community, whether it’s a veterans’ support program or a food pantry. Remember if you need to talk, Peace River Center’s Mobile Crisis Response Team is free and available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by calling (863) 519-3744. As your community behavioral health organization, Peace River Center has a variety of mental health programs including crisis stabilization, inpatient and outpatient services, group
homes, substance use disorder services, mental illness recovery programs, and more. To learn more visit www.peacerivercenter. org/services or call (863) 519-0575. Adapted and reposted with permission. Developed by Chrysalis Health, an accredited statewide provider of mental health, substance use and crisis services. For more information about Chrysalis, https://www. chrysalishealth.com. Originally posted July 11, 2016.
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Donor Spotlight: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lakeland Every year since its inception in 2007, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lakeland has participated in the annual Movers for Moms® campaign to collect donated items for Peace River Center Victim Services in time for Mother’s Day. They partner with local businesses, schools, and other organizations to collect essential care items such as toiletries, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, and more for survivors in Peace River Center’s two domestic violence shelters. The goal is to make Mother’s Day special for all moms, regardless of their circumstances. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has a strong influence from women in various roles, and this is the Movers for Moms® campaign is their way of showing appreciation for the efforts of all moms. In 2019 the fastest-growing franchised moving company in the country collected and donated more than 383,00 items to local shelters supporting women. “The Movers for Moms campaign allows us to serve women in need in our community. These individuals are vulnerable, and in many cases can’t afford toiletries and items for their children. This program gives us an opportunity to collect items for those in need, and to shine light on Peace River Center Victim Services and the work they do to help these domestic violence survivors along the way to a healthy, safe life,” said Brandon Silk, VP, Customer Experience.
Linda Parker, PhD, Director of Peace River Center Victim Services said a lot of times when the women are ready to transition from the domestic violence shelter to their own apartment or home, they have saved enough for their down payments and utilities, but do not have extra for paper towels and cleaning supplies. “These simple things so many of us take for granted really mean a lot to moms who are starting their new, violence-free lives,” she said. “The survivors light up when they see all the incredible shampoos, soaps, and lotions. It makes Mother’s Day so special for them.” She and her staff, as well as the survivors, are grateful for this ongoing partnership and the generous community donors. Building Community Partnerships Every year the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® team identify local organizations that will serve as collection sites. Many of times the organization’s employees go above and beyond filling multiple collection boxes. When the boxes are full, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® team pick them up and then around Mother’s Day they deliver all of the items to Peace River Center’s Victim Services offices, where staff can then transport them to the domestic violence shelters.
“We are grateful for all of our collection partners, some of which have been with us since we started the program in Polk County 13 years ago,” said Brandon. Even though this year’s Movers for Moms campaign looks a lot different due to the coronavirus outbreak, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® team pushed forward to make sure moms in Peace River Center’s shelters have a nice Mother’s Day. “Even during the current crisis, we have received emails from employees and patrons of these businesses offering items for donation and wondering how they can still help even while their offices are shut down,” said Brandon. About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lakeland Since opening in 2007, the Polk County Movers Who Care® have completed more than 25,000 moves! Their professionals help make moves as stress-free as possible. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® offers comprehensive home and business relocation and packing services. Whether moving down the street, across the country, or to a new home or business building, they’re ready to help with managing relocation stress. Learn more at www.twomenandatruck.com/movers/fl/lakeland.
2019 Results
365,000+
items donated in 44 states
1 million
donated items in 12-year program history
1,000
collection sites across US
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Committee Kim McKeel Nancy Cattarius Maggie Mariucci
Coffee Benefit Provides Funds for Children’s Services Programs The 2019 Coffee Benefit held in December was a tremendous success in raising funds for Peace River Center Children’s Services Programs. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2019 Coffee Benefit. We are especially grateful for Seth and Kim McKeel for hosting the event at their beautiful home. We would also like to recognize Maggie Mariucci and Nancy Cattarius along with the entire Coffee Host Committee for making this event possible. Proceeds support Peace River Center’s Children’s Services. Thank you for helping us engage, restore, and empower youth and families in our community!
Kelly Aiken Joanne Allen Suzanne Aranda Denise Crenshaw Hilary Crenshaw Susan Curry Liz Daughtrey Rachel Hollis Elisa Holmes Ginny Houghton Lana Howe Jean Hudgins Tiffany Kilpatrick Brandy Lansford Ansley Martin Beth Mason Peggy McKeel Jaimi Miller Lisa Moseley Mandy Petcoff Linda Rich Ihla Sloman Bevin Strickland Annie Sullivan Katie Tinsley Cathy Tucker Stacey Heacock Weeks Cecelia M. Wilhite Sarah Woodsby
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Mental Health Awareness Month 2020 While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces life challenges that can impact their mental health, especially now due to the coronavirus outbreak. That’s why during Mental Health Awareness Month we are providing virtual sessions to help you better understand mental health and sharing easy-to-use tools and worksheets from Mental Health America. A quick, free, and private way for people to assess their mental health and recognize the signs of mental health problems is to use the mental health screening tool at www.mhascreening.org. The mental health screening is confidential and scientifically validated Then if needed you can call Peace River Center to get established as a client, (863) 248-3311. We are accepting new patients and are offering telehealth! Don’t forget our Mobile Crisis Response Team/Crisis Line has also been expanded to include free 24-hour emotional support related to the coronavirus, (863) 519-3744. Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness Take a look at the calendar to the right and then visit www.PeaceRiverCenter.org/mham-registration to register for one of these virtual sessions. Be sure to check out our Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 page as we will add new resources there frequently plus you can request a specific topic of interest: www.peacerivercenter.org/covid19-resources. #Tools2Thrive Tune into our social media channels throughout May for practical tools everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency. We will also share ways everyone can be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life’s challenges or their mental health. #Tools2Thrive will help you figure out what to do daily to prioritize your mental health, build resiliency in the face of trauma and obstacles, support those who are struggling, and work towards a path of recovery.
DATES TO REMEMBER May 1 at 8:30 a.m. Virtual Chat with Mental Health Professionals An open conversation via Zoom about mental health concerns, treatments and any questions you may have. May 6 All Day Wear Green Day Show your support for mental health and mental illness awareness by wearing green and posting a photo on social media with tag #greenforPRC. May 13 at 10:00 a.m. Depression and Anxiety in Children and Teens Tiffani Fritzsche, LMHC, CBHCMS Children’s Services Manager will share signs to look for and coping skills to develop for depression and anxiety in youth. May 20 at 2:00 p.m. What is Mental Health Recovery? Tamara Tyner, M.S. Psychosocial Services Rehabilitation (PSR) Program Manager and Miranda Mills, Director, Club Success will explain what recovery means for those with a mental illness. May 28 at 1:00 p.m. What is Community Behavioral Health? ZOOM in to learn more about Community Behavioral Health and what that means to the community from Candace Barnes, LMHC CBHCMS-AC, Chief Operating Officer. The presentation will cover services and resources provided to individuals living with mental illness, in recovery from substance use disorders and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. May 29 at 10:00 a.m. Evidenced Based Therapy – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Donna Rininger, LMHC, MCAP, Director of Specialty Services will discuss the benefits and uses of EMDR and how it can help with processing trauma or attaining future positive goals. Get details and register at: www.peacerivercenter.org/ mham-registration