A Pyramid of Wants and Needs

For Joe, working with computers has always come naturally. He has Comptia certifications in A+ and Network + and he's a Microsoft-certified technician. His dream is to be a Network Administrator for a large firm. But for this 24 year-old Midland resident, realizing that dream means overcoming a significant barrier...over-spending.

Even though Joe was working, he was growing increasingly frustrated with his inability to save money or to spend the money appropriately.  His spending habits created significant tension between Joe and his mother.

"I live with my mom and not having money to help with bills or rent has made things difficult at home," said Joe. "It's frustrating because I want to live on my own but I couldn't control my impulse-buying enough to even help pay, let alone pay my own rent."

Joe met with his case worker at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. They quickly identified Joe's impulse-spending as a significant barrier to his independence. MRS referred Joe to Wendy, an Independent Living / Vocational Rehab specialist at DNMM.

"When I first met with Wendy, I was at rock bottom," said Joe. "I had no savings account and my checking account had a negative balance. I was making $180 per week at my part-time job, but I was spending over $200 per week."

"From our initial meeting, it was clear Joe had a goal of becoming self-sufficient," said Wendy. "He knew he had a spending problem. He simply needed to find a way of seeing the path to correcting the problem."

Using motivational interviewing techniques, Wendy and Joe set out to change his behavior by establishing goals and exploring paths to reach those goals. During those explorations, Joe came up with the idea of an expenditure pyramid. Just like building a pyramid starts with the bottom layers, so should spending. Identifying all expenses that are absolutely needed (i.e. food, gas, rent, bills, etc.) and creating a brick for each one along the base of the pyramid. Then items that are less of a need but still important (new work clothes) could go on the next level, with "wants" (video games) along the top. 

"Picturing it like a pyramid helped because I know I can't get to the higher levels until I build the lower ones," said Joe. "This helped me understand the fundamental different between a want and a  need."

Joe and Wendy would meet several times over the following weeks. Each time they would work on a new approaches aimed at helping Joe rein in his spending while laying his own path to self-sufficiency.  

"I made notebooks where I write out the pros and cons of each potential purchase," said Joe. "I also created cards with pictures of money on them that I "give" myself every time I deposit money instead of spending it. It's like collecting cards."

These visual and tangible techniques have already had a significant impact on Joe's life. His relationship with his mother is improving and he no longer feels trapped under the burden of a bank account in the red.  He now has an emergency savings, a rent savings, and, as he's all to happy to say, over $500 in his checking account. 

"Joe is definitely on the right track," said Wendy. "He's meticulous and motivated. He's come so far in just a few months. I know if he continues to use the tools and aids he's created, he will absolutely realize that dream of living independently." 

Community Event Corner

On May 6, 2015, advocates for Mental Health awareness will gather at the Michigan capitol building for the 11th annual "Walk a Mile In My Shoes" rally. The walk starts at 12:30pm and the rally is from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. If you are interested in attending, please contact Tammy Johnson at 989-797-3436 or e-mail:  tjohnson@sccmha.org

The purpose is to enhance public awareness, because legislators need to know that Mental Health Matters.

We seek to put an end to the stigma related to mental illness & developmental disabilities, because Michigan does not have parity (equality) between mental health & physical health care coverage. We also hope to promote mental health and wellness, because we can make a difference!

Community Event Corner

SUMMER STROLL FOR EPILEPSY

The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan continues to raise vital funding and promote epilepsy awareness with their Summer Stroll for Epilepsy. Kick off for the season is the Midland Summer Stroll for Epilepsy on May 9th at Dow Diamond. Check-in will begin at 8:00 am. The registration fee is $20 and $10 for children. The morning includes breakfast, face-painting, choose-your-own-raffle, prizes, music, a walk throughout downtown Midland, and more fun activities. Click here to register online by May 7th. 

Community Event Corner

Whatever your pace, we have the walk for you. Choose from a one-mile or a two-mile route. Both routes begin at Island Park and lead through the beautiful city parks of Mt. Pleasant. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.

There is no fee to participate in the Walk & Roll event. In the event of inclement weather on the day of the event, please listen to your local radio station for cancellation notices.

For more information, contact:
Angella Peters at MMI of Clare - 989-386-7707
Clayton Brown at MMI of Mt. Pleasant  -  989-773-6918
Julie Rookard at CMHCM  -  989-772-5930 x 1394

Community Event Corner

LOONS Game for Michigan AG Bell Association

Michigan Chapter of the AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing invites you to join them at Dow Diamond on June 6, 2015.

After the tour, watch the Great Lakes Loons take on the Burlington Bees at 7:05pm. Tickets are $11.50 and they include:  Seating with the group on the lawn during the game, a Loons poster and baseball cap, and an opportunity to meet a player from the Great Lakes Loons team as well as the Lou E. Loon mascot!!   Every child will receive a free MI AG Bell baseball language book. 

Deadline for registration is May 29, 2015

Contact: Bethany Walter at  bwalter@mcsa.k12.mi.us

Community Event Corner

Celebrate the Inaugural Sanford Youth League Challenger Season at Dow Diamond

Starting at 11am on June 7th, Challenger players will do drills with the Loons players and coaches at five different stations on the field (buddies will help out, just like during the season). Kids get a free baseball, food voucher, can participate in an autograph session, and can run the bases after the game. Kids should bring their own glove. Parents can be in the stadium watching, or be with the kids.

Players and Buddies will make a high-five tunnel when the players are announced before the game, and then stay on the field for the National Anthem. Recognition of SYL Challenger on the big screen! First pitch is at 2:05pm.

Tickets are $9.50 per person. Please register by May 22nd with Mary Beth Seasholtz, 687-9712, or mseasholtz@dow.com. 

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund

The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people with disabilities and seniors (or their family members) to purchase assistive technology devices or services, including modification of vehicles and homes. Loans may also cover cost of training to use the purchased equipment, warranties, and service agreements.

The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) supports the purchase of needed technology through low interest rates and loan guarantees. The program does not provide grants. It provides loans, which must be paid back. The program is a unique partnership of United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, Option 1 Credit Union in Lansing, and application sites like Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.

Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or device that enables an individual with a disability to improve individual independence and quality of life.

Who is eligible to apply?

Michigan residents with disabilities, seniors, and their family members or guardians.

What can I purchase with a loan through this program?
Allowable equipment includes but is not limited to, hearing aids, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, voice simulation systems, Braille equipment, telecommunications equipment, augmentative communication systems, environmental control units, computers, adapted recreational equipment, accessible home modifications, and modified vehicles. Training to use the equipment can also be included with the loan.