TopJune 2014
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In This Issue
CARF Accreditation
Why Supported Employment Matters
Interview with Stephanie Beall
Commission on Disability Issues
The Garden: Artists in Bloom
Great Give a Success
Serenity Garden Takes Shape
Employee of the Month
Like us on Facebook
Join Our Mailing List
Special Events

The Garden: Artists in Bloom Art Show 

Mon., June 2 to Fri., June 27

At the Pascal Gallery, Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold Campus).

Opening reception on Thurs., June 12 from 5 - 7 p.m. 

See article below for more information.

   

Community Awareness Event: Mental Health and Addiction Services for the Deaf Community on the Eastern Shore
Tues., June 10
6 - 8 p.m.
Mardela Springs.
Interpreters provided and social work CEUs available. 



Mental Health Part I - The BIG Discussion
Wed., June 11
6 - 8 p.m.

At Anne Arundel Medical Center's

 John & Cathy Belcher Pavilion.

Mike Drummond, executive director of Arundel Lodge, and Frank Sullivan, former executive director of Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, will discuss mental health in Anne Arundel CountyHosted by Anne Arundel Medical Center and Anne Arundel Women Giving Together.

 Monthly Meetings and Groups

Open Eye Gallery Committee Meeting 

Fri., June 6 
11 a.m. 
At Arundel Lodge.
Held on the first Friday of each month. All are welcome. Email Katerina Evans
 or call her at (443) 433-5961 with any questions.  

NAMI Family Support Group
Mon., June 12 
7 to 8:30 p.m.
At Arundel Lodge. 
For more information, email NAMI Anne Arundel.

 Lodge Links 

Mental Health Links

NAMI Anne Arundel County 

 

On Our Own of Maryland 

 

SAMHSA 

Greetings! 
 
It's official! Arundel Lodge has received the highest level of accreditation by CARF International.
 
Also in this month's issue, learn important details about Evidence-Based Supported Employment Programs and read an interview about how Arundel Lodge supports one entrepreneur in her career endeavors.  
 
Find out more about the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, our gateway to impacting policy-making in our community.
 
It's almost summer, and this June you can find plenty of colorful inspirations in artwork featured at The Garden: Artist in Bloom exhibit at Anne Arundel Community College. Read below for more information about this wonderful show displaying works by Arundel Lodge artists, and come meet them at the opening reception!
 
Take a look at how the Serenity Garden has started taking shape and read our CFO's comments about June's Employee of the Month, Linda Knowlton.
It's Official! 

Arundel Lodge has received the highest level of accreditation by CARF. CARF International is a nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, whose goal is to ensure that persons served remain at the center of the service delivery process. CARF International provides a framework for health and human services programs, then consults and advises organizations to help them achieve and maintain high service standards.  

Accreditation demonstrates that Arundel Lodge values the input of the individuals we serve and is accountable to the community. We will continue to seek consultation and periodic, in-depth, on-site reviews from CARF International in order to ensure the highest quality of care.
 
Comments from CARF surveyors included:
  • "[Arundel Lodge] embraces a recovery philosophy. Its commitment to recovery principles is evident in the many ways in which it encourages and supports the persons served to strive toward increased independence."
  • "The staff members are genuine, warm, and enthusiastic in their interactions with the persons served. It is readily apparent that the staff share in both the joy and pain of the persons served, and this allows the persons served to feel cared for and safe."

 

Kudos to Arundel Lodge staff members and Board of Directors who worked so diligently to help us obtain accreditation and to apply the standards on a daily basis. And a big thank-you to Executive Director Mike Drummond, Chief of Clinical Operations and Clinic Director Lillie Hinkelman, and Rehabilitation Clinic Director Kathy Farrell for leading the way! 

 

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Why Evidence-Based Supported Employment Matters

 

Employment can be one important part of the journey toward wellness and recovery. Research has shown that persons served who "engage in competitive work do experience improvements in self-esteem and in control of symptoms, compared with [persons served] who do not work or work minimally."1

 

An Evidence-Based Supported Employment Program helps and coaches individuals with behavioral health disorders to find competitive jobs in their community. Competitive jobs are those which pay minimum wage or higher. This is particularly important because it distinguishes Evidence-Based Supported Employment Programs, like those at Arundel Lodge, from other vocational programs that use "sheltered workshops" or "work centers" that are authorized by the federal government to employ disabled persons at below minimum wage.

 

Under an Evidence-Based Supported Program, Employment Specialists not only assist with the job search process, but throughout the whole work experience, providing an ongoing support system even after jobs are obtained. This is another distinguishing factor from vocational programs, which may hold workshops and teach job skills to persons served, but do not help individuals find employment in the broader community or provide ongoing support for those in the workplace.

 

silver-keyboard.jpg Several studies over the last few decades have found that supported employment leads to better outcomes than traditional vocational programs do. These outcomes include higher levels of getting and keeping a job, as well as higher earnings.1

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services currently advocates for Supported Employment Programs as part of "evidence-based practices" for people with behavioral health challenges. Evidence-based practices are determined by established research that has shown the most effective and efficient ways to help people toward recovery. As experts in the field of behavioral health evaluate what strategies and principles work best in the real world, it simply makes sense for organizations like Arundel Lodge to shape programs and services using this knowledge.

 

The Lodge is committed to using evidence-based practices in all of our work, including our Supported Employment Program. We even consulted with the University of Maryland's School of Psychiatric Medicine to develop our program. In November 2013, a team from the state Behavioral Health Administration evaluated Arundel Lodge's program and gave us a high score, 71 out of 75 possible points, for following the Evidence-Based Supported Employment model, which is centered on the following eight principles:

  1. Zero exclusion (every person who wants to work and is eligible for services can participate).
  2. Competitive jobs (the goal is competitive employment, not sheltered workshops).
  3. Clinical coordination (services are integrated with mental health treatment).
  4. Benefits planning (each participant can learn how his/her benefits--disability, military, housing, food, etc.--might be affected by income).
  5. Rapid job search (the job search starts soon after a person expresses an interest in working).
  6. Employment Specialists build relationships with community employers (based on the job seeker's work interests, Employment Specialists build business relationships that can create matching opportunities).
  7. Individualized support (Individualized supports are time-unlimited--as often and as long as a person needs or wants them as well as the type of service requested).
  8. The preferences of persons served are honored
    (It is the Employment Specialists' responsibility to ask what type of work the person wants and not to tell them what they think they need based on their disability).
In alignment with the Recovery philosophy, principle #8 is held highest above all other principles. It's about treating all individuals with respect. 
 
Arundel Lodge's Evidence-Based Supported Employment Program assisted more than 30 individuals in the last quarter, and it provides ongoing support and coaching to help persons served obtain competitive jobs that have included sales, human services, landscaping, and food preparation.Footnote

1. Gary R. Bond et al., "Implementing Supported Employment as an Evidence-Based Practice." Psychiatric Services, March 2001.

 
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Interview with Stephanie Beall

 

Stephanie Beall, one of the participants in the Lodge's Supported Employment program, sat down with Tanya St. John, the Lodge's director of development, to talk about her experiences.

 

Tanya St. John: What were your goals and expectations of the Supported Employment Program?

 

Stephanie Beall: My goal was to get a job even if it was part-time, you know, get back out working again and I guess to rewrite my r�sum� so that it was a little more effective than the one I had from the workforce in downtown Annapolis. That r�sum� was totally horrible.

 

Tanya: What did you do previously?

 

Stephanie: I was actually a goldsmith. They [Arundel Lodge's Supported Employment Program] are trying to help me find other things that I can do because that job isn't something that's available because of the economy...It's been six years now. The [Employment Specialists] try to help me figure out other skills that I have because I was thinking I have none. They've been pretty helpful, you know, in recognizing other [skills] and it takes a while. They have to talk to you and figure out what you do have other skills in.

 

Tanya: And what have you come up with?

 

Stephanie Beall

Stephanie: I'm good at talking to people. I did demonstrations at Michael's and that was fun. I thought the only thing I would be able to get would be a cashier's job. It seems like most places want cashiers and I'm not good at that. I get too nervous.

Tanya: What kind of work would you like?

 

Stephanie: I'd like to get back to what I used to do. I was a goldsmith for 33 years.

 

Tanya: So, if you couldn't do that, what would you like to do?

 

Stephanie: Well, I liked working at Michael's and teaching arts and crafts classes and stuff, teaching painting and bead stringing and things like that...That was fun. I'd like to work in a frame shop too. I'm volunteering in one right now and I'm learning skills there, and I really like it. If I hadn't done goldsmithing, I should have done that--it's been really interesting.

 

Tanya: What kind of support were you expecting from the Employment Specialists?

 

Stephanie: I didn't have any expectations. I didn't know what the heck I was doing...I went in with an open mind. I didn't expect much. I really didn't think they'd help me that much. And they've actually helped me more than I thought.

 

Tanya: How have the Employment Specialists helped you?

 

Stephanie:

They helped me rewrite my r�sum�. [They] figured out what skills I do have that are good and useful. They know places to apply for jobs too.

 

I learned computer skills looking for a job with Candace, and Candace has gone with me to do follow-up and has given me next steps. If people aren't calling, go to them to see if they got your r�sum�. I've never had to look for a job like this. I was a jeweler for 33 years. I had not gone without a job for more than a week. Now with the recession it's been harder. One goldsmith can serve a couple of stores.

 

I don't think I could have gotten as far without [Candace's] help. I have to pay child support and [Candace] helped me get my child support modified, lowered. She could think with a clear mind. I had to go to court and prove that I was looking for work. I had to look for 10 jobs a week, but with Candace's help I was able to look for more. I had to show that I had applied. I was just not getting callbacks because I got stuck in one field and I was looking for something out of my field.

 

Tanya: Don't you also have your own business?

 

Stephanie: I do jewelry on the side. I make jewelry. I'm on the Muddy Creek Artists Guild and the Annapolis Arts Alliance, and I do shows with them and sell my stuff through there.

 

Tanya: How has the Supported Employment Program helped you with that business?

 

Stephanie: I do a Business Development class through the Division of Rehabilitation Services. [Arundel Lodge] got me into that. That was writing up a business plan. That's helped me out a lot. It's helping me think through everything. I'm beginning to wonder if I should be doing it on my own or not, you know. And they gave me other ideas about getting my things into stores and using my time more wisely instead of just going to craft shows which are more physical. I have a hard time doing that because my joints hurt.

 

Tanya: What are your hopes moving forward?

 

Stephanie: To learn more skills and find something that I'm happy doing. It was depressing losing my job. It was my identity. I've always had a job I looked forward to going to, so it would be hard not having a job like that.

 

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Arundel Lodge's New Voice on the Commission on Disability Issues

Jane Sinclair, an Employment Specialist at Arundel Lodge, was recently appointed to serve on the Commission on Disability Issues for Anne Arundel County. Jane shares her thoughts about how her work with the Commission may benefit the Lodge going forward.

 

The Commission on Disability Issues interfaces and mediates issues affecting disabled persons in Anne Arundel County. I am new to the group, but you can access more information on the Commission's website. I went through a process of two interviews before I was appointed by County Executive, Laura Neuman. I am frankly surprised that Arundel Lodge has never had representation on the Commission. All of our persons served are on public assistance of some sort. I see this as an opportunity to be more effective in the work I do. 

Jane Sinclair

 

As an Employment Specialist at the Lodge, fifty percent of my job is to be out in the local community getting to know business resources, advocating for the persons we serve, and making connections with community leaders. 

 

A couple of careers ago when I did environmental advocacy work, I was appointed to the Severn River Commission and I found it to be an excellent community and government connection to like-minded individuals and organizations. What I also found is that oftentimes there are resources out there to help solve issues--we just don't [always] know about them or we don't know who to ask.

 

I am hoping that the Commission on Disability Issues will help me make some of those connections for the Lodge and also for the people that I serve as an Employment Specialist.

 

It is important for the Lodge to have a voice in the discussion of disability issues at the level of local policymakers, since they make decisions and allocate resources that impact our community. We don't have to be a silent partner; this just feeds the stigma attached to mental health issues. Mental health disability issues are vastly misunderstood and under-represented, currently. 

 

Being on the Commission hopefully will give Arundel Lodge access to information affecting our community in a more timely manner; public input is most effective when it is delivered prior to policy decisions. The County Executive and the County Council come to CODI when issues arise impacting our community. 

 

The Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in the Independence Room at 2664 Riva Road. All Commission meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in disability issues is encouraged to attend. Non-commissioners are encouraged to join a committee if they are interested.

 

In May, our speaker was Jen Corbin with the Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System, and she spoke about the revamped "warmline" for help and resources. Previously, the warmline focused mainly on mental health calls, but the new warmline is open to anyone seeking resources or information. The warmline also functions as a hotline by accepting phone calls from individuals in crisis. The warmline number is 410-768-5522. You can find more information on the county website and/or the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency's website.

  

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The Garden: Artists in Bloom

 

The title "The Garden: Artists in Bloom" was chosen because Arundel Lodge artists evoke, with their works, many of the same feelings of wonder and awe that one experiences when walking through a garden in full bloom.

 

Recovery, in itself an art form--unique to each individual, full of self-discovery and self-expression, and bursting with all of the elements that make life colorful (ups, downs, and everything in between)--flourishes in artists' works, serving as both the purpose of the their creations and as the muse that inspires them.

 

We invite you to share in their extraordinary talent and unique vision! Come out and meet the artists at a free reception on Thurs., June 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the Pascal Center at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold (101 College Parkway, Arnold, Md.). Light refreshments will be provided.

 

 

 

The exhibit runs from Mon., June 2 to Fri., June 27 and will feature the likes of works shown above by artists Bert Lundgren and Colin Lacey (respectively).

 

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Great Give a Success, Thanks to You

Thank you to all of our generous supporters who donated to Arundel Lodge during the Great Give from May 7 to 8! Your online contributions totaled more than $3,200 (additional contributions received by check!) and will help us continue to serve people with behavioral health disorders in Anne Arundel County.

 
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Serenity Garden Takes Shape 

Work began on the new Serenity Garden on Mon., June 2. The ground has been tilled and plants have started going in!


 

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Employee of the Month, Linda Knowlton

Congratulations to our June Employee of the Month, Linda Knowlton.

  

Linda Knowlton

Linda has worked for Arundel Lodge for five years as of this May 11. Trina Strohman, our CFO, hired Linda to work as part of the business office team in the billing department.

 

In addition to her work in billing, Linda became the Arundel Lodge Safety Officer in August 2013. She was nominated for this position because of her excellent attention to detail and her organizational skills. "I hired her to work 30 hours and that's exactly what she does, but in those 30 hours she does one hell of a job! She is everything you'd want in a team member," Trina said.

 

Linda is responsible for all the fire, disaster, hurricane and other safety drills that we've done in the last year! 

 

When asked what she enjoys about working at Arundel Lodge, Linda related a story from several years ago, prior to joining the staff here. As part of her job search, she wrote a list: "My Perfect Job."  

 

"I wrote the list, folded it, and said this is what I want. I ran across it a few weeks ago and ran down the list. It was two pages long," Linda said. 

 

She said she hit just about everything on her list, including "a boss that respects me and supports me, close to home, casual clothes and making a difference. " 

 

Linda added, "I enjoy being here and making a difference. One of the things that is really special to me is the difference that I have been able to make with G. He helps me fill orders in the supply room. When I first got here, he walked down the hall hugging the walls. Now he's outgoing and asks everyone for candy. I worked with him, telling him he was doing a good job. I always try to encourage him because that's what I like. If it makes me feel good, I'm sure it makes him feel good." 

 

Like so many of the staff here at Arundel Lodge, Linda Knowlton comes here each day and truly makes a difference, being privileged to work with the people we serve.

 

Thank you, Linda, and congratulations!

 
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