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Dr. Geoffrey Linburn Fund
established to benefit SSMH clients
With the arrival of spring this year came the wonderful news that South Shore Mental Health would receive its largest gift in history through the creation of the Dr. Geoffrey Linburn Fund. Established with an initial gift of $50,000, the fund will provide basic necessities to financially disadvantaged clients in order to facilitate progress toward their recovery. Dr. Linburn has also made a sizeable bequest in his will to assure sustainability of the fund for years to come.
"We are so grateful to Dr. Linburn for establishing this fund to help our clients now and well into the future," said Harry Shulman, President and CEO of South Shore Mental Health. "By providing food, clothing, shelter and transportation, this generous donation will clear the path toward recovery for many who could not fully focus on their treatment."
The announcement of Dr. Linburn's gift was made on April 30th during SSMH's annual Building Hope, Changing Lives fundraising breakfast at Lombardo's in Randolph. "I've had a long and successful relationship with South Shore Mental Health," said Dr. Linburn, who was honored at the early-morning event. "To serve and sustain those with modest means and help them become productive is my hope with this gift."
A long-time psychiatrist at South Shore Mental Health's Plymouth, Marshfield, Hyannis and Discovery Day Treatment locations, Dr. Linburn is now retired and living on the west coast.
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| | Dr. Geoff Linburn accepts his Partner in Caring Award from SSMH President & CEO Harry Shulman. |
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Jello-O Soup Memorial Retrospective
honors life of clinician Susan Macchi
The cold wind and driving rain didn't dampen the spirits of friends, family and former colleagues of Susan Macchi who joined together at Lesley University's Atrium Gallery in March to view a special collection of her artwork. A long-time and beloved Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Art Therapist, Susan died in September of 2013 after an automobile accident that also claimed the life of her 23-year-old daughter, Juliet.
The exhibit, titled Jell-O Soup, featured pastel paintings as well as a sampling of Susan's hand-designed earrings which had long become a fashion staple among her clients and colleagues alike. "We named the exhibit Jell-O Soup after the title of Susan's Master's Degree thesis at Lesley," said Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Art Therapist Danielle Fischbach, who worked closely with her at Bayview Counseling in Plymouth. "We don't know the origin of the title or why she chose it. That's just 'very Sue' so Jell-O Soup seemed a fitting choice to reflect her creativity and personality."
In October of 2013, Fischbach, who was instrumental in bringing the exhibit to life, met with Catherine Koverola, Dean of Lesley University's Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, to discuss ideas for the memorial retrospective. Once plans were finalized, the artwork was thoughtfully selected by Danielle with the help of Susan's family. "The process of choosing which paintings to include in the exhibit was therapeutic," said Fischbach, who considered Susan a mentor. "Each piece revealed something of her soul, and it was satisfying to know we were going to share that with a small part of the world."
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In Susan Macchi's own words, her paintings were examples of her personal, constantly changing focus. She worked toward an aesthetically graceful relationship using color, shapes, gestures and presence. She discovered, often playfully, sometimes with great effort, a happy balance, and then left it. So it went, one after the other, much to her surprise and glee.
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Fourth Annual Building Hope, Changing Lives Fundraising Breakfast honors long-time partners
On Thursday April 30th, more than 160 guests assembled at Lombardo's in Randolph to raise funds, behold client success stories, and pay tribute to those whose support enabled SSMH to make more than 400,000 home, school, and community site visits in 2014. Guests enjoyed seasonal fruit and freshly baked pastries before SSMH President and CEO Harry Shulman presented long-time partners HUB International, Marsh & McLennan Agency-New England, and SSMH Board and Development Committee Member Bob Daley with the agency's Partner in Caring Award.
"HUB International and Marsh & McLennan Agency-New England have far surpassed our expectations as business partners," said Shulman. "In addition to providing us with superior insurance benefits and products, both organizations believe passionately in our mission and are committed to helping us make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental illness." On hand to accept the awards were HUB International COO John Zawilinski and Jerry Alderman, Marsh & McLennan Agency-New England's President of Commercial Insurance.
The accolades continued when Shulman honored Bob Daley, Marsh & McLennan Agency-New England's Vice President of Sales, who also emceed the breakfast event. "As both a board member and fundraiser, Bob continually goes the extra mile for South Shore Mental Health," said Shulman. "He is a man with a focus and a heart, and we're happy to recognize him today."
The final Partner in Caring Award was presented to Dr. Geoffrey Linburn who was honored for his generous gift of $50,000 to establish the Dr. Geoffrey Linburn Fund for assisting financially modest clients. (See lead story above for more on Dr. Geoffrey Linburn.)
Before the morning program came to a close, SSMH Peer Mentor Garrett Walsh shared his very personal story of recovery with the audience who sat riveted while he described his struggle to live with mental illness. Emphasizing that, "We all need something to do, something to aim for, and something to love," Walsh told the crowd that, "Recovery is not only possible, but quite probable" for those who want help, seek help, and remain committed to their journey.
Click here to see 2014 Building Hope, Changing Lives Breakfast sponsors.
SSMH President Harry Shulman (center) is pictured here with Partner in Caring award recipients (l to r) Bob Daley, Dr. Geoff Linburn, Jerry Alderman, and John Zawilinski.
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SSMH Clinicians certified to provide
Mental Health First Aid
Earlier this year, South Shore Mental Health was excited to announce that three of its clinicians have been certified to teach Mental Health First Aid within the community. Designed to provide an understanding of various mental illnesses and how to recognize someone in distress, the program outlines an action plan for reaching out, offering comfort, and knowing where to turn for help, if needed. Manager of Training and Staff Development Kathleen Bambrick, Manager of Community Support Programs Mary Fielding, and Clinical Staff Responder Melissa Bickler completed the week-long instructor certification process and have begun teaching the Mental Health First Aid USA™ curriculums.
"I'm pleased that our organization is part of a world-wide effort to increase the number of mental health first aid responders in the communities where we live, work, and play," said Harry Shulman, SSMH President and CEO. "It's estimated that one in five Americans will face a mental health issue in any given year. That said, the possibility of encountering someone in distress is very real, and with the right knowledge, responding appropriately can be natural. In many ways, a mental health first aid situation is not unlike a medical first aid situation. With the right tools in our kit, any one of us can step in."
Mental Health First Aid USA is coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. In 2008, Mental Health First Aid USA worked with the Australian program founders, Betty Kitchener and Anthony Jorm, to adapt Mental Health First Aid for the U.S. The U.S. organization ensures the quality and standardization of the program nationwide, certifies instructors to teach Mental Health First Aid in local communities, and supports program growth. To learn more about Mental Health First Aid, contact Kathleen Bambrick at kbambric@ssmh.org.
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Peer-to-Peer Program opens doors at 460 Quincy Ave
Recently, South Shore Mental Health began welcoming clients to its Peer-to-Peer Program at 460 Quincy Avenue in Quincy. Funded by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, the program is operated in conjunction with the SSMH Emergency Services Program (ESP) and staffed by peers who have lived experience with mental illness. This new resource provides clients with assistance during times when access to mental health services is unavailable. The program is open Thursday and Friday from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on holidays between the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.
The mission of the Peer-to-Peer Program is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can connect with others whose shared experiences help them work through various stages of crisis. Upon referral, clients can join in peer-led activities including guided meditation, arts and crafts, and "recovery is real" group discussions. If they prefer, they can just relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or watch television in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere surrounded by empathetic peers whose similar situations can be invaluable to their recovery. However they choose to spend their time, they are certain to be met by their peers with respect, understanding, and ongoing encouragement designed to renew hope and strengthen determination to stay on track with their own journey of recovery.
"We're pleased to add the Peer-to-Peer Program as an enhancement to SSMH's therapeutic offerings," said Harry Shulman, President and CEO of SSMH. "We've seen more and more that mental health peer programs can reduce hospitalizations, increase coping skills, and enhance the sense of well-being among individuals struggling with mental health issues. For both peer staff and clients, these are positive findings and we look forward to facilitating these relationships."
In addition to empowering clients in the Peer-to-Peer Program, peer staff work alongside clinicians within SSMH's Intensive Community Support, Community Based Flexible Supports (CBFS) and Transition Resources and Community Supports (TRACS) programs, as well as the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), Emergency Services Program (ESP), and Successful Employment Program (SEP). Qualified by lived experience and trained through the Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist Program, each is dedicated to connecting with clients, urging open, honest dialogue and showing by example that recovery is possible. Role models for the group, they also advocate for their peers, promote healing through relationship building, and provide guidance on other mental health resources if needed.
For more information about South Shore Mental Health's Peer-to-Peer Program, contact the ESP team at 617-774-6036 or 800-528-4890.
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Create a Legacy
Join the Building Hope, Changing Lives Society
There are many types of planned giving programs and vehicles that can benefit non-profit organizations and their donors and families alike. While some gifts can provide life-long income to donors, others use estate planning tools to support charitable organizations and heirs in ways that maximize gifts and/or minimize their impact on donor estates. If you're considering a planned gift and would like to learn more about how you can help South Shore Mental Health, please contact Director of Development Margaret Carr at 617-774-1017.
Client Spotlight...
Your dollars at work
Recently, we treated a client struggling with diminished coping skills as a result of surgery to treat brain cancer. During her therapy, she revealed that although her dream---like most girls---was to attend her Junior Prom, she could not afford to purchase a ticket. With a small gift from SSMH, she was able to buy a ticket, and the story gets better from there. That night, she was voted Prom Queen and since then, her self-esteem has soared!
Did you know?
$250 will enable two children living with Autism to benefit from the calming effects of a therapeutic Autism swing in the safety and comfort of their own homes.
$500 will purchase a full-size mattress and box spring for a single mom who shares a twin bed with her two children.
$1,000 will provide a week of groceries for 10 clients who are unable to consistently put food on the table for their families.
$2,500 will cover a year of monthly bus passes for four clients who have no means of transportation and cannot reach their appointments without help.
Every dollar counts! Please consider making a difference in the life of an SSMH client living with mental illness.
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Here's a reason to smile!
When you shop at smile.amazon.com and designate South Shore Mental Health as your charitable organization, Amazon will donate .5% of the price of your eligible purchases to SSMH. Simply go to smile.amazon.com and register using your Amazon login. Follow the prompts and enter South Shore Mental Health in the "pick your own charitable organization" window. In the top left corner, you'll see "Supporting South Shore Mental Health Center, Inc." Now you're ready to shop! Only purchases made through AmazonSmile are program eligible, so be sure to bookmark the page for future visits.
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Dr. Phil Quinn shared his expertise at the recent "Violence in the Workplace"seminar sponsored by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
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| | VP of Crisis Intervention Sherry Ellis (far right) and Melissa Bickler, Jail Diversion Clinician (far left) were among the experts at the "Mental Health Policies and Programs" Winter Meeting sponsored by the Blue Hills Community Health Network Alliance. |
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| | President & CEO Harry Shulman was one of the first to take NAMI's "CEO's Against Stigma" pledge to reduce the negative perceptions of mental illness by educating employees in the workplace. |
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| | Manager of Training and Development Kathleen Bambrick (standing second from left) provided instruction in Youth Mental Health First Aid to Quincy's Head Start team. |
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Join Our Team!
At South Shore Mental Health, we're always on the lookout for compassionate and dedicated people to join our teams in Quincy, Marshfield, Plymouth, Wareham, and throughout the Southeastern Mass community. Click here to view career opportunities.
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Our Mission
We provide mental health and early intervention services in the areas of education, treatment and recovery to over 16,000 children, teens, and adults from Boston
to Cape Cod.
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Save the Date!
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
Fifth Annual
Building Hope
Changing Lives
Fundraising Breakfast
Lombardo's, Randolph, MA
Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our clients and pay tribute to President & CEO of Eastern Bank Bob Rivers.
Details to come!
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Help us share the news about the work we do to build hope and change lives for those living with a mental illness.
  
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