MHASC Starts New Affiliate- MHA of the Lowcountry

Contributed by Judy Anagnos 

The MHA of the Lowcountry office opened its doors on a part time basis in October 2012. Today we have grown to 5 staff and over 30 clients and more referrals coming in daily. Our staff includes Judy Anagnos, Area Director; Drew Frankel, Clinical Supervisor of the Our Place Program; Deborah Lucash, Counselor; Arthur Chatman, chef and cooking instructor and Karla Lewis, Media Arts and Administration.

Our Place is a clubhouse program and we opened our doors in April 2013. We have outgrown the original building and moved to a 4,500 sq. ft. space that has a commercial kitchen and plenty of room to grow. We are proud to have student interns from The Citadel's counseling program, MUSC's Occupational Therapy Program and Trident Tech's Occupational Therapy Assistance Program. The students are bringing a lot of enthusiasm and ideas to the program.

 One idea that we hope to get underway very soon is a Sensory Integration Room for clients (we may find that staff likes this room, too!) This room will be especially set up to help clients relax or boost their spirits whichever need they mat have. The design of the room is being done by a group of OT students from MUSC led by Dr. Nancy Carson and will hopefully have a research component so that we can measure the effectiveness of such a room outside of a hospital setting.

It has been amazing to watch the progress clients are making on a daily basis. We have budding chefs that help prepare and serve delicious meals. There are budding artists and jewelry makers. There is always laughter and good times because the staff and students have made learning fun.

We appreciate the help and support we have received from the Charleston Area Mental Health Center and Dorchester Mental Health Center and MUSC. Referrals keep coming in and we are so happy to have new folks coming on a weekly basis.

We love company and are a friendly group so if you are near 5060 Dorchester Road in North Charleston (Suite 200) please stop by and say hello or stay and have lunch.

Jean Ann Lambert, previously the Director of Bridges Clubhouse, has moved into a new position for MHASC. She will be now be the Director of the MHASC Community Resource Program. Jean Ann will begin working to bring the Don't Duck Mental Health program for children, QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) suicide prevention programs, health fairs, special events and weekly socials and holiday parties for the clients at Bridges Clubhouse, William's Place and other MHASC programs such as the new Our Place clubhouse in Charleston, SC and MHASC housing apartments across the state.

Jean Ann is looking forward to meeting and working together with staff, clients and volunteers across the state for the cause of good mental health! Please contact her at jalambert@mha-sc.org. 

MHASC Hires Tim Stewart as Peer Support Specialist at Bridges Clubhouse

I'm Tim Stewart and it's been an exciting year for me. You may not know me but I'm a Peer Support Specialist that works for Mental Health America South Carolina at Bridges Clubhouse in Cayce, South Carolina. I totally love it.

I also just received an award from the SC National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-SC) as one of two "Best Recovery Members of the Year" in South Carolina. That night was totally awesome and I am so thankful for the kind words that Mandy from NAMI Mid-Carolina had to say about me.

I am a presenter for NAMI in their "In Our Own Voice" program. I travel to various venues sharing with audiences my recovery story.

Guess what? I am also an author of two books of songs and poetry. My writings and my faith have played a crucial role in my recovery. I am working hard on my third book which has a 90 day devotional. My books are for sale and are available through Fresh Horizons, LLC at nrp@comporium.net or 803-319-0385.

I believe the sky is the limit and we should follow our dreams, in spite of our mental illness. I'm always looking for opportunities to share my mental illness story, my faith and my writings.

Jean Ann Lambert, Community Research Director is collecting items for the Christmas Stockings for Bridges Clubhouse clients and William's Place and Kiva residents for the Christmas Season.

If you would like to donate items for the Christmas Stockings or a financial contribution to help supply a WalMart gift card to each of the participants, please contact Jean Ann at jalambert@mha-sc.org or call the MHASC office at 803-779-5363.

Our Operation Santa Party is planned for Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the American Legion on Pickens Street in Columbia, SC.