the official newsletter of nami howard county, md volume ......nami howard county, md 9151 rumsey...

11 NAMI Howard County, MD ● 9151 Rumsey Road, Ste. 150, Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 772-9300 ● (410) 772-9307 (fax)

[email protected] ● www.nami.org/sites/namihowardcounty

The Official Newsletter of NAMI Howard County, MD Volume 77 Winter 2015

Education Forum: Join Us! Please join us for a discussion on eating disorders lead by experts in the field .

Developing a Beautiful Picture of Yourself: Understanding Eating Disorders

People will come and go in life, but the person in the mirror will

be there forever: SO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!

When: January 20, 2015 at 7pm

Where: Wilde Lake Interfaith Center

10431 Twin Rivers Columbia, MD

Light refreshments served

We are all bombarded on a daily basis with messages about appearance and body image; for individuals living with an eating disorder however, these messages can turn deadly. Eating dis-orders are one of the most complicated and under-diagnosed mental illnesses. It affects anyone regardless

of age, gender or ethnicity.

Among other things,

recovery for individuals

with eating disorders

involves learning to see

a beautiful picture in the

mirror.



From the Executive Director

Dear Friends:

It’s a new year and a new beginning! Many of us write New Year’s resolutions or create new goals for things that we may have put off previously or things that have been on our bucket list for some time. Regardless of which list you create, a new year offers opportunities for reflection and a new determination. At NAMI Howard County, 2014 was a great year of accomplishments, programs and amazing volunteers who helped us provide excellent support groups, education courses, education fo-rums and Sunday Suppers. We were active in the community and participated in many community health fairs and speaking engagements that built awareness of mental illness and our NAMI programs. In 2015, we aspire to continue providing excellent services coupled with some fun events as well. So be on the lookout for news and information about upcom-ing activities in your inbox and make plans to join us—your presence is valuable to us. Here are a few highlights:

Ending the Silence Program training SMARTS Advocacy Training Advocacy Day—Join us in Annapolis Education forums on various topics NAMI Walks, Inner Harbor, Baltimore Fundraisers and restaurant nights Monthly Sunday Suppers at the Bain Center

Thanks for being a part of our NAMI Howard County family. We look forward to all that the New Year brings and invite your full participation!

Beverley Francis-Gibson



Volunteer Spotlights This quarter, NAMI Howard County would like to recognize Jessica Wehle. Originally, Jessica is from Boston but moved to Kentucky for her undergraduate and graduate education and then in 2012 moved to Maryland. In her free time she enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering for both the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other non-profits. Also, she enjoys traveling, reading, sailing, and finding new things to try out. Jessica has Borderline Personality Dis-order and Adjustment Disorder w/Anxiety. Jessica heard about NAMI through a friend while living in Lexington, KY in June of 2011. She utilized the Connections support group and Peer-to-Peer class to help

acclimate to moving to Maryland. “When I got to MD I attended the Connections group in Howard County and was able to talk with people who really did understand what I was going through and how traumatic it was to make that move.”

By attending the Connection Support group Jessica learned about IOOV and decided to take the training. Later, she decided to take the training to become a Connections support group facilitator in January 2012. “The reason why I have become more involved with NAMI as Facilitator and as an IOOV presenter is because NAMI has helped me find focus and purpose during recovery and also during a relapse when I moved from KY to MD for a job opportunity.” Her tenacity and compassion is evident in her interactions with consumers, fellow volunteers, and staff as a facilitator and speaker.

Jessica shows unparalleled leadership and dedication to the organization. Serving in both roles can be challenging; however, Jessica consistently displays an unwavering commitment to NAMI through her flexibility and giving of her time. Jessica makes herself readily available to speak with the youth and young adults in the community about her mental illness. Jessica’s personal story gives many adolescents and young adults hope and reassurance that there are resources available to help them through organizations like NAMI.

“There are many resources and tools out there to help. You just need to know to look for them. It's a very tough battle and learning more about your diagnosis can really help you understand how to have a full and realistic future.”

“I know my mental illness will never go away but I've learned, and keep learning, what modifications I need to make in order to get what I want out of life.” Jessica is a project specialist for a non-profit company that does social and behavioral research. She graduated from University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and a Master's in public health.

So Long, but not Goodbye!

The Board and Staff extend best wishes to Kate Gerwin, Director of Programs and Development as she transitions from her role with NAMI HC. Kate has been an integral part of the staff since July 2013 while balancing a hectic schedule as a Master’s degree candidate in Loyola University’s Pastoral Counseling Program.

Kate was primarily responsible for managing the Family-to-Family and Basics courses, planning our

Educational Forums and Mental Illness Awareness Week activities and writing grant proposals on

behalf of the organization.

We appreciate everything she did for NAMI HC and hope that she will stay in touch with us!



Holding Onto Hope An open letter to parents about eating disorders

Dear moms and dads, Four years ago, I suffered a painful flashback to my own late-teen struggle as I watched my daughter plunge into a life-threatening battle with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. I suddenly realized how easy it had been to miss the early symptoms that would have allowed us to seek treatment sooner. I understood my parents' feelings of helplessness, loneliness, guilt and fear.

So, I am writing this open letter to all parents, to let you know that there is help, you are not alone, and, very importantly, you are not to blame. Let me say that again - you did not cause your child's eating disorder. Please accept this truth, because, in letting go of the guilt, you will find the strength and clarity of vision needed to help your child.

Detailed information on warning signs can be found at: http://www.anred.com/warn.html or http://www.nedc.com.au/recognise-the-warning-signs. In looking at the symptoms, I offer one caveat - trust your instincts. Even if your child only shows one or two of the symptoms, but you feel that something is not quite right - seek help. Also be aware that eating disorders share several genetic characteristics with depression and addictive disorders, such as alcoholism. Be especially attentive if these conditions are a part of your family history.

Check with your insurance company as soon as your suspect an eating disorder to familiarize yourself with your coverage, including participating providers, out-of-network alternatives, and referral or pre-certification requirements. When seeking treatment, research the various options available. Inpatient, intensive out-patient, and outpatient programs are available; and treatment approaches may include a combination of individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, and ongoing medical evaluation. Take your family's home life and work obligations into account when choosing treatment centers and providers in order to ensure that they are truly accessible to you on a long-term basis. Recovery is absolutely possible, but be prepared for months and, perhaps, years of treatment.

As you navigate a treatment program with your son or daughter, it is essential to enlist help and support from the student services team at his/her school, the guidance counselor and their favorite teacher or coach with whom he/she is more comfortable to create innovative solutions to help your child. Here are a few tips:

Parents - communicate, be consistent, work together, and support each other in your child's treatment.

Ensure that all members of your child's treatment team are communicating with each other.

Monitor your child's internet access during the recovery process. There are incredibly frightening and easily-

accessible websites, chat rooms and more that can fuel obsessions with weight loss and other forms of self-harm.

Know that you may face psychological crises, such as a suicide risk. Be ready to seek emergency help at a hospital

that has experience with adolescent eating disorders

Take care of yourself and other family members. Find a shoulder to cry on, a place to vent, time for exercise, and

fun diversions

Ask for and accept help. Trying to do everything on your own will leave you drained and unable to consistently pro-

vide the loving support that your child desperately needs.

Through it all, and perhaps most importantly, remember that your child is not an eating disorder.

A final word Mom and Dad - always and forever, hold onto HOPE. For it is hope that will allow your child to envision a healthy and happy future that is well-worth fighting for. With lots of love,

Colleen

http://www.anred.com/warn.html

http://www.nedc.com.au/recognise-the-warning-signs

http://www.nedc.com.au/recognise-the-warning-signs



Interested in Volunteering for NAMI HC? Check out the Volunteer Page at

www.nami.org/sites/namihowardcounty

NAMI SMARTS for ADVOCACY

Make a difference. Advocate. (from the Latin word, “vocare”—to call, voice or speak)

Grassroots advocacy is about using your voice to influence policymakers and make a difference. Turn your passion and your lived experience into a positive voice for mental health with the NAMI Smarts for Advocacy training. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy will enhance your advocacy skills and help you shape a powerful and personal story that will move policy makers. The NAMI Smarts Difference NAMI Smarts for Advocacy gives you step-by-step tools and the hands-on practice you need to feel clear, confident and ready to make a difference.

Date: January 24, 2015

Time: 9:00 am—noon Location: NAMI Howard County; 9151 Rumsey Road Ste. 150, Columbia, MD 21045 Register: Call the office 410-772-9300 or email [email protected]

Sunday Suppers Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce Ms. Sandra Price, the new Sunday Supper Coordinator. “I am so excited to be serving NAMI Howard County and its clients. I have participated in two Sunday Supper dinners and have loved every minute of it. I’m looking forward to continuing my work with the organization.” Sandra will be working with long-time volunteers, Harvey Zorbaugh and Joe Friend to transition into her new role.

“As someone whose family has been directly affected by mental illness, NAMI HC seemed like the perfect organization for me to offer my support. When I learned NAMI HC was looking for a new Sunday Supper Coordinator, I immediately volunteered my services.”

Sandra is the proud mother of three young adults, Alexis, Carson and Jordan, and two spoiled cats, Bobby and Mystery. She is currently enrolled in school and works full-time as a travel coordinator for a sports organization. She has also served as a volunteer for several local nonprofit organizations for more than 15 years, including Animal Advocates of Howard County, House of Ruth Maryland, Building Families for Children (formerly Baptist Family and Children Services), Girl Scouts of the National Capital Area, and the African Art Museum of Maryland.

Professionally, her background includes program management and evaluation, quality assurance, meeting and trade show planning, technology business analysis, grant writing and fundraising, and developing and conducting in-person and web-based training. However, Sandra is most proud of her work in the community.



Winter 2015 Classes are starting in January! (Our programs are free of charge, just pre-register)

Peer-to-Peer Education Course: Classes starting Monday, January 26th from 6:30-8:30 pm A 10-week course on the topic of recovery for any person with serious a mental illness who is interested in establishing and maintaining wellness. The classes are taught by two trained mentors who are themselves experienced at living well with mental illness. Each class is two hours long. Location: NAMI Howard County Office, 9151 Rumsey Road, Suite 150, Columbia, MD Please contact Alikah Hawks, Coordinator of Peer Education & Support Programs @ 410-772-9300 or email: [email protected] to register!

Family-to-Family Education Course: Classes starting Thursday, January 29th 7-9:30 pm A 12-week course to help families arrive at a better understanding of the severe mental illnesses their relatives face. The illnesses, treatments, medications and problems to expect are covered in depth, as well as coping strategies for family members. Instructors are trained family volunteers. The class meets once a week for 2.5 hours. Location: NAMI Howard County Office, 9151 Rumsey Road, Suite 150, Columbia, MD. Please contact Alikah Hawks, Coordinator of Peer Education & Support Programs @ 410-772-9300 or email: [email protected] to register!

NAMI Basics Education Course: To be announced A six-week course specifically designed for parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents who are living with mental illness. The course follows a structured format and includes practical insights on issues frequently faced by families dealing with mental illness. The 2.5 hour class is taught by trained parents who have lived similar experiences with their own children. It is not necessary that the child has received a specific diagnosis. Please contact the office at 410-772-9300 for more information.

tel:410-772-9300

mailto:[email protected]

tel:410-772-9300

mailto:[email protected]

tel:410-772-9300



Ways to Give Year-Round

TRANSITION AGE YOUTH SUPPORT GROUP (for parents and caregivers of youth ages 18-26)

First Presbyterian Church, Room 252 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, MD 21045

Every 3rd Thursday, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDER 18 SUPPORT GROUP


2nd

Mondays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. January 12 February 9 March 9 April 13

PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDER 18 SUPPORT GROUP


Last Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. January 28 February 25 March 25 April 29

NAMI CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, Music Room 6

10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD 21044 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Meets 2nd & 4th Monday

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Celebration Church, Music Room

6080 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045 3rd Fridays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

January 16 February 20 March 20 April 17

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Harmony Hall , The Parlor

6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044 2

nd Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.


"Go Fund Me," a website which helps raise money. The website is secure and all donations go directly to NAMI Howard County. Please consider donating or posting the link to your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter). Here is the link: http://www.gofundme.com/h2qo7k

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Howard County Room #2, of Building 1 APL Campus, Laurel MD.

4th Wednesdays, 4:30—6::00 p.m. January 28 February 17* March 25 April 22

* date change

SUNDAY SUPPERS Florence Bain Senior Center

5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044 3rd Sundays, 2:00 p.m.


Support Group Calendar

Have you thought about becoming a Community Ambassador? Whether you’re an individual or family who wants to support NAMI Howard County or a corporation that’s interested in making a philanthropic impact in the area of mental health in Howard County - there’s a support level that’s right for you! Call for more information.

Shop at Amazon and donate to NAMI Howard County - at no cost to you! Amazon will make a donation on your behalf! Simply use this link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1623565. or you can click on your account at Amazon and designate NAMI Howard County!

http://www.gofundme.com/h2qo7k



THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Please Join Us (if you haven’t already done so)!

When you join NAMI Howard County, you will belong to a network of people like yourself, individu-als and families who understand the daily challenges people with mental illness face, and who are working to meet those challenges. Your membership helps to ensure that life saving information, support, and education programs are avail-able for the people in our community who need NAMI. You may join on-line at NAMI National’s safe and secure registration site (at NAMI.org, click on “Join NAMI”) or complete and return the form below. YES! I want to support NAMI. I understand that by joining NAMI Howard County, I will automatically become a member of the state and national levels of NAMI and receive three quarterly publications:

NAMI Howard County Newsletters

NAMI Maryland newsletter, Connections

NAMI National magazine, The Advocate Annual membership dues are: □ $35 Individual or Family Membership □ $ 3 Open Door Membership Please make checks payable to NAMI Howard County. SEND TO: NAMI Howard County,

9151 Rumsey Road, Suite 150, Columbia, MD 21045

NAME ______________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP____________________________________________________________ HOME PHONE________________________ OTHER PHONE________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS___________________________________________________________ Enclosed is my tax deductible membership fee of: $__________ I have also enclosed an additional tax deductible contribution of: $__________ Total Enclosed: $__________

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Juliette Jenkins President Steve Gray Vice President Pete Dinwoodie Treasurer Lynn Burne Secretary

Julie Cleveland

Janet Edelman

Marianne Eichenberger

Alice Giles

Rev. Dorothy Harris

Ann Hohmann

Debbie Meyer

Scepter Spainbey OFFICE STAFF Beverley Francis-Gibson Executive Director Alikah Hawks Coordinator of Peer Education & Support Programs Susanna Taylor Administrative Assistant

□ Advocate for public policy changes

□ Help at Sunday Suppers □ Teach NAMI Basics

□ Assist with fundraising □ Help prepare mailings □ Teach NAMI Family-to-

Family

□ Work or walk as a volun-teer at NAMIWalks

□ Publicize NAMI within Faith Communities

□ Teach NAMI Peer-to-Peer

□ Captain a NAMIWalks team

□ Speak to community groups □ Write a book or movie review

□ Deliver information and marketing materials

□ Submit an essay, poetry or visual art to Inkwell

□ Write an article for the news-letter and/or website

□ Facilitate a support group □ Help in another way

9151 Rumsey Road, Suite 150

Columbia, MD 21045

the official newsletter of nami howard county, md volume ......nami howard county, md 9151 rumsey...

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