Completing an advance directive outlining your end-of-life wishes can serve as a final gift of clarity for loved ones. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
OK, you’ve made the mid-April tax deadline. Congrats. Now what?
Here’s a thought: Get something arguably as important – or even more so – in order next.
We’re talking about critical health care decisions in the event you’re not able to communicate decisions yourself – decisions you can define in an “advance directive.”
That’s the aim of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16 every year, which is typically the day after taxes are due.
Unlike taxes, advance directives aren’t something you’re obligated to execute, but experts agree you’ll feel immense relief should you take on the task. You’ll then have legal documents in place to safeguard the ways in which you want important decisions made about your health care if you are unable to communicate them yourself due to an accident, illness or other factors.
“Having a conversation is a good place to start, after you’ve gone through the contemplative part of it,” says Sara Lowe, executive director of Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids.
Lowe, and scores of her employees, have witnessed firsthand the friction that can ensue when advance directives aren’t in place, and loved ones start arguing about what dad or mom would want when they can no longer decide on their own.
“What we’ve seen is how there is so much more peace in the family when those documents are in place,” says Lowe, noting that setting up advance directives “can serve as a final gift of clarity for your loved ones.”
Conversations should eventually include the person or persons you’re confident about choosing to serve as your durable power of attorney for health care decisions revolving around the types of medical interventions you do and do not want dependent upon the situation.
“Those conversations help determine who the right person for that is,” says Lowe, emphasizing that you shouldn’t automatically choose your spouse or firstborn, but instead that person you can best trust to carry out your wishes.
Advance directives remain in effect until you change it, so it’s a good idea to review your advance directives on an annual basis, especially if your life has been affected by divorce, separation or other family crises that might affect your initial choice.
“You never know when something unforeseen is going to happen,” she says.
Lowe understands that some people find it a daunting task to discuss death and dying. Her suggestion?
“You don’t have to do it all at once. Take your time,” she says. “Think about it, then have those conversations. Break it up into smaller pieces, but then act.”
And she offers this to consider, “It’s always better to have advance directives in place and not need them, than it is to need them and not have them.”
A lawyer is not needed to fill out an advance directive, but witnesses are required for the document to become legally valid. For more information about advance directives, consider visiting websites like CaringInfo.org, where you can navigate to the state you live in for specific guidelines, and download forms. You can also learn more via the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at nhpco.org.
Once your advance directive is complete, be sure your doctors have a copy, as well as everyone who might be involved with your health care decisions. Store the original document in a safe, but easy to find place. Avoid locking the document away, so it can still be accessed by loved ones if you’re unexpectedly hospitalized.
For more information about Emmanuel Hospice, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.
According to The New York Times, there are 110 million people in the U.S. over the age of 55. Many of those older adults are living in homes not designed for active aging.
Beacon Hill Living communities are designed to support lifelong learning, hybrid work, and engagement in wellness-related activities as aging individuals redefine their goals.
Beacon Hill Living conceptual drawing (Courtesy, Beacon Hill Living)
“We’re in the earliest stages of exploring what we think is a critical form of service that could address the needs of another segment of the senior living population,” said Jeff Huegli, Beacon Hill at Eastgate President and CEO.
“As our society ages, people are looking for opportunities to build community so they can live meaningful lives and stay engaged long after they leave the workforce.”
A shift in serving
Huegli went on to say that a certain dynamic has emerged as generations pass through the Eastgate community.
“There has been a shift in the types of residents we’re serving,” said Huegli. “Baby boomers especially are living life a little bit differently than the first generation who occupied our continuum of care.”
More active lifestyles are creating the need for change (Adobe Stock Photos)
With 450 residents at Eastgate and over 200 on the waiting list, Huegli began earnestly redeveloping Eastgate in 2010 to meet those changing needs.
“As our waiting list grew, and as we saw the needs and interests of this population change within the community, we addressed them with programming and other services,” said Huegli. “We were still extremely hospitality focused, but there were some external factors that would drive the question for our future residents about whether their interests could really be met in a place like this one.”
Eastgate’s campus meets a specific need and has a history of 64 years of excellent residential and clinical care services. However, Huegli has seen the changing needs of the people they serve.
“Leaning on Urbaneer’s ageless design and Seamless Ventures’ tech expertise, [Beacon Hill Living] homes not only fit today’s active lifestyle, they allow residents to age without necessarily having to downsize and move,” said Huegli.
Beacon Hill Living will provide unique opportunities for seniors to make that seamless transition into the next chapter of their lives, and to “age in place” by exploring new forms of services and residences.
Technology plays a huge role in that transition process.
An information-rich environment
Focused on ages 55 and up, BH Living communities will encompass 40-60 single-story homes under 1,200 square feet – and will incorporate smart technology designed to increase their owners’ “health span.”
Advances in technology can help people live a fuller and healthier life (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Technology exists that allows us to monitor our health and manage our homes,” said Ben Look, a partner with Seamless Ventures. “By marrying these two, we can create an even smarter home that helps homeowners better understand their current state of wellness and live even healthier.”
Huegli said technology will be used in non-invasive forms, and believes it will help with lifestyles while also gathering information about how people age over time.
“It just feels like the right way of integrating technology with person-centered living,” said Huegli. “It’s such a good way of measuring life. Then we can tackle interventions or even optimize living environment, air quality, lighting – all the stuff that can happen through intentional design.”
That information can then help inform significant decisions later on in life, such as when it is right to move into assisted living, and when an individual should consider entering into a continuum of care like Eastgate.
“Many of us are still working professionals,” said Huegli, citing his own life as an example. “I’m nearly that age, and I still see 20 years of work in my life. Where am I going to do that?
“I’m in my original home where I raised my kids. It’s a fantastic community. But technologically, I don’t know if I have the capacity, in my 60-something-year old house, to be able to keep up with what I think my work mode needs – and that will probably change over time. Additionally, the house itself isn’t designed to be able to age with me.”
Most people move into a senior living community because of an imminent need for themselves or their spouse.
Seniors at Beacon Hill Living will not need to worry about their future (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Seniors need to make these decisions more readily because forced change is such a radical experience,” said Huegli. “It really minimizes the opportunity for experiencing richness in the third chapter.
“Those are the aspects of Beacon Hill Living that I’m most excited about. The intentionality that informs each resident of the community, who can then see the future and not be worried about it so much.”
Intentional design
The Urbaneer-designed homes and communities will be curated by Beacon Hill at Eastgate senior living experts.
“What we’re looking for is a way to maintain our commitment to community, maintain healthiness, and then intentionally put in systems that aren’t invasive, but rather enable the graceful and intentional aging of our residents,” said Huegli.
Thirteen design principles have been devised after a year-long, human-centered research project. Those design principles focus mainly on assisted living, with some independent living applications.
“But they’re also universal,” said Huegli. “This has the ability to make a major impact regionally.
“If we can gain efficiency and the attractive form of living that we think we can, we could replicate this in a variety of ways…and make a difference in all the different communities that would welcome this.”
Proximity of transportation, health care, and community resources all play a factor in Beacon Hill Living locations (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Finalizing locations
Beacon Hill Living is working to finalize the location for its first community, focusing on the Traverse City market.
“That market has such an interesting demographic to it,” said Huegli. “It’s well-established, it’s got the types of residents there who are committed to the community itself.”
Though several properties have been identified as potential prospects, none have been fully secured. Huegli’s objective is to find property located near naturally occurring resources such as restaurants, health care, and other typical urban offerings.
“Our focus would then be to integrate these communities into the natural world around them, while also enhancing the opportunities for people living in them to enjoy the richer lifestyle and promises of a great near future with intentional planning through community building,” Huegli said.
For Huegli, community is what living is all about.
A community-focused mission
People and connection create community and foster wellness (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“We found that community establishment is not physical,” said Huegli. “It’s literally relational. That connection is what establishes community, and is what ultimately derives wellness.
“The healthiest of our communities are the ones which occur naturally. Where friendships are established through well-planned spaces and well-planned programs. But the people make it happen.”
Huegli says it has been heartening to see that energy happening at Eastgate, and sees the same translation occurring in the Beacon Hill Living communities.
“The mission of Beacon Hill Living is to fill – to the fullest – the bucket of opportunity for living for any individual resident,” said Huegli. “Where you can explore connecting with neighbors, live your life to your fullest, and have that environment move along with you.”
Vision and opportunity
Beacon Hill Living hopes to have land secured by the end of 2024, with the prospect of construction beginning in 2025.
When asked if there is a vision for a Beacon Hill Living community in West Michigan, Huegli said,“Definitely. As we’ve established this concept for Traverse City, I’m seeing lots of opportunities around this town.
“The horizon is endless. The resources are not limitless, but they are there, and we can bring them together and make something beautiful happen.”
Stay tuned: Click here for more information and updates on Beacon Hill Living.
The City of Kentwood and Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics are teaming up to recognize Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month with the Mary Free Bed Prosthetics Limb Loss Awareness 5K on Saturday, April 27.
The all-ages, all-abilities event will kick off with packet pickup at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE, followed by a “Show Your Mettle” photo at 9:45 a.m. This annual photo is a play on words and provides participants who use prosthetics an opportunity to show off their mettle – ability to cope well with difficulties and face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way, as well as their prosthetics and mobility aides which may be made of metal. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and feature a route that will take participants through Veterans Memorial Park and part of the East West Trail. A 1-mile fun run for ages 12 and younger will follow at 11 a.m.
Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Through this race, the City and Mary Free Bed are seeking to increase awareness of limb loss and limb differences, build community and raise funds for Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs. These programs are designed to provide recreation and enrichment programs for people of all abilities and offer adapted athletic opportunities for people with disabilities to create a safe, fun experience for all.
“This race has quickly become one of our most popular events, bringing in participants from around the state,” said Shelby Henshaw, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “We’re honored to have Mary Free Bed as our title sponsor for the event as we focus on community, recreation and inclusion for people of all abilities.”
Registration is available online and costs $30 through March 29. The cost increases to $35 from March 30 to April 26 and is $40 on race day. Participants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medal and swag bag as part of their registration. To guarantee a shirt, register by April 5. The kids race costs $10 per child and includes a T-shirt and finisher medal.
Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Packet pickup will be available at the event and in advance at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Thursday, April 25 from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A brief award ceremony will take place following the race around 11:30 a.m. First place prizes will be awarded to the first adult men and women amputees and nonamputees who cross the finish line, as well as top finishers in each age group. The event will wrap up at 1 p.m.
“Our team at Mary Free Bed is dedicated to helping individuals with limb loss and limb differences achieve their full potential,” said Scott Riddle, vice president, of Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics at Mary Free Bed. “We are excited to support the Limb Loss Awareness 5K alongside the City of Kentwood. This event is a powerful platform to raise awareness and celebrate the freedom and possibilities of individuals living with limb loss or a limb difference.”
The event also will include educational activities designed to help race participants learn more about limb loss and limb differences, connect with resources and build community. Several informational booths from various sponsors will also be on-site.
The event’s diamond sponsor is Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses or organizations looking to get involved in the race.
Last year’s Limb Loss Awareness 5k. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
For more information about the race, sponsorships and race registration, visit kentwood.us/LimbLoss5K.
All profits from the event will go toward improving and expanding the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs to encourage health and wellness, socialization and excellent quality of life for all. The programs – offered in collaboration with community partners like Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics – allow participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of community, improved confidence and new skills. For more info on the City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.
Community members can vote to double the Make More Happen Award amount (Courtesy photo)
Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded Doyle & Ogden Inc. a 2024 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite in transforming our world.
The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation and its Coats for Kids program, which can be doubled to $10,000 just by having community supporters vote online.
The Doyle & Ogden Inc. and Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation community story will be highlighted on the official Make More Happen microsite. Supporters can vote to help the team reach their donation goal.
If the featured story receives at least 500 votes, the $5,000 donation will be raised to $10,000.
A legacy of warmth and care
The Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation was established in 2005 as a tribute to the founder of Doyle & Ogden, Del J. Doyle and his wife Jean, to continue their legacy of philanthropy and volunteerism.
As a part of this organization, Doyle & Ogden created the Coats for Kids program in 2009, providing winter coats to elementary children whose families are unable to afford one.
Doubling the $5,000 donation will help hundreds of children in need (Courtesy, Doyle & Ogden Inc.)
West Michigan winters are brutal, and a large percentage of children in need walk to school. Without a warm winter coat, students do not attend school. Subsequently, they do not have breakfast and lunch that day or receive their sack supper from Kids’ Food Basket. Without proper nutrition, students then fall behind in their education.
The $10,000 donation will allow the organization to supply an estimated 500 children with winter coats and expand the number of schools benefiting from this program.
“We are honored and incredibly grateful for being awarded the 2024 Make More Happen Award so we can continue to help our community and give back even more to local schools,” said Mike Doyle, agency owner and president of Doyle & Ogden. “The Coats for Kids program has had a significant impact in the Grand Rapids area and are thrilled to double the donation with community support.”
Expanding donations
In 2023, a total of 1,202 new winter coats were distributed among 18 schools and organizations in need. This year marks 15 years of the Coats for Kids program, and the agency is delivering more coats than ever.
Coats for Kids is providing more and more coats to kids in need each year (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The $10,000 donation is vital in continuing to provide winter coats to those in need.
The entire team at Doyle & Ogden assists with the Coats for Kids program. The agency holds internal fundraisers and solicits donations from partners. Several staff members have knitted scarves and hats for each coat donated.
“Recognizing independent agents’ dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards is all about,” said Lisa Hartt, Safeco Insurance Midwest Region Senior Territory Manager. “Doyle & Ogden is a shining example of the amazing work independent agents do in Michigan, and we hope sharing inspiring stories motivates others to do the same.”
Apply for the Make More Happen Award
Throughout 2024, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will select up to 37 independent agents nationwide for a Make More Happen Award. They will donate up to $370,000 to the nonprofits they support.
Agencies became eligible for the award by submitting an application and photos demonstrating their commitment to a specific nonprofit.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS March Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, April 29 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Caregivers often face unique challenges when seeking substance use care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Women experience unique challenges when faced with a substance use concern. A local organization is focused on providing solutions for those challenges.
Arbor Circle recently received a two-year grant from the Wege Foundation that will support programming specifically designed to provide in-home and community-based substance use disorder treatment services for women and their families.
Arbor Circle seeks to provide an environment of understanding, trust, and empathy where women can receive the support they need to overcome their challenges and thrive.
What are some of those challenges?
“Women especially tend to be the caregivers, so they potentially are the ones who have children with them as they are also trying to navigate their own personal journey towards recovery,” said Taylor Greenfield, Director of Development for Arbor Circle. “When they’re struggling with substance use, they may also be facing fear around what that means for the children in their home.”
Women may be concerned about legal issues, but they also may encounter barriers when it comes to transportation and childcare.
“They may have challenges around childcare and having someone who is able to come and watch their children while they are seeking or receiving services,” said Greenfield.
Because of this, Greenfield has seen a regional decline in women seeking substance use recovery services – and that is concerning.
Increased substance use, decreased pursuit of care
“What’s really concerning about that is we know substance use concerns haven’t gone away,” said Greenfield. “We know that substance use has actually increased. What that says to us is that women need additional support to engage in services.
Family-related barriers are preventing women from seeking support in substance use recovery (Courtesy photo)
“They are going to need those barriers removed differently, they’re going to need help with those childcare pieces, they’re going to need to know that the services they’re receiving are built on trust and empathy.”
Arbor Circle has worked to find funds that will provide that environment for women looking to begin their recovery journey.
Support from the Wege Foundation will help strengthen Arbor Circle’s community-based, family-focused, and culturally responsive treatment through peer recovery support. This is a unique opportunity for individuals with lived experience with substance use concerns to help keep those in recovery – and their families – engaged throughout their journey.
How peer recovery/support is different
Peer recovery supports are designed to assist individuals and families with achieving long-term recovery from a substance use disorder by acting as “coaches” to provide community-based and strengths-based ongoing support, case management, and consultation.
Those with lived experience can provide a unique perspective to those seeking recovery (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Peers are staff with lived experience in substance use,” said Greenfield. “They have been someone who has struggled with that, and they are on their own recovery journey. They are able to lend a really important and different perspective than a staff person who hasn’t gone through that.”
Greenfield went on to say that peer staff are still trained in their expertise, but have the additional element of their own background which allows them to share what the recovery journey is like later on down the line.
“They are serving as that catalyst for engagement, someone who’s able to encourage and support in a different way than a staff person might be,” said Greenfield.
Greenfield went on to say that a benefit to peers is that they are part of a team approach. Peers lend their unique perspective and are also surrounded by staff with a clinical background. Together, they ensure a mother has everything she needs to take that next step.
Peer-to-peer recovery support services are built on the recognition that individuals in recovery, their families, and their community allies are critical resources that can effectively enhance and improve formal treatment.
Community focus reduces barriers to care
Many of Arbor Circle’s 50+ services are based within the community. Staff often provide programming in homes and community centers. They also meet those seeking care at other locations such as churches or restaurants.
“There are folks that are really invested in reducing barriers wherever we can,” said Greenfield. “We have tried to build up programming that will meet folks where they are and regardless of their identity.”
Together, Arbor Circle and the Wege Foundation aim to increase accessibility of care for women raising children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Funds from the Wege Foundation will support Arbor Circle in increasing the accessibility of these services for women raising children with a substance use concern.
The Wege Foundation has a long history of generosity in the West Michigan community, with a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
“They are deeply invested and involved in so many of the nonprofit conversations in the community that it just felt like a good fit,” said Greenfield. “We want to express our thankfulness to the Wege Foundation for their generosity.”
Arbor Circle’s Director of Community Based Recovery Services, Cathy Worthem, agreed. “We are deeply grateful for the Wege Foundation’s support of this work,” shared Worthem. “These funds will enhance our ability to work effectively with women and meet both their needs and the needs of their families.”
Resources
Learn more about Arbor Circle’s women-focused services here.
For those seeking additional services, or for those interested in becoming involved with Arbor Circle, more information can be found on their website.
Director of Clinical Services at Wedgwood Christian Services, Brina Tiemeyer, talks about how unlimited access to social media and online content poses risks to our youth.
Brina Tiemeyer, WCS Director of Clinical Services (Courtesy, WCS)
Concerns are being raised about the harmful ramifications of self-diagnosis and increases of mental illness due to adolescents and teens having unlimited access to online content.
Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) Director of Clinical Services Brina Tiemeyer recently talked with WKTV Journal about children – especially teens – having devices and 24/7 access to the internet. This concern stems from the alarming uptick in depression, anxiety, loneliness and suicide resulting from social media.
“We may often think of the ability to connect on social media and access to endless content online as a huge benefit to awareness of a variety of mental health challenges,” said Tiemeyer.
“While there is certainly something to be said for increased accessibility to resources for those in communities where it is lacking, and the ability to find a wider circle of support of people dealing with similar challenges, the book and other research highlights that it can also come with some risks for children, teens and young adults, most notably self-diagnosis.”
While social media can be a place where teens can get advice and tips, it does not allow for fact-checking.
“A lot of the content on social media is from influencers or peers who maybe don’t hold the proper education or credentials or merit,” said Tiemeyer.
“The advice may work for that individual in their own lives, but when our teens are utilizing social media and the phone platforms so heavily, they are then going down that potentially harmful path of creating their own diagnosis, creating their own treatment plans. Which in return can decrease the mental health impacts on their lives.”
Fast-paced and oversimplified
Social media platforms such as TikTok, have short-form, fast-paced content that is oversimplified. Many influencers use that platform to post content regarding their personal mental health.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Kids are lonely. Social media can be so enticing because they’re searching for community, a place to feel understood,” said Tiemeyer.
Youth find validation when they see other people experiencing the same struggles. While that is a benefit, Tiemeyer said, the content does not address the complexity and variation of mental illness and how the same diagnosis can present very differently in two individuals.
“Adolescents and teens see these quick, short-form lists, and they use them as a checklist for their own challenges.”
Examples: Depression and ADHD
Depression can present differently between age groups, genders, life experiences, health factors and severity.
“When you go to the social media platform, it’s just a checklist of what depression is,” said Tiemeyer. “It doesn’t go into the content or details that look very different depending on your individualization of the presentation.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Another issue Tiemeyer often encounters are youth who feel they have checked all the boxes a social media video presents.
“A big one recently is ADHD,” said Tiemeyer. “They check all the boxes on ADHD, [but] ADHD can present as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. We’ll have teens come to an intake appointment, and they’re against taking the advice of the medical professional because they’ve had an excess of misinformation.”
Awareness and reduced stigma of mental health issues on social media is beneficial, empowering youth to seek care. However, those same youths often do not believe a medical professional if what they say goes against what they saw on social media.
“It has created a barrier within that therapeutic relationship prior to the relationship even starting,” said Tiemeyer. “Our therapists are trying to address the symptomatology of the individual sitting in front of them, but [youth] are coming in with this barrier of: But you need to treat me with what I’ve self-diagnosed myself with, what my favorite influencer on TikTok told me I had, versus what the medical expertise or professional is saying the true diagnosis is and what the treatment needs to be.”
Prevention through validation
How do we help our youth find the most beneficial path? Provide validation, Tiemeyer says.
“We’re all seeking validation,” said Tiemeyer. “That’s not necessarily bad or unhealthy, so providing validation that social media can be good, but then having those crucial conversations regarding the importance of lived experience and individuality, and how mental health can present differently based on different factors.”
Create space for conversation
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“We need to create a space for crucial conversations in real life,” said Tiemeyer. “Not hide behind our screens.
“If I have a dialogue back and forth, it’s going to be very different than if I’m having a one-sided conversation by watching a clip.”
We all need to feel believed, capable and safe, Tiemeyer continued. Avoiding invalidation and all-or-nothing thinking – such as telling others not to believe what they see on social media – is vital.
“We need to have this open mind, curiosity to understand, and willingness to learn so we can empower them to feel believed, capable and safe,” said Tiemeyer.
Appropriate oversight
“When we prep our adolescents to drive, there are stages to that,” said Tiemeyer, citing hours of practice, oversight and guidance. “Some may feel that’s way too intense to do [for] social media usage, but it shouldn’t be.
“We should empower the act of using social media because digital content is not going away. Empower it, but then provide them with the skills to utilize it in a safe manner.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Find help and guidance here:
WCS provides tip sheets for families on this topic. Mashable.com is also a reliable source of information on those hot topics of self-diagnosis and healthy online usage.
WCS also offers a six-week trauma-informed parenting class where one of the modules discusses appropriate social media usage.
Parent support partners connect families to active groups that provide training via role play to empower parents to have those conversations with their children.
Crossing that “line”
“If it gets to a point where you’re feeling suicidal or experiencing a crisis, it’s past the point of looking for that online community,” said Tiemeyer. “It’s time to talk to someone.”
Call Wedgwood Christian Services’ intake line at 616-942-7294 to connect with a medical professional and begin that step of treatment.
“We know there is an increase in de-stigmatization around mental health treatment,” said Tiemeyer. “However, we also know that the second leading cause of death for children is suicide. There is a time where we need to intervene as the adults in that child’s life and get them the help they need.”
As a mother, Tiemeyer empathizes with parents who don’t want to hinder their relationship with their child by intervening.
“My response to that is: They have to be alive to have that relationship,” said Tiemeyer. “When it comes to the point of hopelessness and suicidality, we’re past the point of worrying about that relationship, and we’re at that point of: Let’s keep my child alive so I can keep growing that relationship.”
Meeting community needs
Click here for a full list of programs and services available through WCS.
Four simple steps can save lives – find out how to BE NICE.
Christy Buck and Jessica Jones of Mental Health Foundation’s be nice. program reveal how to make mental health part of our every day conversation (Courtesy, WKTV)
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Christy Buck is changing the narrative on mental illness with her be nice. program (Courtesy, WKTV)
Christy Buck, Executive Director and Founder of be nice., is determined to make mental health a part of our everyday conversation.
Buck’s passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education has led her through 36+ years of experience in the mental health field and the development of mental health and suicide prevention programs.
“I would challenge people to become more knowledgeable to have the confidence to talk about mental illnesses/mental health disorders,” said Buck to WKTV Journal.
Due to a 20% increase in mental health disorders, people are talking more about mental health than ever before. But Buck says we are still missing a vital piece of the solution.
Greater understanding breeds prevention
“What’s not being talked about is recognizing when somebody is struggling with an illness,” said Buck. “That, to me, is one of the biggest things that we owe the community and the nation right now: a better understanding of recognizing the onset of a mental health disorder.”
Buck continued to say that talking about mental illness/mental health disorders is going to raise a greater understanding of one of the most common illnesses in the world – anxiety disorder.
Normalizing conversations about mental illness combats stigma (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And when we make it okay to talk about mental illness, we combat stigma.
“One way we can combat stigma is by listening to conversations, [and] correcting people when they might not be knowledgeable about mental illnesses,” said Buck.
Since 2006, Buck and her staff have educated over 300,000 people in West Michigan about mental health awareness, bullying, and suicide prevention. And though Buck says she has seen a large shift over the last few years, there is still more work to do.
“When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s very scary for those individuals,” said Buck. “Oftentimes there is self-stigma too…viewing yourself as unworthy, viewing yourself as defeated, that there is no hope.”
Dare to swim upstream
Conquering stigma requires knowledge and willingness to open conversations “upstream.”
The four-step be nice. action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) addresses all of these issues.
Be willing to “swim upstream” and have those open conversations (Courtesy, WKTV)
“It’s a simple tool,” said Buck. “Oftentimes we complicate mental health.”
The first step to unraveling that obstacle is to notice when something is different than the norm.
“It’s huge to have ownership of what I am seeing and what I am noticing,” said Buck. “Now I have this knowledge, and having a knowledge base is going to build my confidence to take action.
“Confidence is that tool to invite myself into a conversation.”
That conversation should begin with what is good and right about the person you are talking to. It allows that person to know you care and are concerned. Then acknowledge the differences you have noticed.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Then give hope.
“[Hope] comes through language like: you can feel better, you can get better,” said Buck. “Because it’s the truth. It is huge to be able to give that person some hope.”
Also using the word(s) love and I care about you can instill hope in someone.
Protective/Preventative Measures
Ensuring access to services and usage of those services are two main protective factors for those struggling and/or at risk. Another protective factor is friends and family – having people you can talk to.
Eating right, getting sleep and exercising are three things that release chemicals in your brain that help a person feel better. Spiritual wellness can also help, whether in the form of church or meditation that focuses on positive thinking.
“These are all pieces of empowerment,” said Buck. “When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder or mental illness, they can’t find those protective factors.”
Buck went on to say that inviting someone struggling into a conversation by asking how you can help guides that person toward self-awareness.
Anyone can be N.I.C.E.
“No one is too young to follow the [action] plan, no one is too old to follow the plan,” said Buck. “This can be for kindergarteners through senior citizens. I love it because it is so multi-generational.”
The be nice. program and action plan educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.
And it has been proven to save lives.
“Be nice. is to go out and treat people with respect and dignity,” said Buck. “It is having that greater understanding that how we treat each other has an affect on someone’s mental health. On how somebody is thinking, how they’re acting, and how they’re feeling.”
Then, Buck continued, it turns into an action plan to change, improve, and save lives.
Notice the right and good of every individual you come into contact with, and invite yourself to share that good with them. Many times, the person may not have ever heard the good about themselves.
(Courtesy, be nice.)
By sharing that with them, you are “bringing about that greater understanding of how worthy they are,” said Buck.
Challenge other people to spread that kindness. Treat people with respect and dignity.
“Ultimately, it feels good,” said Buck. “That’s empowerment.”
Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, is an advocate for the be nice. program.
“As I have gotten to know some of the wonderful volunteers and people who are involved in this program, I have realized what a difference it could have made in Jessica’s life,” Gregory said on her blog, Picking Up the Pieces. “It could have affected the outcome of my daughter’s life.”
Gregory went on to say that, over the last several years, she has learned that how you treat people impacts the way they think, act, and feel.
“Be the change this world needs today,” said Gregory. “Treat people with love and respect, give them support when they are down, get involved, be positive role models and be nice.”
“We are here.”
Help others by educating yourself (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Knowledge surrounding physical illnesses has increased exponentially over the decades. Buck now challenges us to become more educated about mental illness.
Be nice. offers training on how to recognize mental illness signs and help those struggling. Training registrations can be found on their website.
“We are here,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for the Mental Health Foundation. “[We’re] ready to help people have those conversations.”
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Eradicate stigma through knowledge (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Ignorance results in stigma.
Stigma prevents those who need help from seeking it.
Knowledge and self-awareness stop both ignorance and stigma in their tracks.
“I’ve learned that when people say things about suicide,” Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, told WKTV Journal, “they’re not saying it to be mean or callous. They’re saying it because they’re ignorant to the facts.”
Christy Buck, Executive Director of the be nice. program, provides an action plan consisting of four simple steps that equip individuals with knowledge to recognize, understand, accept, and take action regarding mental health.
N: notice changes in someone’s thoughts, actions or feelings.
I: invite yourself to speak up if those changes last two weeks or longer.
C: challenge yourself to ask the tough questions, get help, and fight the stigma surrounding mental illness and treatment.
E: empower yourself and others with the knowledge that you can have an effect on how a person thinks, acts and feels.
Self-awareness and grace
For those struggling with mental illness, self-awareness and giving themselves grace are two key components of healing.
“The more self-aware you become, you also know what your limits are,” said Dr. Valencia Agnew of Adolescent and Family Behavioral Services.
Jessica Jones of the Mental Health Foundation discusses mental health with local clinicians (from left to right) Dr. Matthew Clark, Dr. Valencia Agnew, Dr. Jim Bettenhorn, and Dr. Brendan Kelly (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Being aware of your thinking gives you more control, said Dr. Brendan Kelly of The Well Being Counseling and Fitness Center. “Control over things you didn’t have [before], like a sense of empowerment over yourself.”
Preparation: It’s like clockwork…I know it’s coming…
In a place of recovery for mental illness, local resident Monica Ruiz said paying close attention to what her body tells her, and how it affects her engagement in activities that keep her regulated and healthy, is key in recognizing when her mental illness is triggered.
Opting out of her regular walks, skipping support group, and not making dinner are all signs that Monica’s mental health is faltering. She then digs into her coping resource toolbox to help manage those negative symptoms.
Signs of mental illness
Signs that someone is struggling with their mental health varies from person to person, but there are several indicators that appear with regularity.
Symptoms of mental illness come in many forms (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Changes in normal patterns lasting two weeks or more is a key symptom of mental illness. Some (but not all) signs are included below:
Changes in eating
Changes in sleeping
Isolating themselves
Not wanting to go to school or places they used to enjoy
Increase in crying/appearing sad
Changes in schoolwork
Violence toward themselves or others
Increase in crude or harmful language
Increase in anger/temper tantrums
Nothing to look forward to, such as events or the future
If you notice these signs in yourself or others, seek help.
If encountering resistance from a parent/adult, Agnew advises those struggling to say: “Even if it is a phase, what harm will it do for me to go and have someone help me? Who couldn’t benefit from support during a [difficult] phase?”
Adapting and Modifying
Simplify activities during difficult times (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When experiencing a low point, modifying daily routines can be helpful.
“One of my first lines of defense is to modify my daily activities,” said Monica. “Pausing, being still, and taking that time.”
For a few days, dinner might consist of protein shakes or frozen dinners. Groceries might be ordered and delivered via an online app versus spending hours in a store.
However, Monica added, simplifying activities should only be a short-term solution.
Rachael Braginton, Program Coordinator for be nice., said she has experienced struggles with her own mental health. She can tell her mental health has been negatively triggered when she becomes more irritable, her energy levels dip, and she regularly feels overwhelmed.
Slow down and breathe (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Rachael has learned to give herself grace during those times.
“It’s okay to take the evening,” said Rachael. “It’s okay to just sit. It’s okay if you’re just surviving…for a few days.”
Rachael makes a conscious effort to slow down and tell herself it is okay if everything she planned doesn’t get done. But, after taking a moment to relax, Rachael makes a revised plan: What two things am I going to do, so I feel accomplished?
And again…grace.
“You’ve got to continue to give yourself grace in that process,” said Rachael.
First steps: Reaching out
Seek help and reach out to someone you trust (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When your mental health is triggered, reaching out to a person you trust is crucial.
“My biggest encouragement would be, find that one person who you are the most comfortable with, that you can say, ‘I’m struggling, and I don’t know what the next step is. Can you help me?’” said Rachael.
Monica agreed that finding a person you trust and who can help you navigate those first steps of the healing process is impactful.
And support is often needed more than advice.
Support vs. Advice
Though it is human nature to want to help a struggling loved one find relief or a solution, a listening ear is often most important.
“Do not fix, control or hand out advice,” said Monica, adding that she personally does not want advice most of the time. “I’m not looking to be fixed.”
Listening, empathizing and letting someone know you support them often helps the most.
“Don’t tell them you know exactly how they feel, because we don’t,” said Dr. Matthew Clark of The Clark Institute. “A lot of times people just want someone to listen, to reflect back to them what they are saying.”
Dr. Matthew Clark (left) and Dr. Valencia Agnew discuss ways to provide support to those struggling (Courtesy, WKTV)
Minimizing or invalidating an individual’s struggle is also damaging.
“Invalidation can be very harmful, and it can immediately fracture that trust and feeling of safety,” said Monica.
Rachael added that causing someone to feel shame about their struggle is also harmful.
Find a team of supportive people (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Most people struggling logically know what they are doing is not helpful, or logically know [that] I should be able to do X, Y, and Z. [But] I can’t,” said Rachael. “There is a logical piece to all of us, and we know it’s not right. So quick fixes – those little things – just aren’t helpful.”
Eliminate “Just” statements such as Just breathe, or Just calm down.
“If I could ‘just’ think really hard and change my chemicals, I would,” said Rachael. “But I can’t.”
Madelyn Musser, a local resident with personal mental illness experience, said to stay calm if approached by someone looking for support. Simply ask, What do you need from me? Would you like advice? Or do you just want me to listen?
“That is something so powerful, just those two little options,” said Madelyn, adding that it is important to surround yourself with supportive people. “Build a team.”
Hold space, leave space
“Leave space for silence,” said Rachael. “Allow the other person to fill it. Let them say what they need to say.”
If there is any indication someone is struggling, it is vital to ask how that person is doing and hold space for that conversation. It is also just as important to hold space for the answers you receive.
Asking someone if they are okay shows you care about them (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Don’t be afraid to have that conversation with someone,” said Agnew. “Nine times out of ten, they’re going to tell you [if they are thinking of suicide].
“You are not going to make someone suicidal by asking. You are not going to plant a seed.”
Clark said that simply checking in with someone is a way to show support.
“Sometimes we feel like no one really cares about what [we are] going through,” said Clark. “Sometimes we think that if they don’t ask, they don’t care.”
#ThereIsAlwaysHope
“I do believe that all suffering is temporary,” said Monica. “I do believe that, as humans, we are capable of healing ourselves, and we know what we need.
“Life experiences can get in the way of that and make us feel hopeless, that we will never get better and there is no help. But I do believe that is not true.”
All suffering is temporary – there is always hope (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“When we sit here and say there is hope, it’s because we’ve seen it, we’ve lived it,” said Rachael.
When hope is not easy to see, Rachael urges those struggling to take it one step at a time.
“It’s not always easy, but there really is hope out there,” said Rachael.
Monica said that even in the lowest times, there will be moments of reprieve. “So please hold on. There is help. It gets better.”
Recognize your worth
“I remember the first time someone told me that I was worthy just because I existed,” said Monica. “It brought me to tears immediately.”
She continued, “It’s something I say to others. I do believe everyone really does belong here.”
Changing things up
Rewriting the narrative surrounding mental health and mental illness is long overdue. Action is how to make it happen.
Rewrite the narrative on mental illness by taking action today (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“You change the narrative by doing something,” said Agnew. “Go talk to someone. It changes the narrative just by taking that step.”
Buck’s be nice.book visualizes the four-step suicide prevention process as a pyramid (pg. 143).
Knowledge of mental illness signs and risk factors – and how to approach them – creates the base. Confidence generated by that knowledge is the middle. At the top of the pyramid is action: the steps taken to address the concern.
Dr. Valencia Agnew shares how we can change the narrative (Courtesy, WKTV)
“Knowledge breeds confidence,” said Buck in her book (pg. 144). “Confidence breeds action.”
Increasing personal knowledge, having a support system and building resiliency are all steps to rewriting your story, or the story of a loved one.
“Any of those things can change the narrative,” said Agnew. “Literally change the narrative.
“It’s not always easy to do, but it is possible to do, and it is well worth the investment. You get to go from existing, to living.”
Eradicate Stigma
To learn more about be nice. and the four simple steps to recognizing depression and preventing suicide, visit the Mental Health Foundation.
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
*Find more Mental Health: Rewriting the Narrativeresources by clicking here.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Madelyn Musser was 15 years old when she attempted suicide. Rachael Braginton attempted to end her life as a freshman in college.
It was several years before Monica Ruiz realized her depressive episodes and struggles with suicide were a result of complex trauma from her childhood and the resulting PTSD.
These three local women sat down with WKTV Journal to share their mental health journeys in the hopes of eradicating stigma surrounding mental illness.
Moderated by Jessica Jones of Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, lived experience participants (left to right) Madelyn Musser, Monica Ruiz and Rachael Braginton discussed the stigma and challenges of mental disorders (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Managing their mental health journey is a daily endeavor for millions of people worldwide. It is one undertaken and shared by these three local women. Joined by local clinicians and the Mental Health Foundation, they strive to rewrite the narrative surrounding their struggles.
Stigma: Victims of our own conditioning
You are going through: hormone changes, emotions, being ‘that age.’
But you have: a loving family, material possessions, a roof over your head.
All of the above are a fraction of what Madelyn and Monica heard from doctors and family members over the years as they struggled to understand a persistent sense of hopelessness.
Harmful beliefs and narratives make it difficult for those suffering to receive help (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I don’t think my family are bad people,” said Monica. “I think they’re just a product of the culture in which we live, and these harmful beliefs or narratives that have been passed on from generation to generation.”
“I had to break out,” said Madelyn. “I did have a suicide attempt when I was 15, and I think that kind of set in everybody’s mind that she does need help.”
Rachael Braginton now works as Program Coordinator for Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan (Courtesy, WKTV)
Rachael believes stigma resided inside her, ultimately stopping her from seeking help. Even with a caring and supportive family, good grades in school, great friends and good health, one question kept circling her mind: “Why would I be feeling this way?”
“I remember wishing I could be [physically] sick to make it make sense to myself,” said Rachael.
Because she couldn’t make sense of her feelings, Rachael feared judgment from others. Afraid people would think she was lazy, or couldn’t handle a certain stage in life, she repeatedly implied that she was doing well.
“It spiraled into a hole of lies,” said Rachael. “There’s support there, but I’ve been lying to my support. So now what do I do?”
Feeling she had cut herself off from all avenues of help, Rachael attempted to take her own life.
Perpetuating Silence
Monica Ruiz was met with disbelief and indifference from people she thought would help her (Courtesy, WKTV)
While Rachael struggled with crippling silence, Monica chose to be vocal about her inner battles – and was met with painful responses.
“I don’t believe you.”
“This can’t happen…You can’t not show up.”
The comments above, made by Monica’s graduate professor and co-worker, hurt Monica deeply.
“When those things happen, it really fractures trust, and really damages the relationship to the point where I feel this person is no longer safe to be honest [with],” said Monica.
“And that perpetuates the living in silence a lot of us experience.”
Therapist and owner of The Well Being Counseling and Fitness Center, Dr. Brendan Kelly, also believes that fear of judgment is a root cause preventing people from seeking help.
You are not alone – most everyone has experienced anxiety or depression at some point (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“People are afraid of being judged,” said Kelly, adding that people are even afraid of what their therapist might think of them.
Dr. Matthew Clark of The Clark Institute agrees: “They see it as a weakness, or something they don’t want to admit to somebody because they might feel ashamed.
“Almost everybody at one time or another has struggled with anxiety or depression, and there’s help out there. And if you get help for yourself, then you can help other people, too.”
Treatment – Understanding the journey of healing
Treatment is a journey that takes work and is an imperfect process.
“Not everybody understands that everybody is different in their treatment,” said Madelyn, admitting that it took years to realize medication did not work for her.
Instead of medication, Madelyn Musser relies on various coping skills to manage her mental health (Courtesy, WKTV)
Clark agreed, saying there is not one set therapy or treatment.
Regarding medication, Clark said, “You can try until you find a medication that works for you. And [you] may not need it forever. It might just be a short period of time to get you through this period.”
Length of time until treatment begins working also varies.
“It can take a while,” said Kelly. “We are the world’s most complex organism known to mankind. We’re all different.”
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with can also be a challenge. Many clinics have bios and pictures of available therapists to help that process.
Affordability of treatment
“One of the worst things is that, a lot of times, financial stress is a part of why a person is struggling,” said Kelly. “I really wish insurance would just remove the deductible for mental health.”
Financial resources are available for those seeking treatment (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Checking with your insurance provider is a good place to start. Those enrolled in Medicaid do not have a copay for mental health services. There also are foundations who provide financial help to those who need it.
Agnew’s staff includes Masters-level interns that clients can see at a much lower rate.
“It was really important to me that our services be available for people who can’t afford it,” said Agnew.
Closing the gap, filling your toolbox
While medication can help close the gap between a low point and the stability sought, having a toolbox of coping skills is also important.
“I like to say I have a toolbox with resources,” said Monica.
Movement (e.g., walking) and mindful practices such as meditation and yoga are tools Monica engages in on a regular basis. However, community is an important resource for her as well.
“At my lowest, I tend to isolate, and I don’t really want to be around anybody,” said Monica. “But I know the people [in] my circle that I trust, and that I can call in those moments, that I feel safe around.
“Getting that contact – that social contact – has been really helpful for my mental health.”
Being around other people who have experienced similar struggles can be very helpful (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Support groups are a great way to find that human connection.
“I can’t explain how helpful it is to be in a group who all struggle with complex trauma and mental health issues, and I know they all understand,” said Monica.
Though Rachael put off participating in group therapy at first, she quickly found solace in the rapport she found there.
“We all get it,” said Rachael. “There are people who can relate, and that can be uplifting.”
A life-changing impact
Christy Buck, Founder of be nice. and Executive Director of Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, has made it her life’s mission to provide that support system – and she does it by way of educating people about mental illness.
Removing stigma so people understand what is happening in their lives, helping people identify signs of mental illnesses, knowing where to go, and how to help themselves or others are all part of Buck’s suicide prevention program.
Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, encourages individuals and organizations to embrace the be nice. program.
“Get onboard with the be nice. program and encourage people to listen and train these kids on how to watch for [warning signs],” said Gregory.
(Courtesy, MHF)
To learn more about be nice. and the four simple steps to recognizing depression and preventing suicide, visit Mental Health Foundation.
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Jessica Gregory (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
At approximately 3 a.m. on March 10, 2015, 28-year-old Jessica Diane Gregory silently ended the internal pain she fought to free herself from most of her life.
Jessica’s mother, Wyoming resident Julie Gregory, prefers to focus on Jessica and her struggles versus the act of suicide when talking about her daughter’s death.
“I lost my daughter to depression, bullying and bipolar disorder,” said Gregory when talking with WKTV Journal.
Mental illness does not discriminate
Jessica had a family who loved her, was in the top 20 in her high school class of 2004, participated in sideline cheer and the competitive cheer team, ran track and had amazing friends.
Despite all of these things, Jessica was hounded by a darkness that led to physically harming herself and a suicide attempt in high school. Jessica’s internal struggle eventually spiraled into a loss of all hope.
Excerpts from Jessica’s journal and various other writings reveal the internal pain she battled daily:
Several pages of Jessica’s journal contained detailed plans of how she could end her life.
“I’m not ashamed or scared to talk about suicide or how my daughter ended her pain,” said Gregory. “We need to end the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Redefine the way people talk about suicide and the way we think about suicide, and look at it as an effect of an illness.
“Why is it that the brain is the only organ in your body that will get judged for being ill?”
Gregory went on to say that those who die by suicide have lost a battle with a disease.
“They couldn’t hold on any longer,” said Gregory. “I feel it’s our job to help them hold on. Mental illness is treatable.”
‘I’m sorry, Mom. I love you.’
The last time Gregory saw her daughter alive was like a hundred others. There was nothing to indicate Jessica planned to end her life that night.
After having dinner with her family, Jessica and Gregory finished a jigsaw puzzle and began another.
Gregory had no idea Jessica purchased a handgun nine hours earlier.
Jessica’s journal and last letter to her mother (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Jessica helped her mother put the puzzle table away and went home to her apartment.
After writing one last letter to her mother in pink marker – her favorite color – Jessica silently ended the pain she battled daily.
Before you ask…educate yourself
Gregory said one of the hardest questions people ask her is: “How did she do it?” Gregory’s palms turned toward the ceiling, shrugging in disbelief and saying, “Does it matter?”
An entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
What matters to Gregory is that her daughter is gone forever.
Another question Greogry repeatedly faces is, “Why didn’t you get her help?”
“We did get her help,” Gregory said vehemently. “She did go to the doctor, she was on meds, she went to therapy. She had a psychiatrist, she had a counselor, she had all these people. She had a team of people.
“You can put a mask on and show people what you want them to see,” Gregory continued. “It’s not always easy to see.”
“Even when parents, and people in general, have noticed a lot of signs, it is also possible to miss signs,” said Agnew.
Jessica with her cat, Desi (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
When Gregory went back and looked at specific dates in Jessica’s journal, she was stunned at how well Jessica hid her true emotions.
After one particular journal entry that conveyed Jessica’s wish to die, Gregory looked back at Facebook pictures, realizing it was the same day the family attended a birthday party. All pictures from that day portrayed Jessica as happy.
Gregory thought to herself, “She was happy. That was the mask she wore. And she was thinking all day about how she could die?”
Selfishness vs. Mentally Ill
Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Gregory shares her daughter’s struggle because she wants others to understand that the thought process of a mentally ill person is not normal.
“I am simply showing people how the mind of my mentally ill daughter was thinking,” said Gregory. “She wasn’t looking to hurt anyone. She was ending her pain and what she thought was a life that couldn’t get better.”
Suicide is not selfish, Greogry continued. “Suicide is a desperate way to end pain, physical or mental. It is a hopelessness that things will never get better. It is a feeling that family or friends will be better off without them.
Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Those who are suffering don’t want to end their lives, they want to end their pain.”
Gregory also hopes to end usage of the term “committed suicide.”
“In 1964, it was a law that it was illegal to commit suicide – but they didn’t know anything about it,” said Gregory. “Now that we know more, we can talk more about it and we don’t have to use those ‘committed’ words.”
“We say ‘died by suicide,’” Gregory continued. “Instead of focusing on the act, we focus on the person and what was going on.”
Picking up the Pieces
Gregory and her family faced a lot of “firsts” as they learned to maneuver life without Jessica. Gregory credits their faith in God and having each other to lean on as the key to their survival.
Julie Gregory is dedicated to helping others navigate the pain she endures daily (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The grieving mother’s main focus after losing Jessica was making sure her son, younger than Jes by 14 years, was okay. That everyone around her was okay.
And that included other people who found themselves enduring the loss of a loved one.
“I had hundreds of people send me messages,” said Gregory, adding that she welcomes those messages. “People can come to me.”
Gregory is a vocal advocate for the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program. She encourages schools and organizations to take part in the program, take action, and save lives.
However, for Gregory, personal comfort and healing comes in the form of helping those enduring the aftermath of loss. She does this through the i understand love heals program.
“For me, helping people pick themselves up after – it just hit home.”
Grieving and healing
“I didn’t have time to grieve, and I still won’t take that time to feel sorry [for myself], because I need to be 100% to help all these other people,” said Gregory.
While Gregory admits that is not the healthiest approach, she has no plans to stop being that voice for Jessica and a source of hope for those grieving.
Jessica’s last words are tattooed on Gregory’s forearm (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Just to know that I’ve helped others is healing to me, and so I don’t know any other way to grieve,” Gregory said. “I grieve sitting at that big table and having new people come to the group that literally just lost their family member two weeks ago.
“And I feel their pain, and I will grieve for that family and those lost, and for Jessica.”
A voice for Jessica
Gregory proclaims herself to be an open book, refusing to hide that her daughter ended her own life.
Instead, two years after Jessica’s death, Gregory chose to open both her own life and Jessica’s to scrutiny and possible ridicule in the hopes that even one person would see – and choose – hope.
Jessica with family and friends (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
Picking Up the Pieces is a blog that unveils Jessica’s journey, her internal pain, bullying she experienced at her job, and the aftermath Gregory endures daily since finding Jessica in her apartment nine years ago.
Gregory does not hold back, laying bare the pain and darkness – and emphasizing the glimmer of hope she knows is always present, even if not always noticed.
Though Gregory has been pushed out of her comfort zone countless times over the last several years, she embraces each challenge so she can share Jessica’s story and be that voice for her daughter.
“If I reach just one person, letting them know they aren’t alone, it is worth sharing,” said Gregory. “Or, maybe someone reading these pages who doesn’t have a mental illness will be enlightened by what is in someone’s mind that does.”
#ThereIsAlwaysHope
Jessica applied for a new job before she took her life. A job at a hospital where she could help others and could carry out her personal life mission. Multiple interviews and a job shadow followed.
A Picking Up the Pieces blog entry (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
The darkness Jessica fought against, however, overwhelmed her before she heard their decision.
“The day after Jessica’s suicide, there was a message left on her cell phone voicemail,” said Gregory. “It was a message from the hospital she had applied at.
“She received that call one day late…”
Julie and Jessica both have a tattoo symbolizing a mother and daughter and their love for each other (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The timing of that voicemail is something Gregory encourages all who struggle to contemplate.
“There is always hope,” said Gregory. “No matter how bad today can be, things will get better. You can’t leave today, because tomorrow everything could change.
“Life is all hills and valleys, and for every valley that you’re in, those hills are going to be amazing.”
Monica Ruiz, in a personal place of mental health recovery for the past few years, echoes that message.
“I do believe that all suffering is temporary,” said Ruiz, adding that there will be moments of relief even in the lowest times. “So please hold on. There is help. It gets better.”
A radical resolve
Gregory’s resolve to eradicate stigma and live with hope is evident in each word of Picking Up the Pieces.
“I am determined to be more than just a survivor,” said Gregory on her blog. “I am determined to find the silver lining, I am determined to see my glass as half full, I am determined to keep talking about mental illness and the side effects that ‘Pain’ can cause some people.
“I am determined to help change the definition of suicide.”
Eradicating stigma
“The stigma needs to be lifted about mental struggles,” said Gregory. “We need to talk about it, out in the open, and not treat it like a dirty secret – those days are past. We need to continue this conversation.”
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
The be nice. program and action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
Care Resources provides a number of services, including registered dieticians and nutritionists, to help participants make healthy life choices. (Photo Courtesy Care Resources)
By Care Resources
As adults age into their 50s and beyond, their nutritional needs change, so it’s important for that population to be deliberate in what and how much they ingest for optimal health.
That’s the word from registered dietitians and nutritionists like Patti Rozycki of Care Resources in Grand Rapids, one of countless professionals working to create awareness of proper nutrition, especially during March, when she and her colleagues celebrate National Nutrition Month.
For more than 50 consecutive years, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been annually celebrating wise choices around food each March and the need to develop sound eating and physical activity habits.
Being nutritionally aware is arguably most important for adults 50 and older, since their needs are adjusting with age – needs tied to slowed metabolism, weakened senses, slowed digestion and challenges with medications and illnesses.
One of the keys, says Rozycki, is to avoid choices offering “empty calories” – things like juice drinks, sugary cereals, doughnuts and potato chips. The same goes for fried foods, caffeine, alcohol and high-sodium foods, all of which can affect quality of life.
Instead, choose more “nutrient-dense” foods packed with vitamins and minerals – think eggs, dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables – and lay off foods with added sugar, salt (sodium) or that are high in fat.
“Your nutrition profile should have variety,” she notes, “but make sure you’re making healthy choices.”
Those measures and more are put into practice daily for the adults served by Care Resources, where Rozycki has been in place for more than four years, serving participants 55 years and older who qualify for a wide host of services, including dietary advice.
With headquarters at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Care Resources reaches out to hundreds of people in Kent County and parts of surrounding counties with a community-based program that promotes healthy, independent living to prevent nursing home placement.
In addition to recommending what foods to eat, Rozycki has these tips for older adults interested in healthy nutrition choices:
Be purposeful in what you purchase to eat. Make a healthy list and stick to it, avoiding impulse buys.
When traveling, plan ahead of time what and where you’ll eat. If possible, pack healthy snacks as an alternative to stopping for fast food.
Don’t overlook your hydration. You typically need water before you become overly thirsty. Dehydration can have a debilitating effect on your health.
Avoid fad diets and lose-weight-quick schemes. And be wary of supplements and what they claim to do.
At Care Resources, nutrition is just part of a comprehensive plan created individually for its participants, Rozycki says. If, for example, the goal is to lose weight, many factors go into the establishment of a plan, including health history, medications, exercise options and support from friends and family.
With obesity rates for Americans 60 and over at nearly 42% and rising, Rozycki says it’s more important than ever to eat healthier.
“It’s all about making the right choices.”
Nutrition counseling through a program like Care Resources can help older adults create a health plan that is tailored to individual needs. For more information, call 616-913-2006 or visit CareResources.org.
Pine Rest issues warning about fraudulent online ads (Courtesy photo)
People searching online for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services on their mobile devices are encountering fraudulent third-party organizations instead of the Pine Rest organization.
“Third-party organizations, using carefully crafted language to present themselves as affiliates of Pine Rest, appear near the top of search results and fraudulently claim they can assist individuals with placement in our services,” states a recent Pine Rest press release.
Attorney General Dana Nessel also issued a warning statement that the phone number found online may not actually connect them to Pine Rest.
“This appears to be a cruel scheme targeting those suffering from substance abuse disorder, striking treatment-seeking victims in a moment of courage, when they’ve finally sought professional help,” said Nessel.
Preying on the vulnerable
It is crucial to ensure those seeking help receive the correct care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Pine Rest is a mental health care service provider for West Michigan. Located on the south side of Grand Rapids, Pine Rest is known for their variety of mental health services.
Susan Langeland, Vice President of Continuum Development and Chief Information Officer for Pine Rest, said the fraudulent ads are taking advantage of very vulnerable people in a moment of crisis.
“When people think about seeking care, they mull it over, it takes them many times to actually pick up that phone to call for treatment,” said Langeland. “So when they do, we want to make sure that we get them connected to the right treatment, not being sent out of state and potentially delaying care this person desperately needs.”
Legitimacy of ads
The fraudulent ads use carefully crafted words to appear like a legitimate health care organization. When someone searching for care calls the number provided, scammers identify themselves as a Pine Rest clinician or hospital admissions for an affiliate organization.
“None of that is true,” said Langeland. “We have our own admissions department right there at Pine Rest campus on the south side of Grand Rapids. They are all employed by Pine Rest. We don’t use brokerage or placement firms.”
Pine Rest does not use brokerage or placement firms (Courtesy photo)
Many patients have been diverted out of state for potential treatment. While the locations given are actual treatment facilities, that does not mean patients are receiving the care they need.
“What we hear back from some of these patients is that they are actual locations,” said Langeland. “But as to what their treatment is, and what that looks like, and how that quality of care is, I can’t speak to any of that. We don’t know anybody at any of the locations that our patients have brought back to us.”
Fraudulent scam impact
Langeland went on to say that Pine Rest has no way of knowing how many people have been impacted by these scams.
“We’re reliant on people to let us know,” Langeland said. “Some people reach out right away and say, ‘That was really weird interaction with you,’ and file a formal complaint. Others just go about their day-to-day, and we don’t know.”
Fear of judgment can stop people from coming forward with their scam experiences (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
The authorities and Attorney General are working with Pine Rest to gather information regarding the scam ads. However, some patients who issued complaints do not want to be part of the investigation due to fear of judgment.
“Unfortunately, we still have stigma,” said Langeland, adding that it is hard for some people to trust that the system is going to take care of the issue, and that there is no stigma attached.
The patients who have agreed to participate in the investigation do so because they don’t want anyone else to fall victim to the scams.
“Their experience was not one that they enjoyed, and they don’t want this to happen to anyone else in a moment when they are trying to seek help,” said Langeland.
How to avoid scam ads
Go directly to a company’s website instead of clicking on a sponsored ad (Courtesy photo)
When people seek substance use care in a moment of crisis, Langeland said, they are using their phones quickly, getting online and searching Pine Rest. “And these sponsored ads would come up that look like Pine Rest.”
In a moment of crisis, that person does not look for details on a sponsored ad to ensure it is legitimate. They simply click on the link that looks like it will lead them to the resources they need.
Pine Rest stresses the importance of going to an organization’s website, making sure you talk to someone from the organization, and being conscious of what information you are giving out over the phone so you are not taken advantage of.
Pine Rest is working with their legal team and law enforcement to figure out options regarding the scams.
Though Pine Rest has no control over sponsored ads, Langeland hopes authorities will find a way to restrict the scammers from claiming to be Pine Rest or affiliated with Pine Rest.
Pine Rest availability
Pine Rest does have openings for people seeking substance use and mental health services.
“When people say we don’t have any availability, that is not actually the case,” said Langeland.
Pine Rest does have availability and is ready to help those seeking care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Pine Rest resources/contact information
All contact information for Pine Rest services can be found on their website.
Individuals seeking mental health and/or addiction services may also reach Pine Rest by phone:
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE 24/7: 616-455-5000 or toll-free at 800-678-5500
FOR OUTPATIENT ASSISTANCE (Standard Business Hours): 866-852-4001
Suicide survivor and mental health advocate Ross Szabo gives heartfelt address to a local audience of hundreds on Feb. 23 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The annual State of the Child conference works to provide the community with resources on how to best support our youth (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Renowned author and speaker Ross Szabo gave the keynote address at Wedgwood Christian Services’ annual State of the Child event on Feb. 23.
Szabo openly shares his own personal struggles with mental health disorders to address the crisis of mental illness in youth, and help others feel comfortable addressing challenges in their lives.
At age 16, Szabo was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In his senior year of high school, Szabo was hospitalized for attempting to take his own life.
Szabo says sharing his story has helped him achieve balanced mental health, and has spent over half his life educating others via his own personal journey.
“I believe we can teach mental health the same way we teach physical health,” Szabo says on his website. “We can use lessons to teach people about brain development, vocabulary, coping skills, healthy relationships, how to help others, and most importantly, how to take care of their minds.”
Szabo has lead the charge in this vital implementation of mental health education.
Filling in the gaps
Considered a pioneer in the youth mental health movement, Szabo founded Human Power Project, a mental health curriculum company, to address information gaps regarding mental health.
The Institute also provides guidance for educators on how to use their personal stories to normalize conversations about mental health within the school community.
Learn more
To learn more about services and resources offered through Wedgwood Christian Services, click here.
To learn more about Ross Szabo, resources offered through his website, speaking engagements and more, click here.
Noted author and award-winning mental health speaker Ross Szabo will offer the keynote presentation at Wedgwood Christian Services’ (WCS) annual State of the Child (SOTC) event Feb. 23.
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids will host the SOTC event from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth mental health declared national emergency
SOTC will feature conversations with local teens, presentations and panel discussions from community experts, and breakout sessions addressing the most demanding challenges facing kids today.
Learn how to support and empower our youth at this SOTC event (Courtesy, WCS)
The event’s goal is to educate the community on the realities of the challenges kids and families face and empower people to provide support and seek out services.
“The state of youth mental health has been declared a national emergency, so candid conversations around hard topics, with caring, solutions-minded community members, are crucial to the well-being of West Michigan’s children and our community at large,” said Dr. Daniel Gowdy, WCS President and CEO.
Registration and additional information
Tickets are $75 each. Registration is available on the Wedgwood website: www.wedgwood.org/sotc.
February is National Heart Month, and American Medical Response (AMR) is providing tips to help you know the risks and signs of a heart attack and what to do if you witness these signs.
“Heart attacks can be sudden, but most start slowly with mild pain and discomfort,” stated John Robben, AMR Regional Director for Western Michigan. “Often, people who are having a heart attack aren’t sure what’s wrong and therefore delay seeking help.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Warning signs of a heart attack
Robben says to look out for these signs of a heart attack:
Chest Pain–Most heart attacks cause discomfort or pain in the center of the chest that can last for several minutes. The pain may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body– This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of Breath– May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs –Other symptoms might include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Warning Signs can be Different for Women – The most common symptom for both women and men is chest discomfort, but one can have a heart attack and not experience chest pain or pressure. Women are more likely to have symptoms such as back pain, jaw pain, shortness of breath, indigestion and nausea or vomiting.
(Courtesy, American Medical Response)
What to do
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Calling 911 is the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services can begin treatment when they arrive. EMTs and paramedics are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped.
If a person’s heart stops before the ambulance arrives, you should begin CPR and send someone to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Be Prepared: It only takes a few minutes to learn compression-only CPR. Call Guardian Flight to find out where you can learn this life-saving skill.
For more information on heart attacks, visit heart.org.
Beacon Hill at Eastgate is more than a retirement community – it is a mission to deliver a new standard in senior living.
“We’ve made a great change here in the way that senior care is delivered in Grand Rapids,” said Jeff Huegli, President and CEO of Beacon Hill at Eastgate.
That standard has garnered notice by more than just Beacon Hill residents.
Recently recognized as one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) by Newsweek and Statista, Beacon Hill at Eastgate is ranked at #45 out 250 CCRCs in the United States, and #2 within the state of Michigan.
“It’s been a head-turning moment for the organization,” said Huegli.
A humble beginning
Located in the heart of the Eastgate neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Beacon Hill is a distinctive, not-for-profit retirement community dedicated to providing a vibrant life for Grand Rapids’ seniors.
The vision for Beacon Hill began in 1951 by five area Baptist churches. That vision came to fruition on a 10-acre site named Michigan Christian Home.
“It’s a historic building that initially served independent living residents, with some assisted living, and skilled nursing,” said Huegli.
Huegli came to Beacon Hill in 2003 to help expand the campus in a different part of the county.
Beacon Hill at Eastgate has expanded over time, but its values remain constant (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)
“After recognizing that our market and our call to service for the community is here on the southeast side, we reinvested and bought the hospital that was here, Metro Hospital, and gained the 12-acre site to begin constructing independent living – which is now known as Beacon Hill at Eastgate,” said Huegli.
Huegli and the Beacon Hill staff are dedicated to continuing the original vision and core values of the founders: Christ-inspired compassion, service, collaboration, generosity and integrity.
“Even though we’re now known for hospitality, wonderful lifestyle, community connection, all of our heart and service model is rooted in the original values that were established by that board,” said Huegli.
Skilled nursing is the core of that original service model.
“We have done a tremendous job in building out our healthcare system,” said Huegli. “We’ve attracted great service partners. Trinity Health comes out of that organization, and they have really committed to forming a high-quality health system.”
A thriving community
The heart of Beacon Hill’s mission is community.
“We are a faith-based community,” said Huegli. “We hold onto what Jesus Christ taught us for hospitality and personal care in the gospel, transferring that into a modern healthcare system.
“Attending to all people, irrespective of where they come from. That has given us a really rich tapestry of a wonderful, thriving community.”
Beacon Hill provides a thriving community for seniors and their families (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)
Beacon Hill works to provide a warm, high-quality environment for its residents and the community. Part of that environment includes walking paths and a community garden.
“What’s different about Beacon Hill from other communities is that we’re located in the [Eastgate] neighborhood. We love that it’s urban, and we intentionally invest in connecting to the people, and to the geography, of this area.”
Beacon Hill’s commitment to each individual and where they are in their life journey is shown in the care of every resident, family member and guest.
“Each person is known,” said Huegli.
Experiencing life…again!
Beacon Hill serves over 400 residents, many who are learning to experience life for a second time.
“My favorite people [are] the residents who reluctantly come here,” admitted Huegli. “These are folks who have had a highly independent professional career where they have made their own decisions, they have had great influence over process or an organization, and are fiercely independent.”
However, Beacon Hill becomes their home, Huegli continued. “This place just seeps in over time, and we see engagement over and over again.”
Beacon Hill residents at a summer celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)
The Beacon Hill community provides residents with opportunities for activity, exercise and optimism.
“And optimism,” Hugeli said, “is a significant portion of physical health. That’s what Beacon Hill can do for people.”
The highest standard of care
Huegli said satisfaction rates with Beacon Hills’ extended care services of rehab memory care, assisted living and other personal services, are high.
“We work minute-by-minute to ensure that we’re meeting the standards, and that we’re exceeding expectations in every form,” said Huegli. “We know the effort our 250 employees give will be reflected immediately on quality of life for each resident and their family member.”
Continuous investment is also a Beacon Hill priority.
“We put over $150 million of capital into this campus over the years that I’ve been here, and what has resulted is something that’s way deeper than a dollar bill,” said Huegli. “It’s connection.
“City connection, connection to our immediate neighbors, and bonds between residents and the staff who work here every day.”
Beacon Hill is committed to continual improvement and care (Courtesy photo)
The recent national recognition of Beacon Hill’s efforts is meaningful because they did not seek it out.
“I don’t even remember hearing about this before it was announced,” Huegli said. “So the fact that it’s an independent study is all the more meaningful.”
Intentional care creates increasing demand
The demand for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) is steadily increasing, a fact that is not surprising to Huegli.
“Communities like us, we are intentional in creating a friendly, warm and optimistic place that’s just packed full of resources,” said Huegli. “The value that we can add as a provider for any resident here – independently or otherwise – is astounding.”
Out of the 2000+ CCRCs throughout the United States, Huegli said: “Beacon Hill is a gold standard, and it’s been my career’s work to see it through.”
Generations of service
To Huegli, serving the senior community is not just a job – it is his passion.
“I’ve got a long history in my family, generations of people who have dedicated their lives to community service, community development, social change,” said Huegli. “That inspired me to find a career path that would make a difference but also make use of my interests.”
Huegli has dedicated his career to serving others (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Those interests include planning, finance, design and marketing. But Huegli finds his purpose in caring for others.
“Taking care of seniors has been an amazing find for me personally,” said Huegli. “Impacting individual seniors as their needs have changed and interacting with a care team who is equally committed – I can’t think of anything more noble.
“Touching these lives in a positive way…there’s nothing better.”
What’s next?
Committed to being state-of-the-art and progressive in their programs and designs, Beacon Hill is poised for even more growth.
“Our next work will be to construct the finest assisted living and memory care program around, just as we have with other components of our service model,” said Huegli. “You’ll be seeing more from us very soon.”
To learn more about the Beacon Hill at Eastgate services and community, click here.
Youth mental health has been declared a national emergency by the surgeon general.
“Far too many young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need,” stated the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 Advisory. “We all have a role to play in supporting youth mental health and creating a world where young people thrive.”
“We feel State of the Child is extremely important,” said Brooke Jevicks, Chief Advancement Officer for WCS. “It’s about increasing awareness, educating ourselves on these important topics and strengthening yourself as an advocate.”
Prevention matters
WCS believes prevention is a key component to helping our youth.
“People need to understand how much prevention can matter. How many things are being caught sooner,” said Jevicks.
SOTC brings together local teens who will express their thoughts to the audience in pre-recorded messages.
The teens will touch on their own personal thoughts and experiences with mental, emotional and physical health. What they are seeing peers deal with regarding stress, anxiety, family life, life online and recognition of healthy v. unhealthy relationships will also be part of the local teens’ message.
Local teens share their experiences and concerns (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A panel of community leaders will discuss the concerns raised by the teens. Maranda, Children and Family Services Manager for WOOD TV8, will guide the conversation.
The SOTC panel will consist of representatives from the local court system, school system, and healthcare system. A community therapist and a WCS therapist from their residential care program will also join the panel.
An audience Q&A session will follow the panel discussion, succeeded by deep-dive breakout sessions.
Participants will be able to attend a breakout discussion from both Session A and Session B.
Session A topics:
Panic Attacks 101
Understanding & Overcoming Digital Addiction: A Deep Dive into the Digital World
Breath of Fresh Air: The Truth About Vaping
Session B topics:
Dating: Then v. Now – Teen Relationships in the Age of Technology
Changing the View and Narratives Surrounding Mental Illness & Suicide
Unpacking the Invisible Backpack: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Young Mental Health
Personal testimony
SOTC is thrilled to feature award-winning mental health advocate and speaker Ross Szabo as keynote speaker.
One of the most sought after mental health speakers in the country, Szabo has spent over half his life finding ways to make mental health approachable.
Diagnosed at age 16 with bipolar disorder, Szabo attempted to take his own life at age 17.
“He really knows what it’s like to suffer internally, and he’s worked hard to turn all of his personal trials into testimonies,” said Jevicks.
“It will be amazing to listen to him talk about how to navigate life’s challenges, and his perspective on how to aid today’s youth,” Jevicks said.
Expert care and services
In addition to the annual SOTC conference, WCS – one of the most highly regarded mental health and behavioral health facilities in Michigan – offers a variety of services and care.
WCS is committed to supporting children and families (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
WCS is known for their residential care, and for taking on the toughest cases for children who have been chronically neglected and physically or sexually abused. All WCS services offer expert, trauma-focused, evidence-based, therapeutic care…and love.
“We are committed to supporting children and families through mental health, emotional health, behavioral health and spiritual health,” said Jevicks. “We have a deep love for the people in our care [and] want to extend Christ-like love and grace to them.”
Among WCS services is a home for youth saved from human trafficking, and an entire certified staff dedicated to helping children overcome addiction.
WCS’s school prevention program, Positive Youth Development (PYD), teaches kids to understand and value their worth through a variety of programming.
“We are doing a lot of really important work to help each child in our care find their true self,” said Jevicks. “Our team reaches thousands of teens with preventative programming.”
Kids = The Future
Support children by educating yourself first (Courtesy, First Steps Kent)
“Kids are our future,” said Jevicks. “They are future leaders, future decision makers, our future coworkers.
“We have to take care of them. In order to take care of them, we have to be doing things like this event. Raising our awareness, educating ourselves, and becoming stronger advocates. Too many people are struggling with their mental health, and it’s not just kids. It’s adults too.”
“There’s been a lot of effort put into it, but there’s still quite a ways to go,” said Jevicks, adding that there is a lot to be said about businesses being involved in SOTC.
“Businesses should be sending their leaders to [SOTC], and getting a grasp on what today’s youth are facing and dealing with so we can have better benefits in place and better support systems [for] our future employees.”
Value of SOTC
Jevicks said that hearing local kids candidly share their realities at SOTC each year is eye-opening.
“Then community experts and leaders get insight into those barriers and provide practical ways to face those barriers together,” said Jevicks. “You always walk away knowing more than before.”
“Ultimately,” Jevicks continued, “if you have kids, if you work with kids, care about kids, or are invested in the future of our community, you want to attend Wedgwood’s SOTC.
“It takes all of us to positively impact each other and tackle this topic.”
Registration, Sponsorships and Notes
Attendees can receive continuing education credits for attending SOTC. SCECHs are available. CEUs are available pending approval.
WCS says they are grateful to all their sponsors, but specifically Title Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank.
“That’s really helped us be able to bring the speaker in and grow this event, providing more information to people,” said Jevicks.
Register for SOTC and/or become a SOTC sponsor by clicking here.
Emmanuel Hospice Music Therapist Miranda Eden uses a specialized stethoscope to record Lloyd “Bud” Afton’s heartbeat to create a heartbeat recording set to his favorite song. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
By Emmanuel Hospice
Two sobering facts to consider: One, that heart-related disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. adults. And two, that hospice care is vastly underutilized by that very population.
“There’s a big gap,” says Melissa Page, director of clinical services at Emmanuel Hospice. That’s why she and her colleagues have been aggressively advocating for more education and awareness revolving around Emmanuel’s Heart & Soul Advanced Cardiac Program.
It’s a toolkit of sorts, linked in with a program developed by the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation in collaboration with the American Heart Association. The goal is to ensure patients with heart disease and their loved ones are well informed so symptoms can be managed safely at home, reducing trips to the ER or hospital.
A mainstay of the collaboration is a 32-page Advanced Cardiac Care Guide, which includes valuable information on everything from recognizing symptoms to dietary recommendations. Many patients living with end-stage heart disease are burdened by visits to the doctor’s office, emergency room and hospital due to breathing difficulties, edema, fatigue and other worsening symptoms.
Such exacerbations can often be prevented or managed by hospice and palliative care, says Julie Chambers, a nurse case manager for Emmanuel.
“With hospice care, it’s more about providing comfort,” Chambers says. “And that can mean fewer visits to offices and more time with family enjoying a higher quality of life while still collaborating with a cardiac team to treat anything from breathing issues to swollen limbs to fluctuations in weight and appetite.”
“We’re seeking ways to include people already involved with the patient’s care, while also folding in all the services our organization provides,” Page adds.
To that end, Chambers and Page and other team members at Emmanuel Hospice are constantly looking for ways to help make cardiologists and other professionals aware of the benefits hospice can provide.
“When hospice care is part of the formula, we see lower anxiety levels, less fear of the unknown and fewer feelings of helplessness,” Chambers says. “It’s all part of putting the patient at ease, a different culture of care.”
Support might include regular visits from Emmanuel Hospice experts, and can extend beyond traditional care to complementary therapies and services involving everything from massage to music to essential oils.
Chambers and Page emphasize that people affected by cardiac disease either personally or through a loved one can reach out with questions at any time, even if they’re not experiencing end-stage symptoms.
“Death doesn’t need to be imminent,” Page says. “It’s OK to simply call and say, ‘I’d like to know more about this.’”
“It’s also important for people to know that they’re not ‘giving up’ when they reach out to us,” adds Chambers. “We’re fighting against that stigma, that ‘If I’m going on hospice, I’m giving up.’ No. You’re choosing what you want, and we’re here to honor that choice.”
Mary Muliett, DABSJ President and CEO (Courtesy, DABSJ)
Leading provider of child welfare and human services in West Michigan, D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s (DABSJ), has launched a distinctive Independent Living Plus (ILP) program. ILP is a transformative initiative designed specifically for youth aging out of foster care.
This program, situated on the DABSJ campus, aims to provide a safety net and specialized assistance to address the youth’s unique challenges.
“Youth aging out of foster care without a guardian or adoptive parent are embarking on adulthood without the supportive network many of us are fortunate to have had,” said Mary Muliett, DABSJ President and CEO. “It’s a vulnerable position that requires specialized support, and that’s exactly what our Independent Living Plus program aims to provide.”
Research has consistently shown that youth aging out of foster care face heightened risks, including homelessness, human trafficking, and incarceration. This is an alarming phenomenon known as the foster-care-to-prison pipeline.
Breaking the cycle
ILP home, inside view (Courtesy, DABSJ)
With the ILP program, DABSJ seeks to break the cycles put forth by the system and provide a supportive bridge into adulthood.
“We want the youth to be independent but not alone,” said Muliett. “By living in a home right here on the DABSJ campus, youth can easily connect with the supports they need, whether it’s a coach helping them pursue college and careers, peers they can connect and build community with, or therapy and psychiatric care.
“They get to develop their goals and dreams – so it’s care provided for them, not for them.”
Rewriting futures
ILP residents will have access to on-site coaching, therapy, medical/psychiatric support, and the full amenities on the DABSJ campus.
ILP home kitchen (Courtesy, DABSJ)
The program is open to youth ages 16-19. Residents must be referred to the program by a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or agency foster care case worker.
To begin, the program will operate out of one home serving eight residents. It will then expand on campus.
“We have recognized the need for a specialized Independent Living Plus program for a considerable time,” Muliett said. “All too often, these youth risk falling through the cracks.
“Our program is a beacon of hope, providing a safety net and a circle of support to ensure they survive and thrive as they transition into adulthood. This is more than just a program; it’s a commitment to allowing youth to rewrite their futures.”
To learn more about DABSJ’s Independent Living Plus program and access referral information, click here.
About D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s
D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s is a nonprofit that provides a full continuum of care for children and families, including foster care, adoption, family preservation, behavioral health, child psychiatry, and residential programs. DABSJ impacts more than 14,000 lives annually with safety, advocacy, and support.
Food insecurity impacts over 261,000 people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula alone. Wyoming High School (WHS) has teamed up with Feeding America West Michigan to provide free nourishing food for those in need.
There are a variety of reasons food insecurity exists, and anyone can experience a period of that insecurity and need.
“We are seeing the need for food amongst our families increase,” said Joy Pratt, Wyoming School Community Coordinator. “This past fall, we were able to feed 110-120 families monthly, but sadly, had to turn families away as we ran out of food.”
Working together to eradicate hunger
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry for several years, rotating locations between elementary school buildings.
For the last few months, WHS has become a consistent host site, and will continue to host the Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS January Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Jan. 22 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WPS is working to help meet a basic need in the community (FeedWM)
“Moving the Mobile Food Pantry to the high school has allowed us to serve more families, cause less disruption to neighborhood traffic, as well as sort and package food inside the building versus outside in the elements,” said Pratt.
With some families financially stretched to the breaking point, picking up 40-50 lbs. of food for free has a far-reaching impact. WPS has seen that impact firsthand.
“What we know to be true is that if we want our kids to learn, their basic needs have to be met first,” said Pratt. “Kids who are worried about not having enough food at home typically don’t learn as well as kids who don’t have that worry.
If something as simple as WPS/WHS hosting a monthly Mobile Food Pantry can alleviate that worry, even a little bit, it’s a no-brainer.”
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry. Some examples include: yogurt, cheese, milk, almonds, grapes, bananas, potatoes, rice, beans, macaroni, baked goods, apples, onions, carrots, ham, bread, bagels, cereal, granola, strawberries, and cream cheese.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Make an impact – volunteer!
Just a few hours of time can make a substantial impact (FeedWM)
Community volunteers are always welcome and can sign up for January and February Mobile Pantries using the following links: January 2024 / February 2024
“Just giving three hours a month of their time has a significant impact on 170 families in their community,” said Pratt. “When you consider the time you give, and weigh it against the impact you make, volunteering to help at the Mobile Food Pantry is a worthwhile endeavor.
“If we all give a little, we can make big things happen.”
Resources – learn more!
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Respiratory viruses are on the rise in Michigan and in Kent County.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors flu activity across the U.S. and now categorizes Michigan’s flu activity level as high. Local hospitals are seeing an increase in upper respiratory illnesses including influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID.
(Courtesy, Kent County Health Department)
The rise in the three illnesses has many of us feeling the symptoms which may include runny nose, congestion, and coughing. But how can you tell if what you have is a common cold or something more severe?
COVID has changed
For people who are up to date on vaccination the symptoms are much less severe and can easily be confused with a cold. At first, one of the telltale signs of COVID was the loss of taste and smell. Health officials say that isn’t happening as much anymore because of the level of immunity people have acquired from having the illness, getting vaccinated, or both.
If it is COVID, you may have stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The flu and RSV do not usually have these symptoms. If you are having gastrointestinal issues with your other symptoms, you should consider a COVID test.
Symptoms for respiratory illnesses can vary (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
RSV symptoms
RSV can be fairly mild, but for people over 65 and children the illness can become very severe. Medical professionals say RSV patients will typically have wheezing or symptoms that look like asthma flare ups. RSV symptoms usually in stages over the course of 4 to 6 days.
Flu symptoms
The flu generally comes all at once. Sudden onset of symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, body aches and a sore throat can seem to strike out of the blue. COVID, colds and RSV do not do behave that way, instead a person may have new symptoms for several days when they have become infected with those illnesses.
This chart can help you interpret your symptoms:
Respiratory Illness Symptoms (Courtesy, KCHD)
I have some of these symptoms, now what?
When you are feeling symptoms, medical professionals say that getting tested for COVID should be the first thing on the list. If that is negative, it is wise to get a flu test. After a positive flu test, you may be prescribed antiviral drugs like Tamiflu that can dramatically shorten the number of days you suffer.
When to seek medical attention
You should seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing severe flu symptoms like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, seizures or severe weakness or muscle pain.
Vaccine resources
Fortunately vaccines exist for COVID, RSV and influenza and there is still time to protect yourself if you have not received yours yet. Other simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others include staying home if you are sick and washing your hands correctly and often.
Call KCHD today to make your vaccine appointment at 616-632-7200.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Estimates suggest radon kills 21,000 people from lung cancer each year in the United States.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, floor drains, and sump crocks. Radon gas can accumulate in basements or lower levels of homes, especially during winter months when houses are kept closed.
This makes January the perfect time to test your home.
How to detect radon
The only way to determine if elevated levels of radon exist in your home is to test for it.
(Courtesy, KCHD)
Kits are easy to use and testing can be completed in less than a week. Testing for radon is recommended every few years or after completion of certain household construction projects.
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is offering free radon test kits to residents throughout January, coinciding with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of January as National Radon Action Month.
The radon kits are available to Kent County residents and must be picked up in person at any one of four clinic locations during regular business hours in January while supplies last. Click here for a list of clinic locations and hours.
Results and action options
Residents using the kits and the State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will receive the results. Residents can use the information when deciding on how best to pursue remediation, and EGLE gains a better understanding of the locations and prevalence of radon in Michigan.
EGLE Michigan Indoor Radon Results Map – see link below (Courtesy, KCHD)
For help understanding the test results, residents should the KCHD Environmental Health Division at 616-632-6900.
If elevated radon levels, above 4 pCi/L, are detected in your home, there are options to help reduce exposure. Radon mitigation systems are often installed to help vent radon gas collecting under a home to the outside atmosphere. Additional mitigation options include sealing cracks, gaps, and sump pits in a basement or installing vapor barriers.
Resource links
EGLE has developed a map of radon risk zones for Michigan. Kent County is typically categorized as having a moderate to high levels of radon.
Additional information about radon testing and how to remediate it can be found in these two KCHD podcasts:
Many women doubt themselves and stop moving forward (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
As the new year begins, many people are setting goals and resolutions to improve their lives. For some women, this means refocusing on their own dreams and aspirations. But for others, the start of a new year only brings added pressure and self-doubt.
Why is it that some women are so hard on themselves?
“Even at your lowest moments, you still need to move forward,” encourages Jánelle Marina Méndez Viera, who endured multiple adversities throughout her childhood and early adulthood. She is now passionate about helping other women overcome challenges.
“Maybe you’ve been told not to go for that risky job, or you’re afraid to relocate for your career because you’re a mom. It’s OK to be scared while you’re trying to figure something out. We all have moments when we don’t feel safe and comfortable. Risk taking throws you out of your comfort zone. As long as you’re not in danger, that discomfort will be part of your growth.”
Méndez Viera turned her adversities into a mission
Use negative experiences to fuel positive changes (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Méndez Viera endured many obstacles as a child and young adult, including multiple forms of sexual violence and modern slavery, some of which happened while she served in the military.
Now in her early 30s, she is using those negative experiences to fuel positive changes.
Méndez Viera has lobbied for and achieved changes in nearly every level of government. She is an author, academic researcher, human rights activist, entrepreneur and public speaker. “This journey has cultivated a resilience and determination within me that I hope to use to inspire others,” she says.
Méndez Viera’s advice on how to overcome anything
For women who are struggling right now, Méndez Viera suggests taking some of the same steps she followed. They include:
1. Believe in yourself and don’t give up. “No one knows your strength and capabilities better than you. Remain assured in your abilities and potential, despite any negative voices around or within you. Read the stories of people who’ve come before you and overcame similar adversities. This is extremely helpful during moments of doubt and can provide reassurance when things are looking dim.”
Méndez Viera found role models in confident women, some of whom paved the way for her own technological and human rights achievements.
Take time for healing and self-care in all areas (Courtesy photo)
“In the 1940s, Hedy Lamarr invented the ‘frequency hopping’ technology that became Bluetooth,” said Méndez Viera. “Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in founding the United Nations. On a personal level, I had an aunt whose unconditional love and support inspired me to be a more compassionate person. And even though my own family was dysfunctional, I had friends who taught me how to have healthy relationships.”
2. Take time for self-care. “Healing emotionally and physically is integral to personal development. For me, this meant regular exercise, meditation, therapy and ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Find your go-to self-care activities and make them a regular part of your routine, especially during the points that you want to give up.”
3. Reach out for help. “It can be tempting to isolate oneself in difficult times, but I’ve found that reaching out to support groups, psychologists and networks of individuals who have faced similar experiences can be very helpful.”
4. Become an ambassador of change. “Activism provided me with a sense of purpose and passion. Use your experience to influence changes that can help others with similar struggles so that you are empowering others and making their journeys less painful and more about healing.”
Continually growing and learning is empowering (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
5. Never stop learning. “Continual growth and education served as a beacon of light in my darkest times. As an author and inventor, I found solace, purpose, and game-changing dynamism in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Resources like PTSD support groups, the Veterans Administration, counseling sessions, and various online platforms such as Veterans Crisis Line can be of immense help during troubled times.
“For me, reading research reports regarding various social sciences helped me understand the societal problems that caused my trauma. They empowered me to take meaningful actions for advocacy that led to me authoring the Restoration of Honor Act of 2019.”
She emphasizes, “Sometimes obstacles can be opportunities to learn more about yourself, and to create a better path for your life. You can learn to thrive even during hard times.”
Recognizing when older adults in your life need help is the first step in getting them support that promotes healthy, independent living. (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)
By Care Resources
At some point, the one you love is likely going to need extra help with anything from doing the dishes to navigating stairways.
The question is, how and when do you know?
At Care Resources, there are people and programs in place to help you recognize the signs that changes are occurring, and how to help get the support they need.
“Everyone has their normal baseline, so what you’re looking for are changes to that,” says Amanda Oswald, an intake social worker with Care Resources, a community-based program for people 55 and older seeking to remain in their homes. “You have to look for clues.
“When someone is having trouble with what used to be a routine task, that’s when you might want to have a conversation. It can be about any number of activities.”
In the kitchen alone, says Oswald, there might be signs – scorched pans that signal a burner was left on too long, spoiled food in the refrigerator, a lack of food or stacks of unwashed dishes.
What you’re looking for, she says, is “anything out of the ordinary.”
Oswald suggests keeping an eye out for unpaid bills and bounced checks, sudden difficulty following a recipe, dirty laundry piling up as well as dents and scratches showing up on a motor vehicle.
Sometimes, the changes are a red flag signaling the onset of dementia or other physical or mental maladies.
“Maybe they’re out driving and can’t remember how to get somewhere,” Oswald says. “Or they’re having difficulty managing their medications, which we see a lot of – people who are running out of something too soon, or not getting refills.”
Oswald emphasizes that Care Resources – with a mission to promote healthy and independent living while working to prevent nursing home placement – is well-equipped to assist people whose challenges are increasing.
It provides an array of services at its day center at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, and makes home visits to dozens of older adults every day of the week.
Oswald notes that some changes people go through are more obvious.
They may have trouble getting out of a chair or off the toilet or out of bed. They may be undergoing unintentional weight loss, or showing marks or bruises indicating they’re experiencing falls. Their personal hygiene may be declining. They might be avoiding contact with others.
A next step once you zero in on such changes? Have a conversation. Oswald recognizes that can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be as long as you avoid jumping to conclusions.
“Be respectful when approaching someone,” Oswald counsels. “Don’t let it be demeaning. Some of these changes signal the eventual loss of independence, and that can be life changing.”
Partnering with an organization like Care Resources – which provides services to those in Kent and parts of four surrounding counties – can provide interventions that help keep people in their homes.
The important thing, says Oswald, is to intervene “sooner than later,” and emphasize that your primary interest is that they’re safe and have the support they need.
Hospice is a service that remains available year-round to provide necessary care to patients and their loved ones, even on holidays. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice/IStock)
By Emmanuel Hospice
In the words of Joyce Robinson-Beck, “We never close.”
But she’s not employed at an all-night diner or 24-hour convenience store.
Robinson-Beck is a long-time registered nurse for Emmanuel Hospice, where the critical mission of providing personalized care and comfort doesn’t bow to the clock or calendar.
“No matter the hour of the day, no matter what time of year, people have needs, and it’s our privilege to serve them,” she says. “And that goes for holidays – Christmas and New Year’s included.”
Waiting to start hospice care until after the holidays is a common inclination, but hospice services can provide the necessary care and comfort to support both patients and their loved ones during what is already an overwhelming time of year. Having this support can enable families to focus more on cherishing their time together.
“Holidays are stressful enough,” Robinson-Beck says. “There are so many expectations already in place, and when you are in need of healthcare, that just intensifies the situation. So we make it our responsibility to be there, and in what can be the toughest of times.”
According to Robinson-Beck, Emmanuel strives to return a call for service within five minutes. The care team then does everything possible to respond to the need within an hour – which is a pretty tall order for a hospice organization whose service area translates to a 50-mile radius.
Just last winter during the holidays, Robinson-Beck recalls a situation where a patient’s daughter called late at night and needed to admit her mother for hospice care.
Through rain or snow
Despite a blizzard raging, “We were able to bring her meds, equipment and pretty much everything she needed to receive care in that daughter’s home rather than enter a hospital.”
Robinson-Beck says many calls received during the holidays – and after traditional daytime business hours in general – are from older caregivers who are unable to return a patient to their bed following a fall.
“That happens more than people realize,” she says. “These days, people are living longer, and it’s not unusual for a caregiver to be in their 70s or 80s or even 90s, and unable to lift that loved one.”
The reaction Emmanuel receives from its patients and caregivers?
“They’re incredibly grateful,” Robinson-Beck says. “They may be initially hesitant to call us during a holiday, for example, because they don’t want to be a bother. But when they realize this is something we do and want to do, they’re amazed, and it humbles us.”
For Robinson-Beck and many of her colleagues, stepping up at all hours of the day and times of the year isn’t just an obligation or duty.
“It fulfills the needs we have as caregivers ourselves,” she explains. “The way I see it, God gives us all gifts, and it’s on us to uphold that responsibility.”
Her job was made more complicated this past year due to the passing of a brother-in-law this past fall, an uncle seven months ago and her mother five months ago.
“I’ve been really sad since my mother passed away. But I know I have a job to do. And I can hear my mother’s voice whispering ‘Go back to work, Joyce. You’re needed’.”
That work, says Robinson-Beck, “fills my cup, and there’s no bigger calling.”
Anyone can connect a loved one with Emmanuel Hospice. You don’t need a physician referral to begin the process. Visit EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616-719-0919 to learn more.
Kent County shelters are filled to capacity, risking leaving hundreds without access to shelter services during winter (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Homelessess is on the rise (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Homelessness is on the rise, and there is an overwhelming demand for shelter and other services as winter approaches.
According to the latest data, the number of individuals and families needing shelter far exceeds the supply of shelter beds in Kent County. Based on trends and current bed capacity in our community, an estimated 100 to 300 people could be without access to shelter services on the coldest winter nights.
According to the Point in Time count, there were 723 individuals experiencing homelessness in Kent County in 2018. In 2023, that number sharply increased to 1,239 individuals experiencing homelessness.
Current shelters cannot sustain increase in need
Non-profit leaders of Dégagé Ministries, along with Mel Trotter Ministries, Family Promise and AYA Youth Collective fear they will not have enough shelter and provisions to accommodate the increased demand for shelter during the winter months.
Even with the new bunks at Dégagé, they are unable to meet the current need for beds (Courtesy, Dégagé Ministries)
Dégagé provides the only emergency shelter for women in the area. They are seeing up to 125 women a night in the shelter, many experiencing homelessness for the first time.
They are doing all they can to make arrangements to accommodate 150 women per night. Funding limitations, however, will make it difficult to sustain that figure during the winter.
The leaders of Mel Trotter Ministries, Dégagé Ministries, Family Promise of West Michigan, and AYA Youth Collective, alongside the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, are releasing an open letter to the West Michigan community.
The letter below outlines the need for this community and its leaders to identify both near and long-term solutions to address the homelessness crisis.
A plea to the public for support
To the West Michigan community:
We present this message to our community with a sense of great concern and urgency as our region’s coldest winter months are fast approaching.
Economic hardships, the loss of supportive resources from COVID, and a shortage of affordable housing have combined to worsen the already difficult situation facing men, women, youth, and families experiencing homelessness in West Michigan. The shifting landscape is presenting an increasingly dire situation for people living on the street and an overwhelming demand for the non-profit service agencies that provide compassionate care, meals, services, and shelter to those in need.
Unable to meet the demand
Shortages include location, space and staffing (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Making matters even more challenging is that just like other employers, some non-profit agencies are facing a worker shortage and a funding shortfall. Adding temporary shelter beds this winter, as has happened in the past, is a significant challenge because there are simply not enough workers to ensure a safe environment for overflow guests.
What’s more, the funding needed to provide additional staffing and a location for overflow shelter space is not presently available. Therefore, non-profits simply cannot meet the demand.
We are committed to providing compassionate support to as many of our neighbors in need as possible, while maintaining a safe environment for all. However, when the population growth of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community far exceeds the limited amount of shelter space, we are faced with difficult decisions and risk loss of life.
Our collective community efforts to address the homelessness crisis must include both near and long-term solutions. Of immediate concern is the urgent need to find shelter workers and shelter bed space. At the same time, we remain focused on initiatives to increase affordable housing, create more access to mental health resources, strengthen workforce development and employment opportunities, and more.
The rising issue of homelessness is one facing our entire country, and an issue that is of paramount importance in West Michigan. Collaborative work between agencies, governmental partners, and community leaders is happening to create a long-term cohesive strategy. As non-profits, we are doing great work, but we can do even more with increased funding, more staff, and more shelter rooms to meet this growing need.
Limited shelter space increases risk of loss of life (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
How you can help save lives
With your help, we can save lives this winter by protecting unhoused individuals, youth, children, and families from extreme, life-threatening temperatures. To learn more or join us in our efforts to combat homelessness, visit us at our websites below.
We remain resolute in our commitment to serve those in need in our community, and we stand ready to continue partnering with our community leaders in taking steps toward finding a sustainable solution that benefits the entire region.
H.U.G.S. Ranch (Hope. Understanding. Guidance. Support.) is located at 284 Byron Road, Byron Center. (WKTV/Janet Vormittag)
By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributor
Seventeen years ago, Lisa Carter’s daughter Lindsey was struggling so she gave the fourth grader a book that had been gifted to her: “Hope Rising: Stories from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams,” by Kim Meeder.
After reading the book three times, Lindsey said, mom, “We could do this.”
At the time Lisa Carter was struggling. She was a single mom working four jobs, and she had full custody of her three children, ages 2, 6 and 8. A counselor told her with all the changes happening in her children’s lives it would be best if she could keep them in the family home … 12 acres in Byron Center with a farmhouse, barn and two horses.
“I prayed and asked God for it to be possible, and if so, I would use it to his glory,” she recalled.
Carter, a veterinarian technician, shared the book with a co-worker, Jill Glass. Glass read the book on vacation. When she returned, Lisa said she was on fire and ready to start a ministry where horses were used to help children. Glass already had a name for their endeavor: H.U.G.S. Ranch — Hope. Understanding. Guidance. Support.
(Courtesy, H.U.G.S. Ranch)
She had doubts, but Glass countered them by saying they’d take little steps towards their dream.
That was the beginning of their faith-based, equine-assisted endeavor, which would provide a “healing path for hurting children.”
Glass and Carter attended a clinic at Crystal Peaks in Oregon, hosted by the author of “Hope Rising,” to learn how to start a nonprofit and to check out the various programs the ranch offered. Later, Carter and her daughter volunteered a week at the ranch to experience equine-assisted therapy. Carter also has attended three OK Corral Series clinics and was certified in three of their Equine Assisted Learning activities. Over the years Carter has attended additional conferences to learn how to work with children who have experienced trauma.
“Animals are very therapeutic,” Carter said.
Carter also has an associate degree in horse management from Michigan State University, which she earned while studying to become a vet tech.
H.U.G.S. Ranch owner Lisa Carter says hello to one of her horses. ((WKTV/Janet Vormittag))
In 2008, two years after deciding to start the ranch, H.U.G.S. became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located at 284 Byron Road, Byron Center.
In the beginning they used Carter’s two horses.
Besides horses, the ranch now has donkeys, ponies, and mini horses; 17 in all. Plus, two pigs, two goats and a cat.
Using equine-assisted learning, children ages 5 to 18, who have social, emotional or mental health challenges are helped. Each child has an adult mentor.
(Courtesy, H.U.G.S. Ranch)
Currently, four-week and eight-week programs are offered. They’re free, but there is a suggested donation.
“It’s about building relationships and trust,” Carter explained. The mentors ask questions and let the children open up as they work with the horses.
The children don’t ride the horses, instead they do what Carter calls ground work. They learn about horse behavior by watching the horses and studying their body language. They learn how to groom, halter and lead the animals. Sometimes they paint the horses using watercolors.
One child used only black paint when he painted his horse. When asked why, he said he felt like he was in a black hole. Through talking while painting the mentor explored the reasons for those dark feelings.
After the painting sessions the kids give the horses a bath to wash away the paint.
One of the activities for the children is to build an obstacle course for their horse to walk through. In one corner of the indoor arena are the obstacles: barrels, poles, carpet squares, big noodles and other items used to build the course. The goal is for the child to build enough trust with their horse so the horse will follow them through the course with no halter or lead.
“The horse has to trust them, but they also have to trust the horse,” Carter explained.
(Courtesy, H.U.G.S. Ranch)
Only after reaching that level of trust does the child get to sit on the horse while the horse is led around by the mentor. Sometimes they sit backwards to learn about different perspectives.
Jen Kuyt of Wayland said her kids were clients at H.U.G.S. Ranch for five years.
“It was such a huge help in their development. I watched my timid little girl become extremely confident and my wild son calm down.”
She added that the ranch is like none other. Everybody is excepted for who they are, how they are and are supported to become a better person.
“The amount of love that is poured into the clients and the animals is like none other. When you walk on the ranch, you can feel the peace; it’s even therapeutic for the parents as they watch their kids with the majestic animals.”
The H.U.G.S. Ranch welcome center. ((WKTV/Janet Vormittag))
Most horses are donated to the ranch. Some have been abused or neglected, but several have been retired due to minor injuries or health issues.
“We give them a second life and a purpose,” Carter said.
One horse, Cody Joe, was born in 1989. He’s 34 years old and still part of the team.
The ranch is open Monday through Thursday, giving the horses three days off each week.
“They really enjoy their job, but they need a break,” Carter said.
70-80 volunteers in the summer
The ranch’s annual budget is $275,000. There are three paid staff and 70-80 volunteers in the summer, that drops to about 30 volunteers in the winter. Most volunteers are college students, teachers and retirees. At the end of summer, most go back to school or head south for the winter.
Feed for the animals is a big expense, fortunately, most of it is donated. Carter said one horse eats 125 bales of hay per year. The animals also are fed grain in the fall and winter.
Most donations come from individuals
Several area churches and businesses donate to H.U.G.S., but the majority of support comes from individuals.
Fundraisers help pay for the $275,000 budget
Fundraisers also are held. Collecting bottles and cans has turned out to be lucrative. Last year they raised close to $15,000 through donated returnables.
“One dime, one can at a time,” Carter said.
Carter’s daughter is now a farrier and takes care of the horses’ hooves. She also helps find horses for the ranch.
Over the years the ranch has grown from one barn to a complex of buildings.
An indoor arena was donated in 2018 by Larry and Judy Buist in memory of Carter’s father, Robert Wierenga, who was involved with the ranch. Buist Electric donated a building for the volunteers.
The Welcome Center was donated in memory of Scott Taylor by his employer to bring awareness to mental health. Taylor, a volunteer, battled depression. Lumberman’s was the lead donor and several other local companies helped make it a reality.
Looking back at the 17 years, Carter said the first years were hard, but she was driven to provide for her family. She never envisioned the ministry would get as big as it is.
“It’s not that we haven’t had challenges and heartbreak,” she said.
Kids and their piggy banks showed up during a crisis
When a tornado caused damage and she questioned if she could continue, but then the kids came with their piggy banks.
“Through hardships come blessings,” she said.
One of her biggest hardships came last year when Glass passed away unexpectedly. Carter said she’s doing well with the loss, but still adjusting. She’s doing what she has done all along, she’s relying on her faith.
Emmanuel Hospice volunteer Jim Parent talking with a patient. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
By Emmanuel Hospice
At Emmanuel Hospice, you might say Veterans Day is every day when it comes to providing patient care to those who have served in our country’s military.
Just ask Jim Parent, a mostly retired machine repairman, who never thought that his own service in the U.S. Marines more than a half century ago would set the stage for how he gives back to fellow veterans receiving end-of-life care.
“It was a couple of years ago when I turned to my wife, Mary, and said, ‘You know, I’m thinking of retiring, and she said, ‘Well, you might want to look into volunteering,’” Parent said.
So, he did. In exploring his options, Parent learned of something sponsored by Emmanuel Hospice dubbed its “veteran-to-veteran” program. Open to veterans and active-duty service members in West Michigan, the volunteer program offers an opportunity to provide companionship and support to veterans facing a life-limiting illness.
The first patient he saw was so disconnected from friends, family and community that, had it not been for Parent’s efforts, his funeral would have been attended by no one.
“He was in his late 50s, and even though we were fellow Marines, he didn’t want to talk about much at first,” Parent recalled. “He had children earlier in life, but I never saw any family or friends with him during my visits to his facility.”
Parent, whose own service was in Vietnam in 1969, was able to gain the vet’s trust in part by showing him magic tricks he learned via YouTube. Along the way, Parent had assured the veteran that when he passed, he would not be alone.
When he died on a cool day the next spring, Parent and four team members from Emmanuel attended his funeral at Fort Custer in Battle Creek.
“We were able to keep that promise, providing him a military funeral with a 21-gun salute,” he said. “I guess you could say Emmanuel was his family.”
Parent has since spent time with a half-dozen other veterans, whose stories are the stuff of legends, including one World War II vet who turns 102 soon and, at 100, was still piloting around his 400-plus horsepower Chevrolet Camaro.
Another WWII vet – also still living, at age 97 – grew up dirt-poor in a West Virginia coal-mining town and quit school at 14 because he was tired of being teased about his shoes, which were fashioned from cardboard and tape. He worked the mines until he was 17, then joined the U.S. Navy.
Parent says he receives more out of his volunteering than he gives.
“I get so much from their stories, and it makes me a better person, more aware of the different paths they walk, that we all walk,” he said. “I guess I’m cultivating a little empathy, too. And it’s a great learning experience.”
For his service, Emmanuel Hospice awarded him the Sister Gabriela Caring Spirit Award to honor him as the 2022 volunteer of the year.
Parent was humbled to receive the honor. The award recognizes a volunteer who carries with them the mission and vision of Emmanuel Hospice and who goes above and beyond with their compassion for patients and their families. It is named after Sister M. Gabriela Hilke, the founding visionary behind the creation of Emmanuel Hospice and the award’s first recipient.
“Jim embodies what we look for in all our team members and volunteers – the ability and willingness to go that extra mile for all the people we serve,” said Sara Lowe, Emmanuel Hospice executive director. “He’s an excellent example of all that we try to be, and to bring to our people.”
Emmanuel Hospice is seeking more volunteers for its veteran-to-veteran volunteer program, which is offered year-round for patients. Those who are interested may visit EmmanuelHospice.org/volunteer to learn more and register.
In honor of Veterans Day and in conjunction with Kent County’s observance of Operation Green Light, the University of Michigan Health-West has changed the illumination of its hospital tower to green.
The University of Michigan Health-West, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, will illuminate its hospital tower in green to express solidarity with veterans in observance of Veterans Day on both Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11.
Operation Green Light is a national initiative led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. It aims to showcase support for veterans and raise awareness about the available resources at the county, state and federal levels.
The hospital’s ties with veterans include hosting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Wyoming outpatient clinic on its campus, providing a range of essential services to veterans.
Operation Green Light sheds light on the programs and benefits available to veterans and their families through Kent County Veterans Services, including emergency funds, disability benefits, burial assistance, and more.
Vonnie Woodrick is determined to change attitudes surrounding mental health (Courtesy, Davenport University)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Woodrick has made mental health her life’s work (Supplied)
Davenport University leaders have announced that Yvonne (Vonnie) Woodrick has joined its Alumni Association Board for a three-year term. Woodrick, a West Michigan native, graduated from the university in 1984. She said it’s wonderful to be part of the university that means so much to her.
“It’s truly an honor to be in a position to highlight Davenport, a university that is near and dear to my heart,” said Woodrick. “Witnessing the growth from a college to a university has been amazing, and the expansion of Davenport’s mental and behavioral health services and academic programs is extremely important to me.”
Mental health is health
Mental health has been a focus for Woodrick since her husband, Rob, died from depression in 2003. The young widow with three children set out to change attitudes surrounding mental health and suicide. This cause has become her life’s work, and she founded the nonprofit organization i Understand in 2014.
Her work and Davenport’s recent additions of a campus wellness center and two master’s degrees connected to mental health make this renewed connection between Woodrick and the university even more meaningful. This fall, the university launched the Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, and the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.
“The actions taken in this area by Davenport leaders display their understanding that mental health is health,” Woodrick said. “At the university, the topic is discussed, resources are readily available and career choices in this field are cutting edge.
“I am grateful Davenport University is bringing the mental and brain health conversations to the forefront. I am excited to be a part of this, and can’t wait to see what the future holds in this area.”
Whole health for students
Woodrick joins 11 other Davenport alumni who serve the university and its mission through its Alumni Association Board.
“We’re delighted to have Vonnie join our strong alumni board,” said Rachel Render, Executive Vice President for Advancement at Davenport. “Vonnie’s expertise is important as we focus on the whole health of our students as they pursue their higher education dreams.”
Over 20 million children in the U.S. face barriers to receiving quality health care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Lauren Konsdorf
WKTV Contributor
The 19th century proverb, “An apple a day keeps the dentist away,” is easier said than done for some families. Over 20 million children in the United States face barriers to getting quality health care, with cost and transportation being two of these barriers.
Meeting families where they are
School is back in session, and this means more contact with other children and daily germs. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides school-based health programs, one of the programs tackling the most common chronic condition among children, tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the most chronic condition among children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“It is a great partnership, and we are grateful for the services provided to our families,” Wyoming High School Principal Josh Baumbach said.
The Wyoming Public School district benefits from dental clinics which include preventative care appointments and performing most restorative procedures. Partnering with Cherry Street Health Center, Wyoming families have the ability to request dental services for their children.
Shauna Bayer, Associate Director of School-Based Programs at Cherry Health, said the programs participated in 857 exams last year in the Wyoming school district, 55 of which had urgent needs. Bayer also said the program treats every child the same whether they are insured or not. It provides families with care that they might not have access to.
“It makes it worthwhile to come to work every day,” said Bayer.
School-based dental clinics have helped over 1,000 children
Since July 2021, the school-based dental clinics have treated more than 1,000 children and have completed more than 7,000 procedures.
School-base dental programs help families access important healthcare (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Mary Kay Irwin, Senior Director of School Health Services for Nationwide Children’s, wants to improve health outcomes for all children.
“We know that children can reach their full potential in the classroom when they are healthy, live in a safe and stable environment, and have access to the resources they need,” Irwin said.
The dental program creates outcomes for children and families that need access to important healthcare.
Irwin said working together and meeting families where they are is key to helping children access important care that they would not otherwise receive.
School-based dental services help with eliminating barriers that exist in receiving adequate healthcare for school children, creating a more resourceful environment and a future of children enjoying a five-letter facial expression – a smile.
Lauren is a senior at Central Michigan University and is studying Broadcast and Cinematic Arts with double minors in Journalism and Communications. She is a radio host for a specialty show on 101.1 The Beat, and is Promotions Video Editor for WCMU Public Media. She hopes to become a lifestyle reporter or host after college.
Millions of Americans experience symptoms of mental health conditions, with depression and suicidal thoughts currently at an all-time high. As the holiday season draws closer, awareness of this issue is crucial.
Jacklyn Eding, LLMSW and Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) Trauma-Focused Therapist, says she has seen an increase in more mental health concerns surrounding depression and anxiety.
“We are seeing more suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviors and higher depression due to external stimuli that we take in every day, but also due to the higher stress and demands of our environment and what’s around us,” said Eding.
Children and adolescents are seeing higher demands at school, but lower teacher numbers to provide that instruction.
Adults are experiencing lower paying jobs and/or higher expectations on their workload.
Continued effects of the pandemic
While an overarching societal issue, Eding says COVID has had a sizable impact on mental health.
“We all went through essentially our own traumatic experience with COVID,” said Eding. “We all went through a very, very high period of stress that – for the most part – we couldn’t really overcome. There was nothing for us to do, we couldn’t go out places. It was all very different for us.
“We are still feeling the effects of COVID. Even to this day, some people still have high anxiety due to illness, some people just have less employment. It’s definitely a contributing factor.”
Eding continued to say that her younger clients are struggling and behind in school due to struggles with online schooling. Infants and toddlers are struggling to learn how to be separated from a caregiver for an hour and know that caregiver will come back.
“That is a big time for emotional attachment development, and just attachment in general,” said Eding. “As families try to grow and develop healthy attachment styles, it’s definitely harder when there is no opportunity for a child to have that opportunity to experience independence for a short while with the knowledge that their caregiver will be coming back.”
Light at the end of the tunnel
But Eding says she does see a decrease in anxiety and depression on the horizon – though it will take time to reach it.
“I do see it coming back down,” says Eding. “There are a lot of options and encouragement for mental health right now. It’s no longer that mental health and mental illness have a negative stigma. It’s becoming a lot more prominent, and people are becoming more aware that if they really want to talk to someone after they see these symptoms, it is okay to seek help. And it’s okay to seek help for your children, it’s okay to seek help for your spouse.
“It’s becoming more normalized, which is great. And it’s encouraging to see, because I believe that is going to be a big part of that anxiety and depression decreasing.”
WCS has clients ranging from three or four years of age with play therapy, up to 90 years of age.
“We have all walks of life, and emotional wellness is one of the biggest things that we see, especially from a young age, is needing more education on it,” says Eding.
One example would be the need to dispel the myth that kids need to be happy all the time.
“It is how to handle the discomfort of challenging feelings, how to know when they are getting too big and how to cope with that, especially in a world where there is so much going on,” says Eding.
What can we do to help?
“The big one is being there to offer support when needed,” says Eding. “Being there to listen, to guide, to heal.”
Being present and aware of what is going on and offering to talk or get help with someone struggling is key.
In an age of technology where we are consumed by our phones, having family dinners to check in with loved ones and offer support where needed is important.
Looking for signs and symptoms to identify when someone might not be doing well, that they may be struggling more than usual, is another way to support loved ones.
You are not alone
Letting them know they are not alone is also essential.
“They are not alone in their experiences, they are not alone in what they are feeling,” says Eding. “There are more people than not who experience the same symptoms who don’t exactly know what they are going through, but know how hard it is to not understand what is happening and be able to reach out for help. Even if that is just a friend, or a loved one, or just calling the National Crisis Line.
Being present and aware is important (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“They are supported, they are understood, and they shouldn’t be afraid to reach out if they don’t understand, or if they just need someone to talk to or someone to help them.”
WCS offers a wide range of services in a variety of fields.
“We support all cultures, we are very accepting of everyone and are open to every stage and every walk of life,” says Eding. “We are always looking to support the mental wellness of all clients.”
Eding notes 10 easy-to-execute tips people can do to better handle emotions, especially during the upcoming holiday season:
Listening to your body
Self-care
Mindfulness
Exercise
Sleep
Laughter
Self-talk
Connections
Deep breathing
Seeking help
Other available resources
WCS currently does not have a waitlist for their services. Their intake line is 616-942-7294.
“It’s a hard time,” says Eding. “No one can deny that the world today is not the same as it used to be. There are a lot of stressors and a lot of things environmentally and mentally that are challenging, that seem bigger than who we are as a person. And for those, it is always great to reach out and get help.”
Field trips are a daily part of One Day Niche programming (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Alison Haraburda was frustrated with the lack of local social interaction and physical activity options for her disabled brother – so she took matters into her own hands and founded One Day Niche.
A non-profit organization that provides life skills and activities for individuals with disabilities, One Day Niche fills a gap long needed for those who have aged out of traditional schooling.
Engaging in the community and social interaction are important aspects of the program (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
“We want One Day Niche to be a place where people of all abilities can come together and enrich the lives of each other through shared experience,” Haraburda says on ODN’s website.
Shared experience with those possessing various levels of ability is nothing new to Haraburda. Her parents provided foster care for several individuals during Haraburda’s childhood, all with various disabilities. Three of those individuals eventually became Haraburda’s adopted siblings.
“Growing up, I learned how to care for individuals with various disabilities,” said Haraburda. “That was part of my upbringing.”
Haraburda’s adopted brother is now 35 years old but with a limited mental capacity of an individual much younger. She made several attempts to find programs her brother could participate in, all unsuccessful.
“He ended up sitting at home, watching TV all day,” said Haraburda. “[He would] go to bed, get up and do the same thing again. That’s not good for anybody’s health.”
That was when Haraburda embarked upon a quest to provide healthier options and programming herself.
Determination and dedication
Haraburda began talking to organizations, inquiring about programs offered to individuals. In addition, she spoke to nonprofit organizations to find out the feasibility of founding her own nonprofit.
After gleaning information from 25 organizations, Haraburda said there was a resounding theme.
Rebekah (left), Alison and Jason are committed to helping those with disabilities thrive (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
“I heard over and over, ‘Don’t quit, don’t quit, keep going,’” said Haraburda.
Haraburda took their advice to heart and, one year after launch, One Day Niche averages 7-13 individuals with varying levels of disabilities per outing, and owns two vehicles for transport.
“This is the first year I’ve been blessed to be able to hire two additional employees,” Haraburda added.
With the growth in attendance, extra help was desperately needed despite individuals attending on a rotating basis.
“The disabled have different struggles to deal with, so it varies when they can come,” said Haraburda. “But 85% of our individuals are pretty consistent on the days they come.”
How does One Day Niche work?
Participants meet at a designated place Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. Providers and caregivers may drop off participants, or One Day Niche employees pick up individuals as needed.
Each day includes a field trip and activities geared toward increasing basic living and social skills.
There is always fun to be had at One Day Niche (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
“Our focus is basic living within the community,” said Haraburda. “It can be job skills, but our focus is how we can be contributing members to the community at large.
“A lot of them struggle with social interactions; a lot of learning has taken place.”
Bowling, basketball, shopping, crafts, museums, parks, visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens and exploring ArtPrize are just a few examples of One Day Niche activities.
“In the fall, we spend a lot of time going to farms, doing fall activities [like] pumpkins, apple picking, hayrides and corn mazes,” said Haraburda.
Community engagement and giving back are an important aspect of One Day Niche.
“Thursday mornings we go to a church and give back,” said Haraburda. “We vacuum, take out the trash, wash windows and wipe down tables.”
Continuing to grow and dream
Haraburda’s initial idea was to have a large facility or gym that would allow them to have various activities on-site, as well as field trips.
“Buying a facility has been out of our reach so far,” Haraburda admitted. “It’s a long-term goal, to buy a place and have a site year-round where we can do activities.
“We have been very fortunate to make a lot of different connections, so every Wednesday we have access to a gym at a local church.”
Here’s how to join the fun
“We try to keep the registration process for the individuals and families very simple,” said Haraburda. “We know that caring for an individual with any type of disability is hard, so we try to make the process simple for anyone who would want to join in.”
Daily cost is $25 and includes six hours of the program and all activities for that day.
Haraburda said they are always looking for volunteers and college interns to help out.
“We have had families come and volunteer their time,” said Haraburda. “One family brought Nerf guns, so we had Nerf wars that day. It was a really fun day,” she added with a laugh.
“We are always looking for funding,” said Haraburda. “As a new nonprofit, that seems to be the hardest for us as we get off the ground. But we are expanding, and we love what we do and the services we have been able to offer the families.
“It’s been a journey, but it’s been a fun journey.”
Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning (Courtesy, Midstory)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Thousands of Michigan children are at risk of lead poisoning, but will soon be protected at schools and childcare centers.
On Oct. 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law “Filter First” legislation. This legislation consists of three bills that require the installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. Costs will be offset by $50 million dollars currently set aside in the state budget.
“Michigan lawmakers have just enacted the nation’s strongest measures protecting kids from lead in school and childcare centers,” said Cyndi Roper, Michigan senior policy advocate for NRDC. “These bills implement a solution that actually gets lead out of drinking water while also realizing dramatic cost savings over other approaches.”
“F” ranking prompts immediate action
The legislation’s passage comes after a nationwide Environment America report gave Michigan an F grade for its efforts to remove lead from school drinking water. With “Filter First” legislation becoming law, the ranking would be boosted to an A.
Lead levels are harmful in many locations (Courtesy, Midstory)
Research by Elin Betanzo, president and founder of Safe Water Engineering LLC, revealed that 89% of the 114 schools and childcare facilities that voluntarily submitted water samples to the state had dangerous amounts of lead in them.
Lead stunts mental, physical and social development. Young children, whose minds and bodies are growing most, are especially at risk. No amount of lead is safe.
“There has not been a bigger moment in the lead poisoning fight since lead paint was banned 45 years ago,” said Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council. “Momentum is on our side. We can make lead poisoning history, not current reality.”
The filters schools and childcare centers will install prevent lead found in fountains and taps from leaching into the water children and staff drink. Lead leaching is possible in water fixtures new and old, and is especially prevalent in those left unused for long periods of time. That makes schools and childcare centers, with their many breaks and weekend closures, especially prone to lead contamination.
More about the “Filter First” method
The policy within the legislation, dubbed “Filter First,” is more effective than replacing water infrastructure outright because even new plumbing contains lead. It is also hundreds of millions of dollars cheaper and much faster to implement, according to an analysis prepared by NRDC for the Filter First Coalition.
“Michigan school water data shows that 89% of sampled buildings found detectable lead in their water,” said Betanzo of Safe Water Engineering. “Since Birmingham Public Schools switched its drinking water to all filter stations, there hasn’t been any lead in any of their filtered water samples.
“The Filter First law ensures that all drinking water in Michigan schools and childcare centers will be filtered, improving water quality at more than 3,000 schools statewide and achieving results just like Birmingham.”
