Fall 2008

Kind Wordsfrom touchstone mental health

2829 un iver s i ty avenue s e su i t e 400

m inneapol i s mn 5 5 4 1 4 - 3 2 3 0

It’s easy to find beauty in the changing seasons. Amazing colors as the leaves turn. Blankets of freshly fallen snow. And the sights and sounds of migrating birds as they make their way south. Yet with this beauty comes other, less desirable, changes that impact the health and well-being of many Minnesotans; especially during the fall and winter months.

Increased StressFall brings several changes. School resumes, after-school sports and other extra-curricular activities are in full swing, and holiday planning begins. Busy schedules, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and a decrease in physical (outdoor) activities are common.

As winter settles in, slippery commutes to work and holiday gatherings, further decreases in physical activity, and holiday vacations can contribute to increased stress. Individuals with limited social supports often feel an increased sense of isolation and loneliness during this time, leading to what some refer to as the “holiday blues”.

Decreased Day LengthEach day, Minnesota enjoys more than 15 hours of daylight throughout the month of July. By December, the sun will rise and set each day in under 9 hours. It has been widely accepted that reductions in the amount of daylight contributes to conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and further work is being done to study the impact decreased sunlight has on physical health.

In Readings in Humanistic Psychiatry: An Emerging Model of Mental Illness, Kevin Turnquist, M.D., writes,

“Our emotions can be influenced by rhythms and cycles that we are only dimly aware of.

The biological tendency towards inactivity as winter sets in or to become more energetic with the sunny days of spring can go awry. Many people become depressed in the fall, as day lengths shorten. The increased incidence of mania in the springtime is a well recognized phenomenon.” http://www.kevinturnquist.org/emergingmodel.php

Essentially, it is thought that a person’s internal clock changes as the seasons change. In the fall and winter months, this can result in changes in physical and mental health as bodies adjust to the decrease in sunlight.

While many people experience physical and emotional changes, fall and winter months are especially difficult for individuals living with serious mental illness. Stress, feelings of anxiety and other mental health symptoms may be heightened. Medication and mental health coping skills become crucial as routines change.

Still, beauty can be found in the changing seasons. As members of our Photography Club found, winter is a great time to capture images of wintering eagles and swans. And throughout Touchstone Mental Health’s programs, persons with mental illness learn and practice coping and other skills needed to manage mental health symptoms. Touchstone’s model of building community supports provides opportunities for people to come together; reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Physical activities like yoga, walking clubs and other events; and the use of integrative (healing) services also help to reduce stress.

While seasonal changes can be challenging, the seasons can also be a time of beauty and joy.

Inside this issueSeasonal Changes 1

Pilot Program Launched 2

Staff Presentations 2

Creativity In Focus 3

Consumers’ Wish List 3

Adult Foster Care Homes 4

Creating A Healing Environment 4

Open House 4

Donors 2008 5

Photography Club 5

What’s New 5

I Want To Inspire 5

Mission And Vision 6

Recovery Starts With Hope 6

VOluME 8

ISSuE 3FAll 2008

SeaSonaL ChangeSBy Mary Penick, Development Director

Board Membersliz Sjaastad, ChairSara Barron-leerBill Cochraneleslie ConnellyMichaela DiercksMerrie Kaas, Ph.D.Katie lichty, Esq.Sharon Wilson

administrative TeamMartha lantz, lICSW , MBAExecutive Director

Glen Albert, lICSWDirector of Supportive Housing, Assisted Living

Birgit Kelly, lICSWProgram Director, Case Management Services

Michelle Wincell, lICSWTreatment Director, Residential Treatment

lynette AndersonFinance and Human Resources Director

Mary PenickDevelopment Director

Sherry ThompsonBilling and Accounts Payable Specialist

Molly leeHuman Resource Generalist

editorial StaffMartha lantzMary Penick

ProgramsaSSISTeD LIvIng aParTMenTS7376 Bass lake RoadNew Hope, MN 55428-3861(763) 536–[email protected]

InTenSIve rehaBILITaTIon anD CaSe ManageMenT ServICeS2829 university Avenue SE, Suite 400Minneapolis, MN 55414-3230(612) 874–[email protected]

InTenTIonaL CoMMunITIeS2025 Nicollet Avenue South, Suite 200BMinneapolis, MN 55404(612) 767–[email protected]

reSIDenTIaL TreaTMenT2516 E. 24th StreetMinneapolis, MN 55406-1209(612) 722–[email protected]

TOuCHSTONE MENTAl HEAlTH | PAGE 2

Mental health services and treatment options continue to evolve as providers navigate funding streams and budget changes. We incorporate new or improved treatments and medications, best practices, and the emerging needs of individuals served. At Touchstone Mental Health, we continue to explore treatment and rehabilitative models and modalities as well as new funding streams and partnerships in an effort to find the right formula to achieve our mission.

Touchstone is partnering with Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to develop a new model of Intensive Community Rehabilitative Services (Intensive Rehabilitation) which emphasizes recovery, wellness and rehabilitation along with case management. As a result, we have made changes to our programming and staffing structure and on September 1st began to offer a variety of services and treatment options through the new Intensive Rehabilitation model.

The 2-year pilot program integrates rehabilitative services with social service interventions and emphasizes the health of the body and spirit as well as the mind. A multidisciplinary team that includes a core group of clinicians works with the individual to identify personal recovery goals and develop a rehabilitation plan to meet those goals.

Team members may include mental health clinicians/practitioners and professionals, registered nurses, psychiatrists or certified nurse practitioners, service coordinators/case managers. The team works in partnership with the individual and provides assistance and support.

The team:• Supports health and wellness using an integrated

approach to address needs in areas such as

mental and physical health, and other co-occurring conditions

• Builds skills in managing mental illness and medications

• Supports the development of meaningful activities and relationships

• Supports the individual in meeting vocational and educational goals

• Provides independent living skills training and health and wellness education

• Facilitates connections to community resources and offers education and support to family members

Targeted Case Management services will be provided separately from Intensive Rehabilitation services and will be provided by specific members of the team. These services include needs assessments, service planning, referrals and progress monitoring.

As Intensive Rehabilitation is a pilot project, Touchstone will participate in the development and evaluation of the model. We will measure outcomes around improved recovery and extended community tenure as well as reductions in the use of emergency services and long-term hospitalizations or commitments.

The next two years pose potential challenges, inspiration, growth, change and creativity for the program formerly known as Touchstone Case Management Services. Touchstone will continue to emphasize effective, compassionate client-centered service as the program evolves.

PILoT PrograM LaunCheD SePTeMBer 1By Birgit Kelly, LICSW

STaFF PreSenTaTIonSTouchstone Mental Health staff conducted the following trainings at the 2008 Fall Conference of the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs.

Providing Integrated Health Care: Meeting Client Needs on a Mind, Body and Spirit Level – Birgit Kelly, MSW, lICSW, led the panel presentation. Other panel members included Merrie Kaas, David Hottinger and Kara Vangen. Panel members discussed the integration of conventional mental health, primary

care and integrative or “alternative medicine” services. The discussion included values, challenges and strategies for integrating care from a client-centered perspective.

Using the Four Agreements in Supervision & Leadership Based on the Teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz – Michelle Wincell, MA, lICSW, provided training on The Four Agreements, (Ruiz 1997), and its application to supervision and leadership in a mental health setting. The training provided effective tools for communication, empowerment, professional development and meaningfulness in the workplace.

PAGE 3 | TOuCHSTONE MENTAl HEAlTH

“bass lake” by larry

ConSuMerS’ WISh LIST

Arts and crafts projects and suppliesDonations for medication co-paysGift cards/certificates, memberships or related (to purchase shoes, winter coats, clothing items and household products; for hair cuts; YWCA or other individual or facility health club memberships; punch cards for FuMC therapeutic pool, long distance phone cards and free or low-cost veterinarian services)Household and personal care products (dish and laundry soap, dryer sheets, paper towels, facial tissue, toiler paper, shampoo and conditioner, dental floss, toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental work and deodorant)Musical instruments and supplies (piano bench, guitar stand, piano and guitar sheet music)Outdoor fall flower arrangementsPhotography equipment (digital cameras, tripod, new computer with photo imaging software, printer and photo paper)Recreational products (magazine subscriptions, movie tickets, TVs, DVD players, VCR tapes/DVDs, 10-speed bicycles, exercise balls, small free-weight set, meditation pillows and music)Touchstones with inspirational words or symbolsWinter clothing (wool socks, gloves and hats including size XXl or XXXl)Board games (Bingo, Risk, Scrabble, Battleship and others)

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When I first toured Touchstone Assisted living, I was impressed by the photographs lining the walls. I met Shawna, a member of the Photography Club, and she provided me with a tour of the Club’s current exhibit.

She spoke about each photo and of trips to Como, Minnehaha Falls and other locations. These trips yielded amazing photos; flowers, waterfalls and animals – full of brilliant colors and stark contrasts.

The exhibit and tour were impressive. It soon became clear that being a member of the Club involved more than taking and displaying the photos. I wanted to learn more and asked to talk with Shawna and other Club members at the next meeting. During that meeting, members talked to me about their photos and perspectives on what photography, and the Club, meant to them.

Dan likes to get out to different places and has provided several suggestions for group outings. He has taken an active role in planning these outings, and recently coordinated a trip to his family farm in Buffalo.

Armand: “Being in nature gives me a sense of serenity. I like being out there and seeing different things as they look through the camera lens. You should try it!”

larry: “looking at the photo takes me back to the day I was there. It’s like a light goes on and I know what to name it.”

Shawna: “Photography helps with stress. I’ve never done this before and it’s fun.”

continued on page 4

CreaTIvITy In FoCuSBy Mary Penick, Development Director

“otta here” by armand

“shoreline” by larry

“river fall pond” by shawna

“green water” by shawna

CreaTIvITy In FoCuS continued from page 3


“i’m falling” by armand “yogi grizzly bear” by dan

CreaTIng a heaLIng envIronMenTBy Michelle Wincell, LICSW • Treatment Director – Residential TreatmentIn the article, “Expressing a Healing Word” (Summer 2007 issue of Kind Words), I talked of plans for physical changes designed to improve the flow of healing energy at Touchstone Residential Treatment. I’m pleased to announce that the past several months have marked unbelievable change! We have added new colors, spaces and furniture to create a healing environment for residents and staff. New carpet will soon be added. The spaces were designed to create a beautiful physical envi-ronment that is soothing, functional and flexible.

The healing environment extends to the outdoors where our peaceful, organic garden area was in full bloom for the first time this summer.

The theme has been continued throughout the building; with staff adding personal touches and warm décor in their office spaces and throughout the building for maximum effect.

walking path – touchstone residential photo taken by bruce o’leary, volunteer

oPen houSeOn November 20, 2008, we will celebrate with an open house complete with a jazz combo, appetizers and honorary events. We hope you will share in our excitement by joining us for a tour, visiting with our staff, and taking a few moments out of your day to just relax in our healing environment. If you are interested in attending or would like to receive more information please contact Mary Penick at (612) 767-2161 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.touchstonemh.org for updates.

organic garden – touchstone residential photo taken by bruce o’leary, volunteer

TouChSTone To oPen TWo aDuLT FoSTer Care hoMeS

Touchstone Mental Health will open two new Adult Foster Care Homes in Hennepin County. The Adult Foster Care project follows the Intentional Community model of supportive housing. The model emphasizes both professional and natural supports as the means of retaining healthy tenure in the community and draws from Recovery values and practices to support residents in developing, governing, and sustaining a community of peers that acts as a natural support system and pathway to recovery.

Based on the belief that individuals do not recover well in isolation, Touchstone brings individuals together to support each other. Residents will share responsibilities for structuring the program and the homes will be located in close proximity to each other to support the development of community between the groups.

With our staff ’s assistance, individuals will identify and work toward personal goals; learn to manage symptoms and medications; develop skills in identified areas; and find or develop supportive relationships. Goals of the program include reducing the frequency of community hospitalizations, decreasing the use of crisis or acute psychiatric services, and increasing community tenure through placement in safe, stable housing.

We are currently seeking contributions to help furnish both of the four-bedroom homes. Contact

Mary Penick at [email protected] or (612) 767-2161 for more information.

ThanK you TouChSTone MenTaL heaLTh DonorSJanuary 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008IndividualsGlen AlbertAnonymous (2)Sara Barron-leerJudy BernierBirgit E. BirkelandDon and Betty CashinWilliam l. and Susan M. CochraneMichaela DiercksWasil G. FiedorowEric and Brenda lantzGlade and lois lantzKatie lichtyCarolyn “Meadow” MuskaMichael and Kate Gardos ReidMargaret A. RoserMaryAnn Watters

Ceil raleigh endowment FundAnonymouslynette Anderson leslie and Michael ConnellyMerrie J. Kaas

Cynthia riggs Memorial Fundlyn Badje Gerdis in honor of

Yvonne JallowMichael and Kate Gardos Reid

Connie and Bill RiggsDavid SagulaBarbara SobocinskiDan and Carol Williams

In Memory ofMargaret A. Roser in memory of

Carl G. RoserClaire M. Wright in memory of

Mary J. Wright

In honor ofSharon Anderson in honor of

Daniel AndersonAnonymous in honor of

Michelle WincellDon and Betty Cashin in honor of

Kathy CashinRev. and Mrs. Harley Swiggum in

honor of Tami Swiggum

In-Kind DonationsConi BellMaryAnn CarolanHolly CashinChipotle’s RestaurantMartha lantzCarolyn lohmanKim MakieGeneral MillsJoe

lynde Greenhouse and NurseryPeggy Matthies NelsenMcQuay InternationalMinnesota Twins Baseball ClubPanera BreadMargaret and Carl Roserliz and John SjaastadHeidi Van AmburgMichelle Wincell

volunteersGrace HeermenZoe KellyAbby MoranGlenna NelsenBruce O’learyJan Pagelisa PattonKristin SchmidtHannah Skiba

Thank you for supporting our mission! Please accept our apology and contact Mary Penick if you are listed incorrectly or were omitted from the list.

PAGE 5 | TOuCHSTONE MENTAl HEAlTH

PhoTograPhy CLuBBy Mary Penick, with Tami Swiggum, MA ATR-B.C., LISWThe Photography Club at Touchstone Assisted living Apartments started in January 2008. At each meeting, members discuss the types of photos they would like to take and suggest trips to different community locations. The Club’s first trip was to Monticello, where they photographed a large group of wild swans wintering at an opening in the Mississippi River. This was followed by a trip to Wabasha to photograph wintering eagles, trips to the Como Conservatory and Minnehaha Falls, and to other community locations.

Members learn the technical skills required to operate a digital camera. The finished products provide a sense of mastery and accomplishment. According to Tami Swiggum, Activities Coordinator, “The Photography Club provides a creative outlet for self-expression, as well as an opportunity for members to showcase their talents.”

Two exhibits have been completed and members are working on a third. “A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ready a piece for an

exhibit,” said Tami. “Photographs are often hand printed, matted and framed. Photographers select photographs to exhibit and create titles for each. This often adds a whole new dimension of meaning to the imagery created.”

In the Summer 2007 issue of Kind Words, Glen Albert, lICSW and Director of the Assisted living Apartments, wrote the article, “Dropping a Healing Pebble.” In that article, he spoke of healing as a central theme throughout Touchstone.

“A healing environment encourages a sense of belonging, a sense of community with others. It does more than support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being; it enriches and stimulates living.” This is witnessed when talking to Club members. When asked what they felt they gained from being in the Club, all described being part of a team and “getting out into the community to see something new,” as the most important benefits they received.

WhaT’S neWMary Penick, Development DirectorMary Penick joined Touchstone Mental Health in July 2008 as the new Development Director. Mary has a BA in Education and 7+ years experience in fund development. She has worked for nonprofit organizations for over 12 years, including Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota, Second Harvest Heartland and RESOuRCE, Inc.

“I am passionate about Touchstone’s mission to inspire hope, healing and well-being. I have almost lost family members to symptoms of serious mental illness. I know first-hand the toll mental illness, left untreated, can take on individuals, their families and communities. I believe the services we offer are crucial and look forward to helping to further our mission.”

I WanT To InSPIre!Support Touchstone’s mission by:

InForMIng – How has serious mental illness impacted your life and the lives of your loved ones (at home, at work, at school and in the community)? Do you have stories of hope and healing? Can you help identify gaps in supports or offer insights into existing or emerging needs? We would love to hear from you!

DonaTIng – Contributions are needed to support adult foster care start-up costs, healing services, and other consumer needs.

• Help us increase contributions by connecting us with family, friends and others.

• If you currently support Touchstone, check to see if your employer offers a Matching Gift program.

• Consider Touchstone Mental Health in your Planned Giving.

For more information about informing or donating, contact Mary Penick at [email protected] or (612) 767-2161.

voLunTeerIng – Visit our website for more information or call (612) 874-6409 and ask for our Volunteer Coordinator.

2829 un iver s i ty avenue s e su i t e 400

m inneapol i s mn 5 5 4 1 4 - 3 2 3 0

reCovery STarTS WITh hoPeBy Mike Morris, Touchstone Residential Mental Health CounselorOne of the most important vehicles of change for individuals with mental illness is “hope.” At Touchstone Residential Treatment, we help individuals begin to identify what mental illness recovery looks like; inspiring hope for a brighter future.

Michael, a 23-year-old male with Bipolar Disorder, came to Touchstone Residential Treatment in June 2008. First diagnosed in January 2007, Michael suspects the illness emerged around the age of 10. Over the next several years, he fluctuated between two stages: 1) high impulsivity, risky behavior, and trouble sleeping; and 2) low mood and little or no energy and motivation. ultimately, Michael was expelled from school followed by a series of hospitalizations.

During this period, Michael became used to hearing himself described as unpredictable and unmotivated. He did not follow through with treatment plans and struggled to find hope.

While at Touchstone, Michael began to envision a future of self-sufficiency. Staff helped him set recovery goals and identify skills needed to achieve those goals. He learned several techniques to help manage symptoms of anxiety and paranoia. He practiced using positive self-talk, rationalizing through paranoia, going for walks and using his social support system. Although he struggled with occasional symptoms throughout his stay at Touchstone, he was able to minimize the severity of those symptoms.

Michael worked hard and seemed to gain insight into his mental illness while at Touchstone. He has since found independent housing in the community and has registered to attend classes at a local community college.

Michael’s recovery goals fueled him with motivation, determination and most importantly, hope.

MissionTouchstone Mental Health inspires hope, healing and well-being.

VisionTouchstone Mental Health is a center of excellence, providing quality programs, services and products to assure that people living with mental illness can enjoy the highest quality of life and achieve their greatest personal potential. Touchstone builds on its history of innovation to deepen, grow and sustain its programs to meet existing and emerging needs.

organizational excellence is enhanced through:• Effective strategic alliances• Quality staff and leadership• Increased visibility

and is supported by:• updated technology• Diversified base of funding


Documents

Fall 2008