The Mental Health Association in Niagara County, Inc.

Winter 2013

Volume 100

Hello,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! Can you believe it’s 2013 already? 2012 went

by so fast that I can’t even remember half of what I did in those twelve months. What about

you?

January and February can be very difficult months when it comes to experiencing feelings of

anxiety, depression, sadness, loneliness, frustration or just plain anger. Maybe you over extend-

ed your budget during the holidays and the bills are now piling in. Maybe you didn’t have such

a great time with Aunt Joan or Cousin Ed. Perhaps they bragged about having such great lives

and don’t seem to have a care in the world while you’ve have to struggle for everything. Maybe

you’re just tired of everyone walking around acting as if everything is good and you’re just plain

miserable. Any of these things can trigger different emotions. It’s when these emotions become

so negative that they seem to get hard to control that we need to take a step back, recognize

that we may need some help and actually reach out for it. It’s important to remember that eve-

ryone feels sad, lonely, depressed or angry from time to time. What we do with these feelings

and how we respond to them makes a huge difference.

If you’re having a bad day, a bad week or are concerned about what’s going on in your head, the

MHA is here to help. Stop in for a cup of coffee or call (716) 433-3780 and we can chat. If need-

ed, we can help you find a professional to talk to, we can find a support group that addresses

issues you may be having or we can find an agency for you that has a program that addresses

your particular needs. Millions of Americans suffer from some type of mental illness such as

drug and /or alcohol addiction, personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxie-

ty and/or depression each year. There are many ways of treating mental disorders including

psychotherapy, group therapy, and medications. In many instances, just having a person to con-

fide in, someone who will sit and listen without judgment can also be a huge help.

If you are concerned that something might be wrong, that you’re feeling overwhelmed or know

of someone that you are worried about, pick up the phone and call the Mental Health Associa-

tion. Don’t let your problems get so big that you can’t control your negative thoughts and or be-

haviors.

A few things that might help you feel better can include exercise, better nutrition, getting a

good night’s sleep, spending time with family, friends or pets, watching a good movie, reading a

good book or how about taking a nice long walk in the crisp cold air while thinking of all the

good that is in your life. Groucho Marx once stated the following: “I, not events, have the pow-

er to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.”

Here’s to a great new year , and remember . . . .

I’ll have the coffee pot on!

Cheryl

Inside this issue of

VOICE Winter 2013:

Cover Feature

Special Message from

MHA Executive Director

Cheryl Blacklock

Support Group Strength

Support Group Info 2

Compeer for Kids

Family Network

Resource Library

Book Review

3

Compeer for Adults

In Home Respite

4

Compeer Niagara News

5

Community Education

Nutrition Classes—Free!

CPAC

6

Youth Education

MHA Info

7

Final Thoughts 8

Tips on Fighting those

Wintertime Blues!

From the desk of the Executive Director

Voice Page 2

Depression /Anxiety Support Groups

The Mental Health Association,

Group meets every Thursday at 36 Pine Street

Lockport from 6p.m. to 8 p.m.

DeGraff Hospital

North Tonawanda

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month

from 6pm-7:30pm

Alzheimer’s Group

The Mental Health Association in Niagara County

sponsors an Alzheimer’s support group for caregivers

of those with Alzheimer’s and other memory prob-

lems.

1st & 3rd Thursday of each month

1 pm – 3 pm

36 Pine Street , Lockport

GriefShare

A support group for adults coping with the sud-

den traumatic death of a loved one. Meetings

are held at the following locations:

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center,

621-10th Street, Niagara Falls, NY

6th Floor - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month,

6:00pm-7:30pm

Mental Health Association,

36 Pine Street, Lockport,

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month

6:00pm-7:30pm

Art for Relaxation

Every Wednesday,

12 noon-3pm

Urban Park Towers

THE VALUE OF SUPPORT GROUPS

By Jackie Kenney

Almost four years ago I took on a new challenge – facilitating a support group for those dealing with anxiety and depression. For many years the MHA had supported a group at DeGraff Hospital in North Tonawanda led by the wonderful Frank Budway. Over the years the need declined and the group ended. But requests had been coming in and so we decided to offer a group again.

Our rules are simple – the support group is just like Las Vegas; what is said there, stays there. And over time, the level of trust that has developed is quite remarkable. The participants have formed a network of friendship, caring and concern that is heartwarming. Some of the same faces have appeared around the table for several years, but there is always a warm wel-come and interest shown to any one new who tries out the group for the first time.

Some other rules include being open and honest with yourself and others. Another very important rule is to bring good cheer and optimism to the meetings – everyone needs good feelings and positive feedback and we all have the ability to give this to others. Reach out and take a chance on getting to know the other members of the group, but always maintain healthy bounda-ries in your relationships.

The box of tissues is always handy, because crying is safe in the group and sometimes helps to relieve stress. We always try to remember that we are all stronger than we may credit ourselves to be, and that we can take steps to change our situations.

I have learned a great deal from the members of the group, and much about myself during this time. Listening and learning and helping each other are positive forces in our progress to improve. Although never a replacement for sessions with a thera-pist, counselor or other medical professional, the group can help to fill a void in your life left by those who don’t understand or empathize.

The MHA maintains a library of books and videos

on a wide range of issues, available for you to

borrow. For a list of the new additions to our

library, please visit the website at

www.mhanc.com or call us at 433-3780. A spe-

cial bonus for visiting our website: you can read

additional book reviews submitted by our staff!

Our Resource Library

Winter 2013 Page 3

Compeer for Kids

Heather Jones, Compeer Coordinator

Compeer for Kids Winter News

The Compeer for Kids families and I have enjoyed a wonderful fall and winter so far. We spent the afternoon tour-

ing Murphy’s Orchards and enjoyed home-made cider. In October the kids and I made Halloween crafts and fruit

and veggie platters. Amazing how the kids loved fruits and veggies more than chips! The families were also given

Regal movie passes to enjoy at their leisure. It was great timing because so many Halloween movies had just come

out. In respect for Veteran’s Day, the kids adopted a troop overseas and packed and sent care packages to them. I

only hope I addressed it correctly- it was tricky! They were very proud to have been able to send some much need-

ed support to our troops. They also included letters and drawings-which were hilarious. We went for a dip at the

YMCA. How fun to be able to swim in November. Finally in December all of the families were invited to a Holiday

party at The Wheatfield Community Center. It was catered by Mr. and Mrs. Catering and the food was great. The

kids made ornaments, wrote letters to Santa, had their faces painted, and made cards. The final touch was cups of

hot chocolate and a reading of the Polar Express. They loved it! Each child got to take home a bell necklace like

the one from the book. It has been a terrific end to the year. I look forward to 2013 and hope all of our families had

a wonderful holiday season. Please remember that while I am able to provide supportive services to families we

are still in desperate need of volunteers! These are awesome kids who need just 4 hours a month of your time. You

could make a difference in a child’s life!

We are very pleased to announce the new name for Niagara County’s Family Support Program - Niagara Frontier Family Network. Here are some changes and updates:

The former SMILE groups are now called Family Meetings.

Family Meeting times and locations have changed:

Lockport will continue to meet at the Dale Association on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month,

from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. These meeting will start on February 19th.

Wheatfield will continue to meet at the Wheatfield Community Center on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of

the month. These meetings will start on February 11th.

Niagara Falls will meet at the First Presbyterian Church on 3111 First Street on the 2nd and 4th

Thursdays of the month. These meetings will start on February 14th.

Childcare and youth activities will continue at the Lockport and Wheatfield Family Meetings. Childcare will

also be provided at Niagara Falls when school in not in session or based on need with previous arrange-

ments.

BOOK REVIEW

By Jackie Kenney

“It Could Happen to Anyone” by Ola Barnett and Alyce LaViolette at-

tempts to help us understand why battered women stay. If you have

never experienced family violence it may be difficult to understand why

women don’t just leave the first time they are hit. How does someone

end up in a situation that is so destructive and demeaning and why do

they stay year after year? The case histories and descriptions in this

book offer some insight into the insidious circumstances and the behav-

ior that can gradually trap someone in a nightmare of abuse and vio-

lence.

Voice

by Stacy Bowman Compeer Coordinator

Page 4

In-Home Respite

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and as we embark on a brand

new year I want to share an idea that I came across that I found rather valua-

ble; the gratitude jar. It is suggested to start your year with an empty jar and

fill it with notes throughout the year about good things that happened or fun

things that you did. At the end of the year, empty the jar to remember all the

wonderful things that happened. When bad things happen, it's easy to forget

the good things, isn't it? For me, sometimes I feel like I focus on whatever

that one bad thing is and forget to put everything in perspective. Because I

am a baseball fan, my comparison is that I feel like I am constantly trying to

adapt to the curve balls that life throws at me that I ending up striking out

because I missed 3 perfect pitches. Needless to say, I have my jar ready so now it’s time for

you to get yours.

I do know that I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as the Adult Com-peer Coordinator. As I spent countless hours preparing events for the upcoming year, I dis-covered that great activities don't just happen; they’re designed. You think about it, plan it,

and then design it. After conducting a recent survey, I graciously accepted the input from oth-ers and hope that at least 12 of the slips that go in your jar throughout the year are reminders

of the fun times you had with Compeer. I furthermore hope that you enjoy the activities as much as I do. In my opinion, Compeer Niagara is lacking only one thing; volunteers. Spread the word to neighbors, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Should you have the desire to vol-

unteer or know of someone who would be interested in doing so, please contact Stacy at (716) 433-3780 ext.309. I would be pleased to provide you with additional information about the

program and answer any questions one may have by phone or in person.

Compeer for Adults

by Aaron Griffin In-Home Respite Coordinator

We are working to expand our In Home Respite program. We have hours available for fami-

lies to use for respite. Don’t forget we have family friendly games, movies and snacks that can

be included in your respite. Just mention your request when you call to schedule a respite.

We have been working with families to have a safe and exciting season. We have been provid-

ing outside respites, weather permitting. This allows the children fresh air and exercise. The children have enjoyed basketball, playing catch, baseball and running. It has been a hit with

respite workers, parents and children alike.

We are looking forward to the start of a new year. Everyone will be back to their regular schedules and ready for new challenges. Don’t forget respite is available for parents to go to open house at school, doctors’ appointments or just a break to have a quiet cup of coffee. For

more information call Aaron Griffin at 433-3780.

Winter 2013 Page 5

As Compeer Niagara leaves its 27th year and looks forward to its 28th year of serv-ing people in Niagara County, we’re hopeful we can serve even more participants

who are waiting to be matched in supportive friendships.

A big THANK YOU goes to our Compeer volunteers. I’ve always said Compeer’s team of volunteers is the best. They perform minor miracles weekly in their loyalty and creative support of their Compeer friends. Several years ago I heard someone say that people may forget what you say, they may forget what you do, but people will never forget how you make them feel. Compeer volunteers are tops in making participants feel welcome and comfortable at activities, knowing it may be someone’s first time with us. It’s sometimes uncomfortable for any of us to go to an event by ourself. What a relief to receive a smile and a hello when you walk in the door. My sincere thank you

to volunteers who make that extra effort.

To our program participants who are waiting to be matched, thank you for your patience. We do our best every

day. Betty, Heather, Stacy and myself are in the office just a phone call away. Let us know how you’re doing; we

really do enjoy your phone calls and are here to answer any questions. Compeer’s goal is to match every consum-er who joins our program with a volunteer, though it may take some time. This volunteer makes a one year com-mitment to the program, gets together several times a month and is a supportive friend.

Why not become a new friend to someone who doesn’t know the joy of having a friend. As little time as one hour a week may not seem like enough to make any difference, but one hour a week can make a big difference to someone who simply needs a listening ear or an interested friend.

Volunteers throughout Niagara County are needed. You’ll be matched with someone who lives near you. We have many people waiting to be matched who would be so interesting to spend time with. Find out how easy it is to be a mentor, advocate or friend. Adult and youth matches are available. Training and ongoing support is provided on an individual basis. Once you meet our other volunteers, you’ll be so glad you made that phone call. Your gift of friendship is priceless. The need is great and the commitment is small. You’ll wonder what took you so long to

find us. Call Compeer at 433-3780 to find out about the application process-we’ll show you how.

Hoping to hear from you and wishing you and yours a happy new year.

Compeer Niagara

by Linda Stevens Compeer Director

Page 6 Voice

Consumer Activities-CPAC

It’s that time of year for all to celebrate the Christ-

mas holiday, and beginning of a new exciting year.

It’s a perfect time to attend a CPAC (Consumer Planning Advisory Committee) meet-

ing. The meetings are held once a month alternatively at the Lockport Public Library

and Pros Building in Niagara Falls. The meetings are the fourth Thursday of the

month, the start time varies so call for more information.

Sometimes speakers are invited to the meetings to talk on subjects of interest to the

group. We have had speakers talk about Medicaid, Domestic Violence and Tenant

Rights. Topics of interest are suggested by attendees.

If you are on the CPAC mailing list, you will receive a postcard reminder with date and

time of the next meeting. The card will also have information on a speaker if there is

one that month. Come join us, we like to share information and ideas. To be added to

the mailing list or find out information on the next meeting, call 433-3780 extension

304, or ask for Aaron Griffin.

Community Education

By Aaron Griffin Consumer Activities Coordinator

Do you want to:

Stretch your food dollar$

Plan & prepare quick, easy meals

Make healthy choices for you and your family?

Sign up now, and start

eating better, feeling

better, and doing better!

FREE classes will be held at 1:30 P.M.

January 24, 31

February 7, 14, 21, 28

March 7

Mental Health Association

36 Pine Street

Lockport, NY 14094

Contact Chris Brown

(716) 433 - 8839 ext. 238 or

Mental Health Association

Page 7 Winter 2013

Become a Friend of MHA

Membership to MHA Niagara offers the oppor-

tunity to improve the services provided to

individuals with mental illness, and also to

promote mental health education.

To become a member:

I would like to become a member of the

Mental Health Association in Niagara

County, Inc. I understand membership

entitles me to receive the VOICE news-

letter, use of the resource library and

access to all Mental Health Association

educational programs and conferences, as

well as voting rights at the Annual Meet-

ing.

Membership Rates

Senior/Student $10.00

Individual $15.00

Mental Health Worker $20.00

Family $25.00

Organization $50.00

Sustaining $100.00

Corporate $500.00

Person’s Name

To make a donation:

Please accept this donation:

In memory of In honor of

Amount of Donation: $ ___________________

For Memberships and Donations:

Please fill out contact information below and

mail this form to:

The Mental Health Association

36 Pine St

Lockport NY 14094

Make check payable to: “The Mental Health

Your Name

Address (Street and Apartment No.)

Phone

City State Zip

Go Green!

Ask to receive

this newsletter

Please send me the VOICE news-

letter by email.

Email Address (please write clearly)

Sending this newsletter by email

saves us money and helps us reduce

the amount of paper we use. We ask

both new and existing members to

consider an electronic subscription!

Call us, use the form below, or send

your request by email to

web@mhanc.com

Here at MHA we provide education-

al information on the latest current

events affecting your community

and youth. Currently, in the Youth

Education Department, we have

been working on community aware-

ness of the growing bullying epidem-

ic.

In present day society bullying has

become a continuous challenge for

our youth. American schools report

that approximately 1/3 of the stu-

dent population is being bullied each

year, that’s 8.3 million children be-

tween the ages of 12-18 years old!

Only 36% of the incidents are report-

ed to an adult, leaving children fear-

ful of an attack or intimidation, and

as a result missing school.

Bullying can lead to feelings of fear,

tension, and anxiety. It can also af-

fect a student’s concentration, and in

some cases have them avoid school

all together. If the bullying contin-

ues for an extensive period, it can

Youth Education

Youth Education lead to low self esteem and self

worth, as well as isolation and sep-

aration from others. Bullying can

be very devastating and in severe

cases can lead to suicide.

The Mental Health Association

has created an hour assembly ded-

icated to the awareness and pre-

vention of bullying. The target au-

dience is the community itself, in-

cluding but not limited to educa-

tors, parents, youth workers, and

students themselves. If you are

interested and would like more

information, please contact the

MHA at (716)433-3780.

Mental Health Association

In Niagara County, Inc.

Mission Statement

The Mental Health Association in Niag-

ara County, Inc. will offer programs

and services aimed at promoting men-

tal health while advocating for individ-

uals with mental illnesses and working

toward dispelling commonly held mis-

understandings regarding mental ill-

nesses

Executive Board

Cheryl Blacklock - Executive Director Rebecca Edmister- President

Dona Chase - Treasurer Stacy Passino - Secretary

Board Members John Emborsky Jeffery Peresie Frances Crosby Rhonda Bivins Douglas Luke Joe Claypoole David Skiba

Funded by the New York State Office of Men-

tal Health, the Niagara County Department

of Mental Health, the Eastern Niagara United

Way, the United Way of Niagara, the United

Way of the Tonawandas, grants, member-

ships and voluntary contributions.

36 Pine Street Lockport NY 14094

Mental Health Association in Niagara County, Inc.

Phone: 716-433-3780 Fax: 716-433-3847

We’re on the web!

www.mhanc.com

Find us on Facebook at

“MHAniagara”

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

Lockport, NY 14094

Permit NO. 453

MHA 45 Years!

The “winter blues” are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and

low energy that many people experience during the cold season. Luckily, there's a lot

you can do to try to prevent the blues from coming on!

Exercise

Eat a healthy diet

Get some sun

Act on your resolutions

Treat yourself

RELAX!!

Embrace the season

Catch some Zzzzzz’s

Get social support