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V o i c e Newsletter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Racine County, Inc.

Support....Education….Advocacy....Research

Summer/Fall Issue

August 2017

PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY ERIN REEVES

Hello!

This summer has brought about some positive and new changes here at the NAMI Racine County office. I would like to take this opportunity thank the Board of Directors for electing me as the new Board President. I have been a board member for the past two years and am eager and excited to maintain the high standards set as under the leadership of former Executive Director, Dr. Mike Boticki, and past Board President, Nick Hempel. These two gentlemen are assets to NAMI and will be missed greatly.

As change is a process not an event, I welcome you to reach out to either myself, a board member or any staff member at our office if you need information or have unanswered questions. Another change at our office is the newly hired Executive Director, Marina Pappas, who will be starting in her new role mid-August. Marina comes to us with a strong background rooted in the NAMI mission. Her strong credentials and initiative will allow for a smooth transition.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the other movers and shakers here in our organization—our Board of Directors, our mission driven staff and our many volunteers! Your commitment is recognized and appreciated beyond words. Thank you!

Speaking of moving and shaking — there is scientific research that people with mental illness show significant improvements in their mental health by raising their physical health and wellbeing. Summer is here and we should enjoy every minute.

LET’S GET ACTIVE! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 10th for our annual Bike ‘n Hike fundraiser, which is held at Waterford High School. Registration starts at 8am and the event ends at 3pm, with lunch being served in between. See the full details in this newsletter or on our website. Bring your family and friends out to enjoy the great outdoors through biking or walking while supporting a cause that affects everyone. Historically, 85% of the money raised helps us to continue to offer our services and programs free to those who need them the most.

Regards,

Erin Reeves

Board President

Summer / Fall 2017

The NAMI Racine County

voice is published by the

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Racine County, Inc.

2300 DeKoven Avenue Racine, WI 53403

Phone: (262) 637-0582 Fax: (262) 637-0376

Program Director Phone: (262) 637-6200

www.namiracinecounty.org

Marina Pappas, Executive Director

Joan Cudewicz, Administrative

Assistant

Michelle Perri, Program Director

Mary Wilson and Clark Hunholz, Outreach Coordinators

Luann Simpson, Peer Consultant

April Fuhrman, Peer Specialist

Linda Jacob, Volunteer Editor

Officers & Board of Directors

President: Erin Reeves Vice President: Julie Hueller

Secretary: Mary Peterson Treasurer: Leigh Ann Elcano

Andre Bennett Pam DeGroot Andrew Fox Kim Granger Liz Hanson Marta Kultgen Mary Paetsch Myah Pazdera Randy Post Chris Terry

NAMI RACINE COUNTY

NEW NAMI MEMBERS We would like to thank the following people who have

joined NAMI Racine County in the recent months:

Mike Doe

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin

Consider joining NAMI Racine to help us continue our

mission to improve the quality of life through support,

education, and advocacy for all whose lives are affected

by mental illness. For information on how to become a

member, see the back page of this newsletter.

Visit our calendar on the website at www.namiracine.org for support group descriptions, or call the NAMI Racine County office at 262-637-0582 if you have any questions regarding the events or support groups listed.

MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS

NAMI Connection Consumer recovery support group

• Every Monday 11:00am—12:30pm NAMI office, 2300 DeKoven Ave.

• Every Wednesday 2:00pm—3:30pm All Saints Hospital -Wisconsin Ave. Campus, 1320 Wisconsin Ave., Horlick Room

• Every Thursday 6:00pm—7:30pm All Saints Hospital - Wisconsin Ave. Campus, 1320 Wisconsin Ave., Memorial Dining Room Follow the yellow signs

Bipolar/Depression Support Group • 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:00pm—7:30pm Professional Office Bldg., 1244 Wisconsin Ave

Schizophrenia Support Group • 2nd Monday, 10:30am at Racine Friendship Clubhouse, 2000 17th Street

Teen Talk Support Group For High School aged teens living with mental illness

• 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 4:00pm NAMI office, 2300 DeKoven Ave.

Family and Friends Support Group For persons with an adult loved one living with a mental illness

• 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 pm All Saints Hospital—Wisconsin Ave. Campus 1320 Wisconsin Ave., Horlick Room (formerly St. Luke’s Hospital)

Solos: Survivor of a loved ones suicide For adults who have lost a loved one to suicide

• 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month, 6:00 pm

• All Saints Hospital, 3801 Spring Street.

• Check our website or call NAMI Racine County for the correct room location

In Burlington: at Love, Inc. Consumer self-help group • 2nd Monday, 6:30pm

• 4th Saturday, 12:30pm 480 Pine St., Burlington

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer / Fall 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS

Crisis Intervention Partner (CIP) Training

New session starting in September

What is Crisis Intervention Partner training?

Family to Family NAMI’s Signature Family Education Program

New session starting in September

Registration instructions: Follow your agency’s training approval process

When: September 18-19, 2017

Location: Gateway Technical College – Racine Campus

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 21, 2017

Download a registration form at www.namiracinecounty.org

Call or Email Joan at NAMI Racine County (jcudewicz@namiracine.org) for a registration form. Mail, fax, or email registration form to Joan by the deadline.

When: Every Monday, starting September 18th through December 4th

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm, at the NAMI office

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 1, 2017

Space is limited, so register now by calling Joan at NAMI Racine

at 262-637-0582

• Family to Family education course provides information, insight, understanding and empowerment for family members, friends, or direct caregivers of an adult living with mental illness.

• The course is taught by trained teachers who are family members who have lived with this experience.

• The course consists of 12 classes, each lasting for 2.5 hours.

• All instruction & materials are NO COST to participants. To participate, you must meet the criteria and commit to attend all 12 classes.

This two-day workshop (8:00a.m.- 5:00p.m), modeled

after the CIT format, is designed for individuals who

work in professions related to crisis services (corrections

officers, dispatchers, Human Services, EMS personnel,

fire fighters, educators, hospital and emergency room personnel, shelter staff, etc.) The CIP curriculum is

designed to help you recognize and understand signs and

symptoms of mental illness, such as depression, bipolar

disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders, and also

associated illnesses, such as dementia. It is a proven

system of effective management of psychiatric crisis

situations which emphasizes safety for you and those in

crisis. The techniques taught in this course are applicable

to nearly any type of crisis situation whether the mental

health of an involved party is a factor or not.

This is your chance to take advantage of the Crisis

Intervention Partner (CIP) program. Through collaboration between Racine County and NAMI Racine (National

Alliance on Mental Illness of Racine County) you can

participate in this program. CIP is based upon Crisis

Intervention Team (CIT) training provided to law enforcement

officers. Over 1,000 Wisconsin law enforcement professionals

have already learned this state-of-the-art method of

dealing with persons in psychiatric crisis.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

This year’s NAMI Convention was held June28-July 1st at

the Washington Hyatt in Washington, DC. Three NAMI

Racine County members attended the convention: Pat

Bohon, Lynelle Saunders and Luann Simpson. The highlight

of this year’s convention was Hill Day held on June 29th as

1000 NAMI members hit the Hill to advocate for legislative

issues effecting individuals living with mental illness and

their family members. With healthcare in the balance

NAMI advocates arrived on the hill on the day that the Senate healthcare bill was to be voted on, the vote had

however been postponed the day before. NAMI advocates

from Wisconsin met with Senators Johnson and Baldwin’s

staff members to share our stories of recovery and the

value of access to affordable, desirable, quality healthcare. We emphasized the importance that mental health

remains an essential benefit in an any healthcare plan considered. NAMI Racine County advocates had the

opportunity to meet and share our stories and concerns with Speaker Paul Ryan and his Deputy Chief of staff, Allison

Steil. NAMI voices were heard on the Hill!

In other sessions, new NAMI programs and exciting updates to existing programs were presented. There were

research updates, including the newest in genetic research. Authors discussed their books. Naomi Judd shared her story of trauma and mental illness as reveled in her new book, “River of Time” and Kay Redfield Jamieson discussed

the object of her new book, Robert Lowell and his experience with Bipolar Disorder and its role in his creativity.

Awards were given, new friends were made, ideas were exchanged, there was laughter and there were tears and

through it all a sense of passion and connection as 1700 people gathered together with a common cause, we are so

much more than just one affiliate, we are NAMI!!

NAMI NATIONNAL CONVENTIION 2017: “educate, empower, engage”

Summer / Fall 2017

EVENT UPDATES

A special thank you to Beth Heidorn, Julia Lampe and all of the wonderful staff at the Racine Zoo for celebrating

Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on May 6th! Admission specials, a local resource fair and activities

focused on positive interactions

and expressions made for a great

day. We appreciate that you help

to convey that mental health

matters!

On May 31st, NAMI Racine County, United Way of Racine County, Infinite Potential

Central, The Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health, and Gifford School came

together to present Bridging the Gaps, a mental health rally. The evening began with

United Way of Racine County President Rodney Prunty offering a history of the

collaboration, which started with Dr. Soheila Brouk, Dr. Mike Boticki and Rodney himself

organizing to eradicate stigma as it relates to mental health. This was followed by

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien sharing Racine Unified School District goals

related to advancing mental health initiatives in the schools. Racine County Executive

Jonathan Delagrave was up next, speaking to Racine County advancements in mental

health programming, as well the continued need for growth in this area.

The highlight of the evening was the strength and courage of

three individuals sharing their personal stories of mental

health recovery. Matt Juzenas, Jeremy Chavez, and Deja

Williams offered heartfelt testimonies that left most of the

crowd in awe. A video of Deja Williams’ story, produced by

Ivan Barra, was unveiled to the audience and is currently

displayed on the Infinite Potential Central website: http://

www.your-ipc.com/. The program itself came to a close

with Betsy Ade of the local rock band Well Known Strangers

and Jim Schatzman leading the crowd in a rendition of

We Are the Champions, signifying that all in attendance are champions in the journey to

reduce stigma and improve mental health services in our community.

Following the rally, Rodney Prunty presented Dr. Boticki with an Outstanding Advocate Award from United Way of

Racine County in honor of the work he has done over the last four years. The NAMI Racine County Board of Directors

additionally honored the former Executive Director Dr. Boticki, offering him a large cake to share with the 192 people

in attendance. After the ceremo-

ny, food and beverages were on

hand, as were over 20 agencies to

display their services in a re-

source fair format. Thank you to

Julie Hueller, Erin Leavitt, Jackie

Hartley, and Julie Anderson for

their help in organizing the event.

And a very special thank you to

Dr. Soheila Brouk, whose original

vision has truly made the Bridging

Rodney Prunty

Jonathan Delagrave

Matt Juzenas

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EVENT UPDATES

This year NAMI Racine County participated in

the building of a float for the 4th of July

Parade in Racine. We were blessed and

honored to be a part of it with our co-sponsors

Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly-Washington Ave, Focus

on Community, and Kids First. We would like

to recognize our Program Director, Michelle

Perri and Board member, Randy Post, for

coordinating and building this year’s float.

Special thanks to the Malicki’s (Ralph, Alex & Ben), Shelby Chase, Beth Edwards, & Susan Freehrer for their time and

energy. Walking in the parade was Focus on Community (Jason and kids who are committed to making a difference

in our community), and Kid’s First (Jeanette Brown). Lastly, a shout out to Milaeger’s-Racine for their space and

storage while our team developed the float. What a fabulous 4th of July!

On June 10th, J.J McAuliffe and McAuliffe's Pub hosted Metal for Mental

Health. The final totals are in, and this fundraiser brought in $830! JJ

McAuliffe, thank you again for putting your heart and soul into the needs of our

community. You are a champion. Craig “Nino”, thank you for organizing the

bands and making this thing happen. You are a workhorse! Schmuck, Alien Hand

Syndrome and Bray Road band members, thank you for making this a special

night. Two bands drove from Sheboygan, and one from Milwaukee, donating

their time and resources for our agency. The mix of talent and professional-

ism you exhibited was exemplary. And the fact that each band spoke personally

to the NAMI Racine County mission was amazing. Don Rouze, thank you for

jumping into action and working the sound in such a pinch. You were incredible

and also helped make this a spectacular night.

Could we have asked for a nicer day, July 19th, for the NAMI Racine Consumer

Picnic—I don’t think so. Over 100 people were served for this year’s annual

Consumer Picnic where we served up Brats, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Cheesy

Potatoes, Pasta Salad, Cole Slaw, Fruit, Desserts, etc. We also had fresh flowers

donated for all the tables! A BIG THANK YOU goes out to the Board Members who

were involved, staff, and all the wonderful volunteers who helped serve food and

drinks, set up, clean up,

and to those who donated

a side dish or dessert.

Everything was delicious

and very much

appreciated—we certainly could not do this without you.

Summer / Fall 2017

At our annual meeting on May 18, 2017, NAMI Racine County elected officers for the 2017-18 fiscal year and

directors to serve terms ending in 2019.

Re-elected as Officers were Nick Hempel as President; Julie Hueller as Vice President, Mary Peterson as Secretary,

and Sharonda Hayslett as Treasurer.

Re-elected to their positions on the board of directors were Pam DeGroot, Marta Kultgen, and Erin Reeves. In addition, we are pleased to welcome Andre Bennett, Kim Granger, Myah Pazdera, and Randy Post to their first term

on the board. The complete list of board members is posted in this newsletter on page two.

Service to NAMI awards were presented to Mary Huck and Mary Jane Svoboda. We also

recognized outgoing board members David Roszkowski and Treasurer, Julie Feiler. NAMI

Racine County is always grateful for our board members as well as our many committed

volunteers and hard working staff.

Unfortunately, in June, both our President and Treasurer had to step down from their

roles. Leigh Ann Elcano has graciously accepted the position as Treasurer, and we happily

welcome Erin Reeves as our new Board President. Erin has been on our Board of Directors

since 2015. She brings great passion and energy, and has already been hard at work learning the

various aspects of her new role. NAMI Racine

County continues to be in great hands moving

forward!

NAMI Racine County would like to thank Nick Hempel for his years of service

to the organization. As Board President, Nick has helped to develop the or-

ganization and has shown outstanding support and leadership to staff, those

we serve, and the community as a whole. Nick, you will always be a part of

the NAMI family, best of luck to you in New Mexico!

NAMI RACINE COUNTY ELECTS OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATION

NAMI Racine County gratefully acknowledges the following individuals,

businesses or organizations for their generous donations.

General Donations John & Constance Boticki Betty Brenneman Hamilton Family Fund J. Johnson John & Kathleen Johnson Jean M. Keiser Family Fund William Krummel Marta Kultgen Louie Paetsch Horse Apple Raffle Racine Christian Reformed Church Sacred Journeys SC, Inc. Outreach Saint Paul The Apostle Parish Simpson Family Foundation In Honor of Mike Boticki By: Betty Brenneman

In Memory of Nancy Hess By: Marilyn Rothschild David & Karen Wolf Carol Jacobs By: David & Julie Franseen

Ronald & Rose Johnson James & Julie Maiwald

Nancy Roscizewski Maralynn Strong Randall & Roberta Youngs In Kind By: Maddie Carrera Marta Kultgen Luann Simpson

Nicole Webb Pledged Donations Vanessa Abejuela-Matt

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH BY MARY WILSON

WESTERN RACINE COUNTY UPDATE

Greetings to all the NAMI-Racine

County members, friends and

supporters!

I apologize for missing the last

newsletter deadline. I've been out

in the community so much, that I

did not have time to write. I assure

you that I set a record in the second

half of the fiscal year (January through June), and have

been diligent in keeping our community informed about mental illness and about NAMI Racine County.

I am happy to say that, for the second half of our fiscal year, I have reached 1,005 people, 122 more people than

this time last year. That puts the fiscal year (July 1, 2016

through June 30, 2017) total at 1,888 people. In addition,

93.04% responded that if they began experiencing

symptoms, they would seek help for themselves, and/or

encourage someone else to seek help when appropriate.

I want to thank the NAMI members who provide transportation to locations I cannot access by bus: Sandy Lutze, Fred and Debby Ganaway, Dick Mowry, Cherie Lyford, David Seebruck, Lisa Bohon and Michelle Perri. Every time I need a ride to/from a presentation, they happily step up to help me. Thank you all so much! My very best wishes to all in this new fiscal year of possibilities and opportunities, Mary Wilson The following are the events in which I have participated, beginning January 1: January • 01-03 Racine Friendship Clubhouse (RFC) Wellness

Group: Time Management • 01-18 Gateway Technical Institute (GTC) Nursing

Students Panel • 01-20 Wm. Horlick High School Opportunities Fair

February • 02-01 St. Catherine's High School Health Students • 02-07&8 J.I. Case High School Health Students • 02-13 Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Institution

(REECC): Earned Release Inmates • 02-20 GTC Nursing Students Panel March • 03-01 GTC Nursing Students Panel • 03-02 Union Grove High School Health Students • 03-04 Racine Unified School District Transition Day • 03-07 GTC: Psychopharmacology Students • 03-07 RFC Wellness Group: Conflict Resolution • 03-08&15 Lakeside Curative Services Staff Training:

Schizophrenia • 03-09 Washington Part High School Health Students • 03-13 Walden II High School Health Students April • 04-03 The REAL School Health Students • 04-04 RFC Wellness Group: Making and Keeping

Friends • 04-11 Albert House Residents (A subsidized housing

apartment building) • 04-12 REECC Community Resource Fair • 04-13 Washington Park High School Opportunities Fair • 04-22 Healthy Kids Day Community Resource Fair • 04-29 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Community Resource Fair May • 05-02 RFC Wellness Group: Making and Keeping Friends Part 2 • 05-03 J.I. Case High School Opportunities Fair • 05-05 Union Grove High School Health Students • 05-17 GTC Nursing Panel • 05-20 Gene Szymczak Memorial Community Resource Fair June • 06-06 RFC Wellness Group: Mental Illness and the

Brain

Twenty people attended the program sponsored by NAMI Racine County at the Aurora Wellness

Center in Burlington on July 11th. Ron Konkol and John Aumann, both retired professionals from

the Social Security Dept. , presented information on the "How to" for preparation of a disability

application for SSI and SSDI. Any questions or concerns pertaining to such applications may be

directed to Ron Konkol at 608-335-1859 or to his e-mail KonkolDisab il i tyHelp@charter.net

Summer / Fall 2017

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Racine County NAMI Racine County 2300 DeKoven Avenue Racine, WI 53403

Member: NAMI and NAMI-Wisconsin

Become a Member Today! When you join now, you become a member of your NAMI Affiliate, your NAMI State Organization and the national NAMI organization. Membership shall be open to all persons sympathetic to the purposes of the corporation. All members receive the same benefits including NAMI’s flagship magazine, the Advocate, as well as NAMI’s monthly e-newsletter, NAMI Now , NAMI Wisconsin newsletter, Iris, and NAMI Racine County quarterly newsletter, The Voice. NAMI membership is valid for one year.

Dues: Individual Membership $35

Household $60

Open Door Membership- $5

Existing members will receive a renewal letter in the mail.

Name_____________________________________________

Address___________________________________________

City_________________State______Zip________________

Phone ___________________________________________

Email____________________________________________

Make checks out to NAMI Racine County. Please mail to: NAMI Racine County, 2300 DeKoven Avenue, Racine, WI 53403

NAMI Racine County needs your support. Your gift will help continue the support and education services for everyone affected by mental illness

In addition to my dues, enclosed is my tax deductible donation to NAMI Racine County in the amount of $__________

NAMI Racine County is a tax exempt, non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.