On Saturday, September 22nd, the Board of Directors of Self Help Center met in a special session to discuss the issue of relocating to a new facility in Affton.  The site, owned by Extel Properties, is located at 8301 Crest Industrial Drive. 

With the center’s current lease expiring as of October 31st an approval or need to locate another affordable option was looming.  According to Executive Director, Nancy Bollinger, the decision was not an easy one to be made.  There were concerns that had to be addressed and options that had to be weighed.  However, with input by members serving on our Board, the issues were resolved and an option selected.  The vote, 10 in favor, including 3 yes by proxy and 2 abstentions, 1 by proxy; showed overwhelming support of consumer need and program expansion.

The facility is currently being used by Extel Communications; however, according to Scott Kiefer, partner, the company will be moving into an unused part of the building and plan to begin work immediately to move their offices to the new location and prepare the site for the center’s move.

The site will bring about many changes to programs and services that are much needed.  The specifics include:

· Reception area — The entry area is expected to be bright and airy to welcome all who visit us.

· Offices—Executive Director and Program Director offices will allow for planning and management of both the organization and its programs

· Calming room/library—To allow for relaxation and reduction of symptoms.  Plans are underway to include a fountain, relaxation CDs, and a full spectrum light to alleviate symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

· Meeting room—To allow caseworkers and clients to meet as needed and to allow peer-to-peer support interactions in a confidential setting. 

· Socialization Room—This space will allow for members to gather to watch TV or a recorded movie, read a magazine, or chat with one another.  It will be like inviting your friends into your living room.

· Computer Lab—This space will have computers available for member use.  Computers include 1 desktop computer and 2 laptop computers with regular keyboards and mice attached.  The computers will also have headphones for use when also using self-guided software that is available for training on computer use and several office type programs.  Computer time may be subject to scheduling with certain program participants receiving a priority.

· Large Multi-use Room—This room will be where the majority of center activity will occur, including many groups, classes, speakers, and lunches. 

· Kitchenette—Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and store it in the refrigerator or a meal to put in the microwave.  You’ll also get your coffee or make a cup of hot tea here.  Additionally we’ll have snacks and lunch items as they come in.  Of course a soda machine will be located at the facility.

· Large Conference Room—This room will be used only as scheduled and will not be accessible at other times. 

· His and hers restrooms with multiple stalls

· 1,500 sq ft lower level (see story on page 3)

· 40+/- parking spaces

· Multiple Picnic Tables in the outdoor smoking area

· A New Filtered Water Fountain

The site is disabled accessible, including restroom facilities. 

Directions to Our New Location

Some of the options to use to get to the new location:

From St. Louis City Via I-44: Take I-44 West to Hampton Avenue, turning Left.  To Gravois, turning Right.  To New Hampshire, turning Right.  To Langley, turning left.  Keep to the right at the curve on Langley.  Follow to 8301 (the number is on the red awning).

From I-44 Heading East: Take I-44 East to Watson Road.  To Laclede Station Road, turning Right.  Make an immediate Left at the light to turn on Heege Road.  To New Hampshire, turning Right.  To Langley, turning Right.  Follow to 8301 (the number is on the red awning).

From St. Louis City Via I-55: Take I-55 South to Weber/Bayless, turning Right.  To Gravois, turning Left.  To New Hampshire, turning Right.  To Langley, turning Left.  Keep to the right at the curve on Langley.  Follow to 8301 (the number is on the red awning).

From I-55 South: Take I-55 North to I-270 North to Gravois Road, turning Right.  To New Hampshire, turning Left.  To Langley, turning left.  Keep to the right at the curve on Langley.  Follow to 8301 (the number is on the red awning).

From 270 heading North from South County: Take 270 North to Gravois Road, turning Right.  To New Hampshire, turning Left.  To Langley, turning left.  Keep to the right at the curve on Langley.  Follow to 8301 (the number is on the red awning).

From 270 heading South from North County: Take 270 South to Gravois Road, turning Left.  To New Hampshire, turning Left.  To Langley, turning Left.  Keep to the right at the curve on Langley.  Follow to 8301 (the number is on the red awning).

Caseworkers with members taking the MetroBus/MetroLink and members taking the MetroBus/MetroLink should call Member Liaison Denise Bruns at 314.781.0199 for information on accessing the center.  Plan to leave your name, number, member name and a good callback time.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank provides both free and fee-based foods for pantries within the Greater Metro Area.  Fees are $0.10 per pound and are typically reserved for product from agencies such as America’s Second Harvest.  Local drives, such as the Scouting for Food drive, are products that are available for free to the local food pantries.

As individuals cannot purchase personal care products with food stamps these items often cause the most strain on a budget.  As a result, we encourage each person attending the December 1st Holiday Open House to bring a personal care product for donation to the food pantry.

Participation requires registration, which may be completed with the receptionist on duty..

We encourage individuals to regularly bring in their plastic grocery bags for use at the pantry.

The move to a new facility has us excited about what lies ahead. The blessing of a larger and more functional space will allow a variety of program enhancements for our members and the broader community.

Additionally we will be hosting our own new Leadership Development program called Center Works.  This 6-month program will be open to only 10 members at a time and will assist members in building or re-building both their self-esteem and self-worth.  The program will be especially valuable for those interested in returning to work or in providing volunteer services.

New members, caseworkers, and family members will now be invited to participate in a new member orientation the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.  The orientation will be facilitated by staff, the member liaison, and member volunteers. 

Each participant will receive a welcome packet that will include:

· Membership Application/Release of Liability Form,

· Code of Conduct, Grievance, and Program Brochures,

· Food Pantry Participation information, and

· Current Program Schedule.

The orientation, it is hoped, will better help new program participants in understanding specifics associated with the center, including rights and responsibilities of center membership.  It is not necessary for individuals to have completed the orientation before participating in our support groups.

Center Works is a 6-month training program for Self Help Center members who have an interest in either returning to the workforce or serving in an expanded volunteer capacity at the center or at another organization.  Each program participant is requested to commit to the entire length of the program including an orientation and a  background check.  There is a strict limit of 10 participants in the program.

Center Works is comprised of three phases including: classroom instruction, skill building, and employment preparedness. 

Classroom Instruction: The classroom instruction phase will consist of utilizing various materials to help you gain further insight into Self Help Center and how it operates including policies, procedures, and budget constraints.  Additionally, this phase will include training materials and surveys to gauge and enhance your self-worth.

Skill Building:  This phase will have participants utilizing self-guided computer software to build computer skills that may be necessary in a work or volunteer position, learning to operate the phone system, give tours of the facility, develop activities and presentations, and help to build Center Line.  This phase will also have participants learn various specific skills associated with  jobs such as reception, food pantry, and maintenance. 

Employment Preparedness:  The final phase will have participants preparing resumes and/or, if desiring to return to the workforce, assistance in seeking a job and submitting resumes or referral to a more extensive jobs training program.  Those completing the program may use the center as a reference.

Evaluations will be completed at the end of each phase of the program.

Those interested may contact Robin or Nancy at 314.781.0199 for further information or to register. 

Special keynote speaker at Alternatives 2007 was Terry Cline, Ph.D., administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The 22nd annual national conference organized by and for mental health consumers/survivors hit St. Louis October 10th to the 14th.

“Dr. Cline has worked to ensure individual and family needs are the driving force for the prevention, treatment and recovery support services delivered,” according to info on the Alternatives Web site. Center for Mental Health Services director A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed., and Pat Deegan, Ph.D., a consumer/survivor activist and internationally known recovery expert, will also serve as keynote speakers.

On Friday, October 12th, Program Director, Robin Gambrell, served as a panelist during the SCOPE  session: “Raising All Boats: How Missouri Consumers Are Improving Peer Run Program Quality. 

Self Help Center also sent staff member Carrie Mullins and Member Liaison Denise Bruns to bring back to the membership valuable insight and tools for use in our programs. 

We wish to thank the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Board Members of Self Help Center, and members for their generous donations to send these three representatives to the Alternatives Conference.

International headquarters of Recovery, Inc. is located in Chicago, Illinois.  Kathy Garcia, Executive Director, was integral in allowing the partnership between Self Help Center and Recovery, Inc. to occur.   

Recovery, Inc. is a self-help mental health program based on the ground breaking work of founder, a neuropsychiatrist, the late Abraham A. Low, M.D.  Recovery, Inc. is also a 501 (C)(3) non-profit, non-sectarian, and member managed organization.  Recovery, Inc. has been active since 1937 and groups meet weekly around the world.

Recovery, Inc. offers its members a free method to regain and maintain their mental health.  By studying Dr. Low’s practical method of Mental Health Through Will Training, Recovery, Inc. members learn techniques for handling trivial, every day situations. 

Self Help Center hosts a Recovery, Inc. meeting each Monday at 10:00 a.m.  The meetings are facilitated by Recovery, Inc. volunteers.

The Hope Center and Director Mickie McDowell: This Springfield, Missouri drop-in center recently stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by donating a room for conference attendees at Alternatives 2007.

Extel Communications: This Affton-based corporation, recently stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by providing office furniture for the main level and commercial shelving for the new lower level food pantry, plus much more.

Community Member Eric Barks: Eric, son of Executive Director Nancy Bollinger, recently stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by donating a living room set for the socialization room at the center. The 4-piece set includes a sofa, loveseat, chair, and ottoman.

Missouri Department of Mental Health and Drs. Schaefer and Parks: Drs. Schaefer and Parks stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center and other Missouri drop-in centers by awarding funding to send participants to the Alternatives 2007 conference in St. Louis.

Mental Health Association and Executive Director Jim House: Jim recently stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by sharing a large donation of office supplies received at Mental Health Association.

Board of Directors of Self Help Center: The Board of Directors stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by showing their support for expansion to a new facility, which included increasing the rent budget in support of program expansion.

St. Louis University Volunteers: The SLU volunteers stepped up to the plate to offer volunteer services in support of our move.

St. Louis Cardinals, LLC and Owners: The St. Louis Cardinals and their owners recently stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by providing 50 free field box seats to a Cardinals and Astros game.

Hastings Engineering and Owner Rancy Hastings: Rancy has stepped up to the plate for Self Help Center by providing support to our programs and services over the past three years. We will miss him as we move to our new location.

Thank you all for supporting us!

Many people, when thinking about who gives to programs such as ours, feel, due to the stigma of mental illness, that our program participants are incapable of giving.  However, when looking at the top  donors, we find that our members make the list of giving.

Top donors for 2007 to date

St. Louis Cardinals, LLC — In-kind donation of tickets for participants to attend a game and for use in our silent auction.

GWH Fund — Awarded numerous grants to our participants for emergency need.

MUNY — In-kind donation of tickets for participants to attend shows

Missouri Department of Mental Health (non-contracted donation) — Funded registration, travel, and food cost for 3 consumers to attend Alternatives 2007.

Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis — Shared large in-kind donation to their organization.

Anonymous Member — Provided a $500 cash donation to be used as needed

Anonymous Member — Provided a $500 cash donation to be used as needed.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals — Awarded $250 in support of employee volunteerism at Self Help Center

We must also recognize the value of our volunteers without whom we would not be able to hold our many support groups or have fiscal oversight.  The state of Missouri’s latest figures place a value of $16.12 per hour for their time. 

Self Help Center’s Town Hall Meeting is now held the first Wednesday of the month at 2:15 p.m., just after Procovery. 

Have you attended a Town Hall meeting lately?  If not, why?  This meeting is your opportunity to ask questions and provide input into issues that directly affect programs, activities, and issues surrounding Self Help Center.  For example, over the past several months members shared information regarding various sites for the new center, concerns regarding advisory board participation, ending the center’s lunch program, and social activities.

The center is about you and without you and your input we may be missing something that you would consider is important.  So come to the Town Hall Meeting and let your voice be heard.  After all, it’s your center too.

What would you do? 

Reservist O'Donnabhain didn't take it too well.  She is suing the IRS for return of her refund.  Would you?

O'Donnabhain suffered from Transgender Identity Disorder, a medically identifiable diagnosis listed in the DSM-IV.  If you have ever known someone with the disorder, you would perhaps understand that this is not a case of want, but need.  It seems that the IRS is looking at it as elective cosmetic surgery, which is not tax deductible under the medical category.  While the surgery is not covered under most insurance policies, I find it difficult to understand how this necessary surgery is not covered by the IRS.

So, what's your opinion?  Was the IRS correct or incorrect in taking away the medical deduction?  Should Ms. O'Donnabhain get her money back?  Should the IRS decide what is or is not medically necessary?  Are they doctors?   Or, were they stigmatizing against a segment of the population, those with an illness that falls under that of mental health?

We’ve all, at one time or another, used 4-1-1 or 555-1212 and some of us have even used 9-1-1.  Now, we can add 2-1-1 to our list of need to know numbers.

Sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn for help. From finding after-school care for your child to assistance with a utility bill or the nearest support group – every hour of every day someone needs essential services.

The 2-1-1 phone system is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.

With 24-hour, seven-day-a-week availability, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about and referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in time of crisis. For example, 2-1-1 can offer access to the following types of service organizations:

Basic human needs:  food banks, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.

Physical and mental health resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, medical information phone lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.

Employment support:  financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, educational programs.

Support for older adults and people with disabilities:  adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, independent living programs.

Support for children, youth, and families:  childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

Missouri will be the 20th U.S. state to have statewide coverage through a 2-1-1 service. A separate 2-1-1 service has been in operation in 16 Missouri counties of the Kansas City metropolitan area since March 2006.

2-1-1 does not replace 9-1-1 or other community emergency access numbers. 2-1-1 is designed to relieve the 9-1-1 system from dealing with non-emergency situations, which sometimes slow down response times in dealing with real emergencies. 

Funding for the 2-1-1 system was provided by Missouri Foundation for Health.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, December 1st between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for our Holiday Open House.  The event will give everyone an opportunity to tour the new facility and learn more about our programs.

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. — Self Guided Tour

10:30 a.m. — Brief Overview of Self Help Center — Main Group Room

11:00 a.m. — Orientation to Support Groups and Educational Programs — Main Group Room

11:00 a.m. — Orientation to Food Pantry Participation — Conference Room

11:30 a.m. — Self Guided Tour

Noon — Appetizers and Holiday Punch — Main Group Room

12:30 p.m. — Self Guided Tour

1:00 p.m. — Brief Overview of Self Help Center — Main Group Room

1:30 p.m. — Orientation to Support Groups and Educational Programs — Main Group Room

1:30 p.m. — Orientation to Food Pantry Participation — Conference Room

Event Wish List

· Plastic grocery bags, personal care items, or cash donations to support the food pantry

· Microwavable Meals, cookies, popcorn, etc.

· Door prizes for our holiday celebration later in the month (alcohol free)

· Gift baskets or other appropriate items for our silent auction to be held during our holiday celebration later in the month.

Volunteers Needed

A volunteer sign-up booth will be available the day of the Holiday Open House.  Positions needed include: board and advisory board members, food pantry workers, receptionists, group and education facilitators, and Center Works skill development trainers.

Holiday Celebration Ticket Sales

Tickets will be on sale at the Holiday Open House for the Annual Holiday Celebration Dinner and Silent Auction.