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May 2008:· Get Connected in May and Boost Your
Mental Health
· Top Searches on Crisis Clinic’s Online
Resources Database and Other Interesting Statistics
· Senior Voucher Program Accepting
Applications
· Critical Resource
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Get Connected in May and Boost Your Mental Health
Information received from Mental Health AmericaIn observance of 2008 May is Mental Health Month, Mental Health America is encouraging Americans to build their social support networks throughout May to protect and improve their mental health. Mental Health America challenges all Americans to the Mental Health Connection Challenge by making FIVE positive and life-fulfilling connections. Research shows that social networks can reduce stress and promote overall health by providing a sense of belonging, self-worth and security. “We all need to maintain positive connections to feel a part of our communities and families, which is why this May, Mental Health America is challenging every American to connect to family & friends, coworkers, community members and professional help, if needed,” said David Shern, Ph.D., president & CEO of Mental Health America. “Years of research have shown that individuals who feel valued and cared for are better equipped to deal with stress and adversity and even experience less severe illnesses than those with little social support.” Mental Health America’s Mental Health Connection Challenge: · Connect To Family & Friends – Loved ones are an important source of support and encouragement. Talk to them when you need extra help, allow them to provide guidance and be prepared to help them when they need you. · Connect To Coworkers – Given the amount of time we dedicate to work, healthy · Relationships with coworkers are a must. Spend a lunch hour with officemates or reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while to take a walk or grab coffee. · Connect To Community Members – Shifting from your own issues to the needs of others can be a healthy change of pace. Select a faith-based organization, school, long-term care facility or non-profit group that needs your help and pitch in. · Connect To Yourself – Taking time for yourself can decrease stress and improve health and relationships. Try meditating, exercising, enjoying a hobby or reading a book. Whatever you choose, it’s your time, so spend it doing something you enjoy. · Connect To Professional Help – If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, reach out to a mental health professional. For a referral to local services, contact Mental Health America or your local Mental Health America affiliate at (800) 969-6642 and www.mentalhealthamerica.net. Mental Health America founded May is Mental Health Month 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental health for all. This year’s theme, “Get Connected” is focused on the important role social connectedness plays in maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness. Mental Health America
is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live
mentally healthier lives. With
our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of
Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the
nation – every day and in times of crisis.• Top Searches on Crisis Clinic’s Online Resources Database and Other Interesting StatisticsBy Hannah Newton, Crisis Clinic Resource SpecialistHow Web site users search for resources lets us know how well the Web site is working, and gives us an idea of the most pressing needs of the community. Not surprisingly, the top three searches in 2008 relate to housing: · Transitional Housing/Shelter · Rent Payment Assistance · Housing Search and Information The fourth most popular code is Food Banks/Food Suppliers. There has been some confusion surrounding this term because in King County and throughout Washington “Food Bank” refers to where people who need food go to receive it. However, in most parts of the country a Food Pantry is where people go. A “Food Bank” is where food pantries receive their food. Because Crisis Clinic’s resources database had to comply with national standards as part of the 2-1-1 process, we had to switch to this new system of keywords. People are also looking at the services under “Food Pantries” too. It is number 10 on the list for 2008. “General Counseling Services” and “General Medical Care” – great places to find basic mental health and medical services – are also among the most popular. It has been over a year since Crisis Clinic and 2-1-1 switched to a statewide Web site in connection with 2-1-1s across the state. Since then, we have received an excellent response from users on how we could make the Web site more user-friendly. Good news! An enhanced version of the Web site will be available in the next couple of months. Stay tuned for more information. • Senior Voucher Program Accepting ApplicationsThe Senior Farmer’s Market
Nutrition Program is now accepting applications for the 2008 season. The
program provides a voucher for eligible older adults to use at Farmers
Markets throughout King County. Eligible applicants must be: · 60 years old or older (or 55+ for Native Americans), AND · Low-income (below 185% of Federal Poverty Level*) To download an application, click here for an application form. Applications are also available through Senior Information & Assistance (I&A) programs. Completed application forms must be received by Wednesday, May 28th. Because of the limited
number available, vouchers will be distributed by a random selection process
among the total applications received. All applicants will receive a letter
in June informing them of their status. • Critical Resource UpdatesCompiled by Resource Center StaffIt is always recommended to check Community Resources Online for additional information and for the most current information updates of the following resources. Elizabeth
House – one of Catholic Community Services’ transitional housing programs
– is temporarily closed for renovation. When they re-open, they will no
longer be providing transitional housing for pregnant and parenting teen
women, ages 13 through 17, but will instead now offer transitional housing
for women, ages 18 and older, who are either pregnant or parenting one young
child, age 2 or younger (much like their existing program, Harrington House). Healthy
Start, which provides case management for new parents, ages 22 and
younger, now operates out of Renton Area Youth
& Family Services. It also operates out of four other agencies in
north and east King County. Ingersoll Gender
Center has moved its program to Seattle Counseling Center for Sexual
Minorities. It previously operated out of the LGBT Community Center. Lutheran
Community Services Northwest – Families for Kids no longer runs the
adoption/foster family information line for DSHS. The information line has a
different phone number and is operated by Northwest Resource Associates. POCAAN, People of Color Against
AIDS network has moved to new offices at 1609 19th Ave, 98122,
across the street from Mt. Zion Church. Offices will be closed until May 5. Tent City 3 has moved from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church to St. Mark’s Episcopal
Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, on Capitol Hill, where they’ll be
located until June 28. • May and June Selected ResourcesCompiled by Crisis Clinic’s Resource Center StaffThis
column highlights timely resources in the community information database that
might otherwise go unnoticed by our users. It is always recommended to check Community Resources Online
for additional information and for the most current information concerning
the following resources. May Resource Highlights Bike Works Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission June Resource
Highlights Provides children's school
clothing vouchers throughout the Provides children’s school clothing vouches
through out the summer; call for home visit in June. Serves school children,
ages 4 through 15. Must be residents of Bellevue School District (98004,
98005, 98006, 98007, and 98008). Home visit is required for assistance. (425)
451-1175. ROAR
- Resources, Opportunities, Advocacy and Referrals Places low-income and homeless
children, ages 9 through 16, in one of three week-long overnight summer
camps. All camps are Christian-focused and incorporate Bible study and prayer
into campers' daily activities. Other activities include swimming, boating,
arts & crafts, hiking and music. ROAR provides participants with camping
supplies such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, towels, sleeping bags and other
accessory items such as instant cameras, flashlights etc. |
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