A Publication of

April 2021

Encounters FEELING LUCKY IN LIFE DEANNA’S JOURNEY WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

When talking with Deanna, her kindness, compassion, and positive attitude shine through. This makes it diffi-cult to grasp the personal upheaval she has experienced in her life.

Deanna moved to Toledo from Chicago with her three children, ended up living in a homeless shelter, and eventually lost permanent custo-dy of the chil-dren. With no-where else to turn, and like many others suf-fering from do-mestic abuse, Deanna went back to her abu-sive husband. She lived with him in fear and loneliness for many years.

“Living with him took a mental and emotional toll on me,” says Deanna. “I finally reached my breaking point and got up enough courage to leave him.” Even though he was out of her life, Deanna continued to close her-self off from the world. She was depressed, cried a lot, and didn’t talk to anyone. She eventually sought help and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through her case manager she found TMWC.

“I was pretty shy and quiet when I first came to the center,” says Deanna. “The staff were so easy to get to know that eventually they brought the sadness right out of me.” Since becoming a member at TMWC, Deanna has attended a number of program and activities, and has earned Peer Support and Wellness certificates.

Deanna now loves coming to TMWC where she performs karaoke in the Club Room and talks with the staff and other peers. “I use the skills I have learned to get to know members and to let them know they are not alone,” she explains. She has learned from her own experience that it really does help to talk with others who have made the same journey.

“The staff get to know you so well they can tell by your mood what you are feeling. They know how to talk with you – and they don’t share your business with oth-ers,” she adds. “I would recommend TMWC to anyone who is living with a mental illness diagnosis.”

TMWC wants to celebrate spring by offering a special Supper Club-To-Go for members on Friday, April 9. Cracker Barrel will be making a lunch of ham, green beans, mac and cheese, and a small dessert will be available for pick-up at TMWC between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A limited number of lunches will be delivered to those who cannot get to TMWC during that time. You must RSVP to Donna at TMWC no later than 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5. Call 567-694-3732 to reserve your lunch and let us know if you will pick it up. If you have a dietary restriction and can-not eat pork, please let Donna know. Please note that pickup will not be through the front doors, so please look for signs when coming to TMWC.

Continued on Page 3

SPRING SUPPER CLUB-TO-GO

Have you scheduled a COVID-19 vaccine? Individuals can get assistance scheduling an appointment online by contacting United Way 2-1-1 (dial 211 from your phone) or visit the Lucas County Health Department at lucascountyhealth.com/covidvaccine. Once you have an appointment, be sure to bring a form of identification and your insurance card if you have one. You do not need to have insurance to receive the vac-cine. There is no cost to you regardless of insurance coverage.

GET VACCINATED!

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ICE DAMAGES TMWC BUILDING

Reopening the Thomas M. Wernert Center has taken a new turn. In February, we had 17 inches of snowfall followed by freezing temperatures. This caused ice

dams to form along the eaves and the downspouts on the west side of the building. As melting began, the ice dam caused it to back up under the roof shingles and drain into the Club Room, Recreation Room, Member Lounge, an office, and the basement. As you can see from the

photo, the drying out process involved removing dry-wall, ceiling tiles, and insulation. The good news is TMWC is insured. The bad news is we don’t know how long it will take to get repaired. As soon as repairs are complete - and the restrictions related to COVID-19 are lifted - we will have a reopening date to share.

Although we continue to be physically separated right now, our staff have been working very hard to stay connected to our members through virtual support meetings and activities, social media events, and well-ness calls. Please stay safe and healthy until we can all be together again.

GOOD TO KNOW… IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

PEP Special Series: Understanding How Human Needs Support Recovery PEP is offering two opportunities to attend online sup-port classes – Mondays and Tuesdays throughout April and May. Discussions will highlight psychologist Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs.” His theory of motivation states that five types of human needs dictate a person’s behavior (see graphic). TMWC staff facilitators Katie and Sarah will address these topics in every day terms that will help participants recognize how understanding human needs can help in developing coping skills and in advocating for your own needs. TMWC Staff Share Five Ways to Practice Self-Love During a Pandemic 1) Remind yourself that it is ok to not be ok and

experience the emotions that you are feeling. 2) Focus on what your body can do for you rather

than what is wrong with it . 3) Talk to yourself with the same love and respect as

you would to a good friend. 4) Nourish your body with foods that make you feel

strong and healthy. 5) Whether it is marching in place or getting up to

dance, don’t be afraid to move a little and celebrate what your body can do.

Bonus: When all else fails, just take a deep breath.

United Way of Greater Toledo 2-1-1 is scheduling appointments for free tax preparation at Lutheran Social Ser-vices of NW Ohio, NeighborWorks, and Pathway. Contact United Way to schedule an appointment.

The ProMedica Financial Opportunity Center of-fers free tax return preparation for households with an income of $56,000 or less. Tax prep is virtual, on Zoom. Call 567-585-0059 or email FOC@ProMedica.org to schedule.

AARP Tax-Aide Program provides free tax help to people age 60 & older. Call (888) 227-7669 or email taxaide@aarp.org.

FREE TAX PREPARATON

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

JOIN US FOR VIRTUAL ART CLASSES

Live Zoom Art Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. You must register with Kimberlie in advance by emailing ktodd@wernertcenter.org or by calling 419-389-2304 to schedule a session. Registration for each class is due by noon on Tuesday, a week before the class. Once registered, you will receive a link to the class and all the materials you will need.

• April 6 or 7 - Miro (pictured) (tissue paper/yarn/marker painting) • April 13 or 14 - Concentric Kirigami (layered cut paper circles) • April 20 or 21 - Precept Pennants (string of collage pennants) • April 27 or 28 - Mini Barn Quilts (foam barn quilts on chipboard)

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT - MEET SARAH

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN...

DEANNA’S STORY CONTINUED

Meet Sarah. She is a Peer Enrichment Specialist with TMWC. Sarah can usually be found in one of the class-rooms facilitating Peer Enrichment Program (PEP) courses and several support meetings. PEP courses help members recognize the balance among mind, body, and spirit, and how to use that balance as part of the recovery process.

“I love it when I witness our members using the skills and information they have learned from attending our programs,” says Sarah. “It’s really gratifying to watch them experience lightbulb moments of understanding –

and when they are able to defy the stereotypes that society has developed for them.”

Sarah obtained a bache-lor’s degree in social work from Lourdes University. When asked why she chose social work, Sarah says “I was attracted by the fire and determination that social work offers as a profession to really make a difference in our world.”

Sarah is able to put her social work skills to good use by making a difference in lives of members. “I am contin-ually amazed by the power of the human spirit and am so inspired when I see people rise above challenges they are facing,” she says.

Sarah views TMWC as an important asset in the mental health community. “A center like TMWC is so im-portant because mental health recovery is multifaceted and requires a team approach. As peer supporters, we model what it truly means to be in recovery through our behaviors, skills, and interactions,” she says.

When she is not working, Sarah is likely spending time with Bowser (her dog) at one of the MetroParks, practicing yoga, painting, or going to the theatre (when there isn’t a pandemic).

Sarah plans to continue her social work education at Case Western University in the near future. She feels strongly that the work of her colleagues at TMWC is critical in helping members understand that “labels and conditions don’t define us, we define ourselves.” Thank you, Sarah for your hard work and dedication to the wellbeing of our members.

Sarah and Bowser.

Surprisingly, Deanna has not found the isolation of the pandemic and the cold winter months too difficult, crediting TMWC staff with helping her through some low points. “They make wellness calls to check on how we are doing and are very supportive,” she says.

Despite missing the company of her friends at the TMWC, Deanna enjoys staying inside during the cold weather, using her alone time to read her Bible and crochet. “I have crocheted so many blankets, rugs, scarves, and other items that I can’t wait for an opportunity to sell them,” she says. And, she has plenty of ‘family’ to keep her busy.

“I have my TMWC family, my church family, and my children,” says Deanna. She feels lucky to have main-tained a good relationship with her children in spite of everything they have been through. “They tell me not to look back and dwell on the past,” she says. For that, she feels extremely grateful and lucky.

Effective April 30, TMWC Peer Supporter Kayla will be closing one chapter in her career and starting another. She will be moving on to further her studies to become a counselor and art therapist. We wish her the best of luck. Below are a few words from Kayla to members.

In the summer of 2019, I was fresh out of college and ready to take a break from classes. That was when I first became a peer supporter at TMWC! Between the time I spent with you in the Clubroom and in the Computer Lab, we’ve taught each other so much. When I graduate in a couple of years, I’ll have the knowledge and training to be able to provide additional support for other peers in recovery. I might be packing my things, but don’t you worry. I’m bringing all of my happy memories of you with me, and I’ll do my best to remain in touch with the TMWC community!

Your peer and friend, - Kayla

THOMAS M. WERNERT CENTER For Mental Health Recovery & Support

208 W. Woodruff

Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: 419.242.3000

Fax: 419.242.0750

www.wernertcenter.org info@wernertcenter.org

Mission

To improve the quality of life for persons living with mental illness by offering hope and peer-driven

programs which address recovery through education, advocacy and peer support.

Vision

To be the most innovative peer-driven mental health recovery and support center.

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Toledo, OH

Permit No. 175

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SUPPORTED BY

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION The Thomas M. Wernert Center (TMWC) is an Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services Certified Consumer Operated Service funded by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, sponsorships, grants, and individual and corporate donors. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit our website at www.wernertcenter.org and complete the online form, or contact Patti Robb, Director, Development and Communications at 419-242-3000, ext. 112 or probb@wernertcenter.org. TMWC is a 501 (c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible, based upon IRS guidelines.

Join the Thomas M. Wernert Center

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lisa Urrutia - President Oswald Companies Laurie Beck - Vice President ProMedica George Monger, CPA - Treasurer William Vaughan Company Evamae LaVoy - Secretary Community Volunteer Mary Beth Alberti - Past President Arrowhead Behavioral Health Jenifer Brown - Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Taylor Burns - ABLE (Advocates for Basic Legal Equality) Amanda Denniss - Community Volunteer Warren Frary - Community Volunteer Georgia Humbarger - Community Volunteer Tammy Hochradel - Community Volunteer Theresa Nelson - Community Volunteer Kelly A. Skinner - Executive Director

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If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a member of the Thom-as M. Wernert Center (TMWC), please contact Stacey at 419-242-3000, ext. 105 for more information. Please note that the TMWC is not a clinical agency. Peer support relationships are different from clinical relationships in that they are based on mutual sharing of lived experience with mental illness. Individuals can become an active member who participates in the many pro-grams, services, and activities we offer if they meet the following criteria:

• You must be 18 years of age or older.

• Live in Lucas County, Ohio.

• Have a diagnosed mental illness and are receiving mental health services

• Be ready to begin or expand your mental health recovery.