KilkibliM Jewish Support Services For Adults With Mental Illness („„,71/1„essage • • • Kadima is There LAleet the Staff by Risa Davis Try this. Just for an hour, read a magazine article about mental illness. You'll probably find it heavy reading. We are desperate families. Our siblings live in fear of miscommunicating with us and with their parents. Other family members avoid us; they've given up on the mentally ill per- son. You may get a feel from the article of what it's like to be part a family that has a mentally ill person. But then you put the article down. Mental illness doesn't go away though. It's always there, and that's what Kadima understands. Through Kadima, parents learn coping skills. Siblings learn how to communicate. The mentally ill person learns how to fit in with the world around them. Kadima staff turn tragedies into success stories. They help consumers become a suc- cess in society, as volunteers, at a paying job, in life. Groups Empower Consumer Janette Shallal It's Time to Consider Mental Health a message from the director Health care reform has focused the coun- try's attention on health care issues. But not all issues are receiving equal attention. Mental illness is one that is still waiting off stage, and schizophrenia and bipolar dis- orders, the most common mental illnesses, are either ignored or deliberately concealed behind a curtain of fear. They are the unfor- tunate stepchildren of health care. Treated as outcasts, the psychiatrically disabled feel responsible for a disease that is beyond their control. Many spend their for- mative years shut away from families and any semblance of social interaction because institutionalization is still considered the treatment of choice. But this treatment is based on a misun- derstanding of mental illness. Mental illness is a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects thinking, not intelli- gence. Those afflicted become depressed, withdrawn and delusional, almost para- lyzed by their illness, but they are not stupid or ignorant of their condition. Given proper medication, counseling and ongoing sup- port from families and friends, the mentally ill person can lead a productive and fulfilled life. The key is to integrate those afflicted — adolescents, young adults and the elderly — into society. That is Kadima's mission. As the only agency in the Jewish commu- nity that serves the mentally ill, Kadima empowers the mentally ill. At Kadima, we know that mental illness need not mark the end of a person's functioning. We help these individuals find jobs and relearn social skills because this is how they will gain con- trol over their lives. Independent living is the goal for most Kadima clients, and our support groups help consumers develop the skills they will need in that setting. Social Workers Laurie Epstein and Sue Vorseth meet with support groups twice a month on Monday and Tuesday evenings for an in-office session. During this sharing time, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., group members raise issues of concern or discuss personal problems. "It's a valuable socialization experience," says Laurie Epstein. "Consumers learn to express their feelings in an acceptable man- ner." Each group selects a co-facilitator who serves for six months and helps coordinate weekly meetings and outings. "We empower clients by giving them opportunities to lead and by helping them see the options available to them," says Sue Vorseth. Twice a month the combined groups go on an outing to a theater, mall or restaurant that they have selected. January Consumer Group Schedule: 10 Consumer Outing 17 Monday office session 24 Monday office session Kadima also offers a parent's group in its offices every second and fourth Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Led by Janette Shallal, the group focuses on family issues and con- cerns and helps participants develop coping skills. Parents Advocate for Kadima As Oakland County prepares to imple- ment Full Management, consolidating all mental health agencies under one budget, a Transition Team is helping evaluate existing agencies and their services. On October 25 and 26, the Team invited interested parties to present their concerns and recommenda- tions. Kadima clients and consumers took this opportunity to advocate on behalf of the agency. 'There is not a family in Oakland County wealthy enough, loving enough and resourceful enough to meet the needs of a mentally ill loved one on their own," said Shirley Davis, who served as spokesperson. 'The Kadima program is so comprehensive for consumers and families, it should be supported, expanded and used as a model to serve more members of the mentally ill in our county. Mrs. Davis presented numerous letters from consumers and their families, demon- strating Kadima's significant role in the community. When you call Kadima or visit its offices, you'll be talking to: Janette Shallal, M.S.W. — Executive Director Janette Shallal came to Kadima in June from the Jewish Family Service and 18 years experience as a social work. As executive director, she is responsible for operations, program development and funding. Geta Richman, M.A., L.L.P. — Clinical Director New to Kadima's staff, Geta Richman is a limited licensed psychologist who has worked as a therapist in private practice and as a school psychologist. Assistant to the executive director, she supervises the social workers and focus workers. Laurie Epstein, M.S.W. Social Worker New to Kadima's staff, Laurie Epstein comes from New York, where she was a case manager working with mentally ill adults in a clubhouse environment. At Kadima, she provides social work services and facilitates a support group for clients and consumers. Sue Vorseth, M.A. Social Worker Sue Vorseth came to Kadima July 1992. Her previous position in Minnesota was as outreach counselor for adults with mental illness. At Kadima, she provides social work services and facilitates a support group for clients and consumers.. Richard Fisher, B.A. Focus Worker Richard Fisher, who joined Kadima's staff in April, has previous experience at an addictions treatment center. Currently working on a Master's Degree in Fine Arts, Mr. Fisher teaches art to Kadima's clients and consumers, in addition to providing assistance with daily living skills. Martha Schafer, B.S. Focus Worker New to Kadima's staff, Martha Schafer is working for her M.S.W. Her previous expe- rience includes work as a nursery school teacher. At Kadima, she provides assistance with daily living skills to clients and con- sumers. Ervin Gold Focus Worker Mr. Gold came to Kadima in 1990 from Jewish Vocational Services. He works for us part time and provides assistance in daily living skills to clients and consumers. Judith Sternberg, B.A. — Office Manager Judy Sternberg, who has been with Kadima since 1989, knows everything in the office running smoothly and efficiently. She also takes tribute announcements and makes sure everyone's name is spelled cor- rectly. Marilyn Knight — M.S.W. Intern Wayne State University Ann Rubin-Hentschel — M.S.W. Intern Wayne State University Kadima's interns receive valuable train- • ing in working with the mentally ill, while they provide services to our consumers, working with focus and social work groups. — — — — — Kadima's annual nd- raiser, featuring lutist Alexander Zonjic, was a jazzy success, gener- ating more than $150,000. Enjoying the event, at the home of Janet and Arnold Arnoff were (l-r) Jane Schulak, Mrs. Arnoff, executive director Janette Shallal and president Ken Nathan. 29429 Southfield Road • Suite • Southfield, MI 48076 • Phone: 810/559-8235 • FAX: 810/5594)229