MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
September 2018
~ Greetings ~ 

September has arrived.  For many of us that means the changing of seasons, perhaps settling back into the routine of school and saying goodbye to lazy summer days.  For others, it may also signify something much different.  To many who have lost a loved one by suicide, September is a month symbolic of the advocacy work done to bring awareness to suicide prevention efforts through World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept 9 - 15) and locally at There is Hope (this Saturday Sept 8).  While the pain and loss of a loved one to suicide stays with one through the days and years, a dedicated month to shine light on this important topic that supports on-going work to prevent further tragedies is much needed and incredible. 

At MHA, the core of our work in many ways is suicide prevention and we are moments away from hosting the powerful and beautiful community event There is Hope ~ A Walk for Suicide Awareness & Prevention, on the morning of Saturday, September 8th, at Deland Park in Sheboygan along beautiful Lake Michigan.

I invite and encourage you to join this moment in time when we unite with a message of hope, resiliency, and recovery.  Recently a co-worker described this event as having "more depth" than any other fundraiser/community event she's ever attended.  That resonated with me as I reflect on those I know who have lost their lives to suicide, and all the families whose very personal and real losses I have come to know. 

Raising funds to support our on-going work in the community in areas of prevention/education, stigma elimination, increasing access to care, and providing recovery and support services is an incredible sentiment to those who have heart breakingly lost their lives to suicide. This gathering is light for those who have been, or are, lost among the shadows and fog. This event reminds us that there is no shame or blame in mental illness and that no death in our community by suicide loss is forgotten. 

Please join me. I look forward in sharing this special moment in time with you. A moment of togetherness our community can be proud.  

With Peace & Gratitude,

Kate S. Baer, M.A
Executive Director
kate@mhasheboygan.org

(Click 'display images below' above, 
to see the images in this eblast.)
There is Hope
A Walk for Suicide Awareness & Prevention
September 8, 2018

Online and pre-registration has closed, but the good news...

all are welcome and 
walk-ins are encouraged day of!  

This event is powerful. It supports those who have experienced the real and tragic loss of a loved one to suicide while uplifting attendees to know that we can make a difference. It supports programmatic efforts by MHA to help promote mental health and prevent suicide all year long. The event is also an opportunity for those who face or have faced mental health struggles to support one another and feel the support from our community.

Together, we can make a difference in suicide prevention. Walk 2, 3, or 4 miles along beautiful Lake Michigan to support suicide prevention and mental health. We must come together as a community to talk about mental health, illness, and suicide to have positive impact and make change.

Join hundreds of mental health champions.
Walk for Mental Health.
Walk to Support a Loved One.
Walk to Honor a Life Lost Too Soon.
Walk to Save Lives. 



Visit our website for more information including details of the event, what to expect, and why your voice and presence matters in helping us build hopeful and resilient communities! 

Showing up shows you care! 

Deep gratitude to our 2018 sponsors! 


Raffles |  Silent Auction |  Brat Fry  
Live Music |  Info Tables  | Speakers
Mindful Moment | Arts & Crafts Table | Baked Goods
Spirit Arch | Memory Quilt

Special thanks to all of the businesses and individuals who donated to our There  is Hope  event this year .  A complete listing will be available after the walk. 

Shout of of gratitude to our volunteers!  See you soon!
Sheboygan Service Club
presents
BRIDESMAIDS
11.10.2018

MHA is beyond excited to be SSC's 2018 Partner Charity!  
Stop by our office to learn about how YOU can become a mental health champion by:
  • Attending
  • Becoming a Sponsor of a Corporate Table 
  • Purchasing a Raffle Ticket 
  • All of the Above!  
Drum role , please....

The Ladies (and Husbands)
of the Sheboygan Service Club
Present...
BRIDESMAIDS


Please Save the Date of Saturday, November 10th
and join us at 5:30pm at the American Club in Kohler for a
Bachelorette Party SSC Style!
We invite all you former Bridesmaids & Groomsmen 
to get in the spirit and
wear your favorite Bridesmaid Dress or Groomsmen Tux!


"Finally ... a place to wear that bridesmaid dress again!"
- Any woman who's ever been in a wedding.




 

Community Events & Happenings
 

2nd Annual
Come Together
A Festival Celebrating Unity in our Community

Join more than 20 Sheboygan County nonprofit organizations (including MHA) in recognizing and celebrating the diversity that makes our community strong and vital. 

Saturday, September 15, 2018
Noon - 5pm
Fountain Park, Sheboygan WI 


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                                                                               Powerful Tools for Caregivers        

Powerful Tools for Caregivers, an evidence based workshop for family caregivers, will be held at Aurora Sheboygan Medical Center, 2629 N. 7th Street (Sunset Conference Room), Sheboygan on six consecutive Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm (lunch is provided) beginning on Friday, October 5, 2018. Participants learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, increase ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Space is limited and registration requested no later than Monday, October 1, 2018. There is a $30 materials fee.

For more information about Powerful Tools for Caregivers or to learn about other supports and services for family caregivers offered through the Aging & Disability Resource Center contact Lisa Hurley, Caregiver Coordinator at 920-467-4079.

You are a caregiver if you....

* Help a loved one with medications
* Go grocery shopping for or with someone
* Take a loved one to doctor visits and help interpret the doctor's directions
* Check on a loved one's dietary needs
* Care for someone long distance
* Help with cleaning, laundry, or other home chores
* Provide care for a family member in their home or yours
* Are the primary caregiver for a person in a facility

Please click here for brochure.


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Parent Cafés!

Where can families gather to enjoy a meal together, learn community resources, form positive friendships, lead meaningful parenting discussions, while their children receive free quality child care? Parent Cafés!

Families are encouraged to attend Parent Cafés at the Above and Beyond Museum, starting September 24th. Throughout the experience, families develop and strengthen their protective factors, which include parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and the social-emotional competence of children. We know that strong families lead to a strong community. Parent Cafés are happening across the state and the Sheboygan Community Partnership for Children is proud to offer them for Sheboygan families. All families are welcome!

Please contact Terri Schultz to register or with questions at (920)457-1999, ext. 107 or by email terris@familyconnectionscc.org.



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Healthy Sheboygan County 2020's S tigma Committee organized a large training of QPR trainers in June 2017.   This cadre of trainers represents over 18 indivdiuals from a variety of sectors in community including higher ed, h ospital systems, health care, community organizations and businesses!     

The target audience to QPR trainings is anyone and everyone!   This cadre will likely be training those 16 years and older, but please do not hesitate to inquire about younger ages as well by following the link and filling out the form below.  The training is evidence-research based and typically an hour length (at minimum).

To request a QPR training, please visit the link below:
Questions?  Please contact MHA Sheboygan:
 (920)458-3951 or info@mhasheboygan.org

Need more info on QPR training?  Please visit link below:
www.qprinstitute.com/

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Crisis Information 
& Emotional Support

24/7 Sheboygan County Mental Health 
Mobile Crisis
#920-459-3151 or 9-1-1
Please do not hesitate to call Sheboygan County Mobile Crisis if you or a loved one is having a mental health emergency and live in Sheboygan County.  

24/7 National Suicide Lifeline
1-877-273-TALK (8255)

Statewide Emotional Support Text Line 
HOPELINE
Text HOPELINE to 741741
HOPELINE is the first Emotional Support Text Line in the State of Wisconsin and provides service throughout the entire state for help and hope.  HOPELINE's purpose is to offer emotional support and resources before situations rise to crisis level. Texts received reflect struggles with breakups, job loss, bullying, LGBTQ issues, parental issues, school, friends, relationship issues or any struggle a person is experiencing.

Solstice Warmline
#1-608-244-5077
A non-clinical warmline service answered by people who have lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues and are trained to support people during tough times.  This program is operated by the Solstice House, a Peer Run Respite program in Madison, WI.
Hours of Operation 
Mon-Fri:  4pm-10pm
Saturday & Sun:  2pm-10pm

COPE Hotline
#1- 262-377-2673
The Mission of COPE Services is to provide emotional support and crisis intervention, accomplished by the maintenance of 24-hour telephone hotline.  Trained volunteer listeners await on the other line, located in Ozaukee County, providing an listening ear locally, statewide, and nationally.  

You are not alone.  Treatment works.  Recovery is possible. 


Spotlight On... 

Search for new Executive Director of MHA Sheboygan

Mental Health America in Sheboygan County's Board of Directors are
currently conducting a search to find their new Executive Director due to Kate's resignation, effective November 16.

Board President Wendy Yurk shares "It is our priority to continue to fulfill grant deliverables, while maintaining a stable and effective organization (during this transition time).  Kate will be missed by the staff, board and community partners alike. We look forward to following the success of her career and are hopeful and excited for the next chapter of MHA as we continue to fulfill our mission to promote mental wellness through education, empowerment, and support." 

To read the full  announcement, parting words from Kate, and find out how you can join the exciting and thriving MHA team as the next ED, visit the website

If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Wendy Yurk, Board President, at office@yurkcounseling.com. 



Suicide Prevention News, Updates, & Happenings

 
National Suicide Prevention Week
September  9 - 15, 2018

 "Although there is no single cause of suicide, one of the risks for suicide is social isolation, and there's scientific evidence for reducing suicide risk by making sure we connect with one another. We can all play a role through the power of connection by having real conversations about mental health with people in everyday moments - whether it's with those closest to us, or the coffee barista, parking lot attendant, or the grocery store clerk.

It's also about the connection we each have to the cause, whether you're a teacher, a physician, a mother, a neighbor, a veteran, or a suicide loss survivor or attempt survivor. We don't always know who is struggling, but we do know that one conversation could save a life." (source: afsp.org)


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Suicide Awareness Prevention Month 2018 

Check out the fabulous list of resources Prevent Suicide WI gathered regarding Suicide Awareness Prevention Month 2018 right here

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To Write Love on 
Her Arms 
(TWLOHA) World Suicide Prevention Day
 Campaign for September 10

Tomorrow Needs You. All of the statistics shared during September are a sobering reminder of the work that needs to be done. 

Learn how you can get involved in TWLOHA's social media campaign to raise awareness and make a difference here

Special Note:  There is a donation based yoga class on Yoga on the Lake tonight at 5:30pm!  Take a moment of self-care while giving back to a beautiful cause close to our hearts!  Support local businesses like YOTL that are mental health champions!

QPR

QPR is a suicide prevention training opportunity for community members!Check out the details in the left hand column.

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Suicide Loss 
Support Group

Please see below for upcoming meeting details.  
You are not alone. 


United Way Campaign  Kick Off and Day of Caring Event


Join us in celebrating United Way at their annual Campaign Kick Off and Day of Caring Event Thursday  September 13, 2018.  




Be Mindful 


#MindfulMondays
#MindfulnessMatters

Stay in touch! Click here and sign-up to be added to our Mindful Mondays weekly email!   

*If you are intersted in bringing mindfulness to your classroom or business, please contact us at (920) 458-3951 
or email info@mhasheboygan.org.

MHA Wish List

Plain, quart-sized mason jars 
Coffee
Glue Sticks
Garbage Bags
Paper Bags
Bottled Water
Amazon Gift Cards


Please visit our There is Hope website landing page to learn how you can be a mental health champion!


Please visit Sheboygan Service Club's website to learn how to become a Sponsor or join in on the party! 


2018 MHA 
Board of Directors


President
Wendy Yurk 

Vice President
Dr. Thomas Campbell 
 
Secretary/Treasurer
Adam Norlander

President-Elect
Kevin Bruggink

Board Members
Elizabeth Abler
Laura Albright
Connie Bitter
Elisa Carr
Dawn Jastrow
Dr. John Olsen
Mary Paluchniak
Katherine Pruitt
Laura Reinenmann
Rebecca Rupnick
Dana Salata
Fr. Matthew Widder

Interested in becoming an MHA Board Member?  



MHA Staff


Executive Director
Kate Baer, M.A. 
kate@mhasheboygan.org

Education Coordinator 
Trisha Erpelding, M.S.W.
trisha@mhasheboygan.org

PATH Coordinator | Mindful Instructor
Brianna Heusterberg
brianna@mhasheboygan.org

Mental Health 
Resource Specialist
Lisa Koepsell
lisa@mhasheboygan.org

Lead Peer Specialist
Joanna Woolwine
joanna@mhasheboygna.org

Peer Specialist | Recovery Coach
Tracy Krause
tracy@mhasheboygan.org

Mindful Instructor 
Rachael Lewinski 
rachael@mhasheboygan.org

MHA
915 N. 7th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
info@mhasheboygan.org
(920) 458-3951
Monday - Thursday 
8am - 4pm
Friday, Saturday, Weeknights   
by appointment. 

Open Door
817 N. 8th Street
Sheboygan WI 53081
opendoor@mhasheboygan.org
(920) 783-6801
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 
9am - 5pm

Check out the online calendar of  Open Door for activities during and outside drop-in hours.

Visit our online events page to learn about MHA education events and support groups meetings.




Open Door is a safe, nonjudgmental place that provides a leisure space for folks to gather. Check out our monthly calendars that often incorporate Mental Health Discovery topics,Ted Talks, movie days, Art Tonic activities and much more!  Learn more and visit our website page here to find the latest calendar. 

 Hope to see you there!

Open Door is a peer support recovery drop-in center creating a community of friends supporting wellness and recovery.   

Get Shopping! 
AmazonSmile is a website connected to Amazon.com, offering a simple and automatic way for you to support MHA, at no cost to you, each time you shop.

You receive the same Amazon selection, while MHA recieves a charitable donation of .5% of your purchase of tens of millions of eligible items.  How cool is that?  

Learn more here at  smile.amazon.com. 
 

Proud Partner Agency  

United Way of 
Sheboygan County


Thank you friends and supporters of United Way!  We recognize how valuable United Way's staff, board, and volunteers are in supporting the work we do.  We are pleased to announce a continued partnership of investment into MHA's Education, Information & Assistance, and Community Services programs for 2017/2018!

Thank you!    
MHA Support Groups 
 
Compassionate Parents 
Support Group

* September 10
* Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30pm
* For bereaved parents who have lost a child
* Meeting location (Open Door site) 817 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan

Telephone Friends
Julie Kaboord 
920-876-3181
Jeff and Jane Meyer 
920-892-6602

Suicide Loss 
Support Group
* Next Meeting Monday September 24
* Meets the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
* For anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide
* Meeting location: (MHA House Building) 915 N 7th St., Sheboygan

Questions?
Contact MHA Sheboygan at (920)458-3951 or info@mhasheboygan.org