Four County Mental Health Center, Inc.  Serving Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson County, Kansas

 "Four County Mental Health Center  is dedicated to providing  accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."

IN THE NEWS

    Autism in the Classroom Presentation (July 1, 2008) - “Autism in the Classroom” will be the topic of a presentation by Teresa McVey, Tri-County Special Education Cooperative, Monday, July 14 at 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  McVey is a Tact-Team Member, (Team Assistance of Classroom Teachers), for Tri-County, is the Autism Specialist for the Autism Waiver and has been appointed as the Regional Autism Consultant for the State of Kansas.  Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior.  Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life.  Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help children gain self-care, social, and communication skills.
    This series is sponsored by Four County Mental Health Center and will be held at the Coffeyville Public Library, 311 W.10th.  Activities for children, three years old and older, will be provided by the Coffeyville Public Library.  Children must be registered to participate in the library activities.  Certificates of attendance will be made available for this two-hour presentation.  To register for the class and activities you may call Susan Hill (620) 332-1912. 

 

Four County Staff assist in Chapman Disaster Relief  (June 2008)
    Staff of Four County Mental Health Center’s Quest-Foundations program volunteered their time and efforts in Chapman, KS for disaster relief from the tornado that hit on June 11th.  Brian Murrison, Coordinator of the Quest-Foundations program of Four County, requested volunteers to assist in the disaster that hit his home city. 
    Upon hearing of the disaster, Brian Murrison, originally from Chapman, drove to the disaster site to check on his family.  In speaking with his father Jim, who serves as the Superintendent of Light, Water, and Street Department for the City of Chapman, Murrison learned of the magnitude of the needs of the residents of Chapman.     

Four County Quest-Foundations Staff
Assist in Chapman Disaster Relief
    The team from Four County spent time cleaning up debris in the city cemetery and then assisted an individual in tearing down and moving the remaining walls of their home to the curb for pick up by the debris removers.
      Four County provided transportation for the volunteers.  Junction City Church of the Nazarene, in Junction City, KS allowed the team to stay overnight in their church and also cooked breakfast.    
   The team consisted of:  Murrison and staff members Seth Oldweiler, Seth Wills, Brad Waggoner, Riley Hall, Dave Vanderhofe, Aiko Sharp, Ashley Roper, Julie Dumler, Clancy Milligan, Laura Kendrick, Jeremy Bruington and a community volunteer Lindsey Roper. 
    These individuals through their volunteer efforts and strong leadership qualities exemplified Four County’s vision and values of Commitment to wellness and quality of life for individuals, families and communities and by providing leadership within the communities Four County serves at the statewide level.  The Quest-Foundations program employs many young adults and college students throughout the summer to work with children and youth at Four County.  
   

Employee of the Year and Service Awards Given to Staff  (April 2008)
    Four County Mental Health Center staff were honored at the annual Spring Retreat held at the 4-H Building at Riverside Park in Independence on Thursday, April 24th.     Ron Denney, Executive Director, led the group in recognizing outstanding leadership and service to the agency.  Lacy King, Interim Director of Human Resources, was honored with the Four County Employee of the Year Award.  Judy Wilkins, Director of Grants received recognition for 35 years of service to the agency.
   Departmental Employee of the Year Award recipients were selected through peer nominations.  Those receiving recognition were Karen Bone, ARNP, Medical

Lacy King
Employee of the Year
 		Judy Wilkins
35 Years of Service
 Services, Joe Reich, Clinical Services, Brent Thompson, Community Support Services, Brian Murrison, Community Based Services, and Wanda Farris, Administrative Services. 
   Star of Excellence award recipients were Wanda Daugherty, Wanda Farris, Angie Hammack, Tonja McCollam, Trina McIntosh, Cherylene Pope, Chrystal Ritter, Toshio Sharp, Dorcas Sutton, Michele VanWinkle, and Eric Valle.  The Star of Excellence award is given to staff who exemplified the agency based on one or more of the Values of Four County.     
     Sandy Shire was recognized for 20 years of service, Cammy Ruch for 15 years of service, and Pam Dotson and Virginia King for 10 years of service. 
     Five year service awards were received by Jerry Bennett, Larry Cretcher, Wanda Daugherty, Kenny Farmer, Jennifer Foraker, John Gray, Yolanda Hutchinson, Danny Kinnamon, Carrie Kukovich, Blair Millemon, Brian Murrison, Nancy Nipper,  Frank Peterman, Yehoshua Othniel, Kelly Smallwood, Michele VanWinkle, and Penny Webber.
     Ron completed the honors with the announcement that the Four County North public meeting room will be named the Wesley Room distinguishing the service of Bob and Eloise Wesley.
 
2008 Social Work Month (March 2008)
    Each year social workers across the country celebrate the profession during March – National Professional Social Work Month.  We reflect on the history of the profession, celebrate the important work that is currently being done and look toward a future of promise for the individuals, families and communities we serve.
  Our focus for Social Work Month is a central tenet of social work – building on strengths.  The foundation for growth and change in an individual, a family and a community are their strengths.  More than 600,000 social workers are educated in the “strengths perspective” which emphasizes working with client or community resources, capabilities, support systems, and motivations to meet current challenges.        		Social Work Month Logo 2008
All individuals, families and communities have strengths.  Understanding and utilizing these strengths are essential to improving emotional health and well-being.
     The Social Work Month 2008 logo signifies the connections that social workers provide between the areas from which people draw their strength – home, health, family, friends, and communities.
 
National Counseling Awareness Month  (April 2008)    
    Counseling Awareness Month is an annual observance that is celebrated in April to educate the public about the role of counselors in helping individuals to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. It is sponsored by the American Counseling Association (ACA). The theme for this year's observance is "Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence.
    Thank you to all our counselors at Four County.  The role the counselors have in providing assistance to the patients on a day-to-day basis is recognized through the National Counseling Awareness Month.  The staff at Four County is what makes our agency the quality agency we are. 
    Why is counseling so important?  Every day, some form of counseling makes a difference in the lives of individuals around the world. Counseling can be beneficial in many instances. For example, counseling can help when a person is making a life-changing decision and needs assistance with putting things in perspective, or when a person needs help with improving or developing life skills. In addition to mental health counseling, other types of counseling include pastoral or spiritual counseling, marriage counseling, job and business counseling, education counseling, and genetic counseling.
 
Joining Together in Topeka to Promote Mental Health Care (March 2008)
Four County Mental Health Center staff, Jeff Carnes and Kristy Lenington, of the Clubhouse Program and  Marilynn Gonzales, Parent Support Coordinator were in Topeka to support mental health services and the need to continue with funding for quality community-based mental health programs .  Both groups advocated to help reduce the sigma of mental illness.  Clubhouse members incorporated "masks" into their theme "Removing the Veil".  Clubhouse members compiled responses to the question  "How does Four County help me make a difference in my life? as handouts to legislators.  

    The Parent Support efforts were highlighted by the theme  "Break Down the Wall of Stigma!" with a wall of legos built showing the The Impact due to Stigma!! (fear, discrimination, mistrust, ignorance, embarrassment, judgment, shame and misconceptions and intrusiveness).  Their focus was on helping to remove these feelings by looking at mental illness with understanding and acceptance.  As with any illness, family and community support and acceptance is utmost in enhancing recovery. 
    Gail Norton, Parent Education Coordinator joined with other agencies in Topeka to highlight the programs partially funded by the Kansas Children's Service League.  Grant recipients are required to attend the one day event in the State House to promote children's services and promote the various components of their program.   Gail highlighted aspects of the Parent Education Program that is offered throughout the Four County catchment area of Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson counties. "Together We Can" was the theme used at this event, focusing on the many relationships that encourage the children to thrive, parents, family members, teachers, and friends. 
 
Preventing Elder Abuse:  A Community Responsibility (January 2008)
    Preventing Elder Abuse: A Community Responsibility is a conference sponsored by the Southeast Kansas Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition.  This conference will be a one day educational opportunity aimed at enhancing the knowledge and prevention of elder abuse in the Southeast Kansas communities.  
       The conference will be held Friday, March 7th, 2008 at Memorial Hall in Independence, KS with registration beginning at 8:00.  Chayo Reyes, a retired detective from Los Angeles and a national instructor on financial abuse investigations will be the featured speaker beginning at 8:30 AM.  Brad Bryant, from the Wichita Police Department, Ruth Ritthaler, Attorney, and Dr. Lauren Lee, M.D. from Coffeyville Regional Medical Center will also be presenting on elder abuse topics from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.  
    Continuing education opportunities will be available for law enforcement personnel, mental health professionals, nurses, attorneys, and healthcare administrators with seven (7) hours given for the entire conference, no partial credit will be given.  This conference will be provided free of charge through a grant funded by the Kansas Department on Aging.  Anyone is welcome to attend the conference.  Pre-registration is not mandatory but would be appreciated by contacting Steve Denny at 620-331-1748.  
 
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program (July 2007)
      Judy Wilkins, Director of Grants, reports that Four County Mental Health Center received notification in June of a $50,000 grant award from the Mental Health Division of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program. 
      Through this grant a licensed mental health professional, with special training in early childhood mental health, will be available to provide consultation to early childhood service agencies. This service will be open to any licensed preschool or daycare facility as well as other early childhood service agencies in Montgomery, Wilson, Elk, and Chautauqua counties.  Consultation will be provided for children ages five or younger who are exhibiting behaviors indicating possible mental health or adjustment problems.  The consultant will come to the agency and assess the child without cost to the referring agency.  Consultation will be available to the parents and family as well.
      Tammy Blaich, a Qualified Mental Health Professional, will provide the consultation services and Jan West, Director of Children’s Services, will oversee the project.  To obtain more information or request services contact Tammy Blaich at Four County Mental Health Center at 620-251-8180.
      The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitations Services Division of Mental Health approved renewal of funding of $9,500 for an Interim Housing Program in Coffeyville, Kansas.  The Shared Living Program of Four County Mental Health Center provides temporary housing to adults with mental illness to prevent homelessness and provides assistance in obtaining permanent housing.  According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), 20 to 25 percent of homeless individuals have serious mental illness and few resources exist in our area for temporary housing.  The Shared Living Program provides both a resource for temporary housing and also connects individuals with treatment services and the community support necessary for finding permanent housing.
 
Project Core Receives Grant for Fourth Consecutive Year (August 2007)
    Funding has been awarded to Four County Mental Health Center through an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant for continuation for a fourth year of Project CORE, an intensive outpatient treatment program for offenders.  According to Project CORE Coordinator, Brenda Richardson, the program provides treatment for individuals who have substance abuse and mental health issues who are involved with the criminal justice system or are at risk of involvement.  Referrals often come from the Court, but can be made by calling Four County.  Project CORE was cited this year in the Governor’s S.A.F.E. Communities Program Fact Sheet for successful outcomes for participants in preventing further legal involvement, reducing substance abuse, and increasing employment rates.
 
Southeast Kansas Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition to Provide Community Programs (August 2007)
    Four County Mental Health Center, in partnership with the Southeast Kansas Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition, received a grant for $7,000 from the Kansas Department on Aging.  Susan Hill, Director of Prevention and Outreach at Four County, will direct the project that will provide community programs to increase awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Southeast Kansas.   Steve Denny, Four County Coordinator of Senior Outreach Services, and Ruth Ritthaler, Attorney, will chair the planning committee.  A Healthy Aging Fair will be held in September and an all-day conference featuring a nationally known speaker on exploitation and abuse is planned for March of 2008.  
    If you would like additional information about the project or if you are interested in becoming a member of the Southeast Kansas Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition, please contact Steve Denny at Four County Mental Health Center.
 
Transportation Resources (August 2007)
    The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has notified Four County Mental Health Center that they will fund a thirteen-passenger vehicle with wheelchair lift and wheelchair restraints to transport Four County Mental Health Center patients. This vehicle will be ordered in November 2007 with anticipated delivered in March 2008.  KDOT 5310 funding provides transportation assistance to non-profit organizations for disabled and elderly. 
 
Four County Available to Assist Flood Victims  (July 3, 2007)
     Four County Mental Health Center stands prepared to assist people with coping with the aftermath of the floods.  Individuals who have experienced a trauma such as a natural disaster with the loss of property, displacement from homes and neighborhoods, and fears about the future may need the support and assistance of mental health workers.  Four County staff will be available at our facilities, and will be available to the shelters, as well as meeting with people in the community as they return to their homes. 
     Four County will continue to provide crisis services as always for individuals in Montgomery, Wilson, Elk and Chautauqua counties.  This includes assessing treatment needs, developing a treatment plan and crisis plan when necessary as well as screening for hospitalization. 
    The residents of this area have had a common experience of experiencing a natural disaster and have been impacted in varying levels.  Supporting each other through this by checking on neighbors, offering assistance, and just spending time listening is very important.  As more resources develop, it will important to share information on how to access these resources. 
     Members of the Four County Crisis team who volunteered in Greensburg noted the resilience of those community members and the hopeful, positive attitudes about rebuilding and moving on.  Southeast Kansas community members have the same potential to move on to a future which may be different from life prior to these floods, yet very positive.  If Four County can be of assistance to you or your family or friends call 331-01748 in Independence or 251-8180 in Coffeyville.  After hours call either of the Four County numbers or (800) 499-1748 and your call will be answered. 
Virginia King Appointed to Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council  (July 2, 2007)
    Virginia King, Director of the Coffeyville Branch office at Four County Mental Health Center has been elected to a three-year term with the Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council.  Virginia was nominated for the council by Dr. Jan Smith of Pittsburg State University as a practitioner representative.  To qualify for the nomination the nominee must be in clinical practice at the masters level.  The Council is composed of three academic representatives of training programs, three practitioner representatives, and one public representative.
 The Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council accredits academic programs in psychology, which promote training in the scientific practice of professional psychology at the master’s level. Although programs may vary in the models of training utilized, a commitment to science-based training in all aspects of psychology is emphasized. \    
 Virginia has been the director of the Coffeyville office since 2003. Virginia is a Licensed Masters Level Psychologist and a Li censed Clinical Psychotherapist with 9 years experience.
 
Early Childhood Comprehensive Planning Grant    (May 2007)
     The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund has notified Four County Mental Health Center  of an Early Childhood Comprehensive Planning grant award of $10,000.  Funding is through the Department of Social & Rehabilitative Services for January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.   The focus of this project is to identify resources and areas of need for children birth to 5 years in order to ensure that children enter school prepared to learn. 
     Research shows that children whose needs are met during early infancy and preschool years enter school ready to learn and have an enhanced chance of succeeding throughout their lifetime.  When children’s needs are not met during these early critical years, a future of failure can be set in place that leads to high personal and societal costs.  It is estimated that between one-third and one-fourth of children are at risk for early school failure.
     Four County Mental Health Center is using the grant funds to develop a community planning team, the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coalition. The core partners in this effort include representatives from the Montgomery County Health Department, Birth to Three, Parents as Teachers, Four Year Old Preschool Program, Early Head Start, Head Start, Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services, Tri County Special Education Cooperative, and the Montgomery County Extension Office.  The coalition will include family and community representatives in addition to child and family service agencies. 
     The Montgomery County Early Childhood Coalition held their first meeting on February 16th.  Tessie Horning, a Licensed Masters Level Psychologist, is the group facilitator and Jan West, Children’s Services Director, is Project Director. 
 
40th Anniversary Open House
Ron Denney Receives "Pathfinder's Award"