Four County Mental Health Center, Inc.  Serving Chautauua, 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

Supported Employment Program is recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program (September 10, 2009) The Supported Employment program of Four County Mental Health Center has been recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program by the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for the third year in a row.  The program received an exemplary score of 121 out of 125 on the most recent Fidelity conducted by Galen Smith from University of Kansas and Patrick Nickelson with the Kansas SRS. 
     For more than 15 years, the Supported Employment program has assisted severe and persistently mentally ill adults work in integrated employment.  Supported Employment is a way to move people from dependence to independence through competitive employment. 
     Four County’s program was cited as being highly diverse in the types of jobs consumers hold.  The program has 50% of the consumers currently employed.  The program works with local employers and provides them with qualified applicants, matching their needs and the consumer’s qualifications and provides post-hire follow along supports.  There are no fees to employers and they may be eligible for tax credits. 
     Many consumers have been told that they couldn’t work because of their mental illness, but with assistance and support from the program the same consumers have been successfully working in competitive employment for years.  Consumers report that their symptoms decrease and their self-esteem improves when they are employed.  Consumers also report that they are able to manage symptoms in the workplace better when they are able to receive support from their Employment Specialists.  The consumers state the biggest impact for positive changes in their lives is employment thereby increasing their independence and helping in their recovery.  
     Four County Mental Health Center is a private not-for-profit licensed Kansas community mental health center providing comprehensive services for the ever changing needs of all populations residing within the Southeast Kansas counties of Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson.  Four County Mental Health Center is dedicated to providing accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."0The Supported Employment program of Four County Mental Health Center has been recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program by the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for the third year in a row.  The program received an exemplary score of 121 out of 125 on the most recent Fidelity conducted by Galen Smith from University of Kansas and Patrick Nickelson with the Kansas SRS. 
     For more than 15 years, the Supported Employment program has assisted severe and persistently mentally ill adults work in integrated employment.  Supported Employment is a way to move people from dependence to independence through competitive employment. 
     Four County’s program was cited as being highly diverse in the types of jobs consumers hold.  The program has 50% of the consumers currently employed.  The program works with local employers and provides them with qualified applicants, matching their needs and the consumer’s qualifications and provides post-hire follow along supports.  There are no fees to employers and they may be eligible for tax credits. 
     Many consumers have been told that they couldn’t work because of their mental illness, but with assistance and support from the program the same consumers have been successfully working in competitive employment for years.  Consumers report that their symptoms decrease and their self-esteem improves when they are employed.  Consumers also report that they are able to manage symptoms in the workplace better when they are able to receive support from their Employment Specialists.  The consumers state the biggest impact for positive changes in their lives is employment thereby increasing their independence and helping in their recovery.  
     Four County Mental Health Center is a private not-for-profit licensed Kansas community mental health center providing comprehensive services for the ever changing needs of all populations residing within the Southeast Kansas counties of Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson.  Four County Mental Health Center is dedicated to providing accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."

Presentations and Celebrations in Local Communities:  Stories of Recovery from Individuals with Alcohol/Drug Problems:  (September 8, 2009)   Four County Mental Health Center will be hosting four panel discussion groups to highlight Recovery Month.  Recovery Month celebrates the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole.
    Community celebrations will be held September 16 at Caney High School, September 23 at Independence High School, September 30 at Neodesha High School and October 7 at Cherryvale High School.  A light supper will be served beginning at 5:30 PM.  The celebration will begin with a 30-minute presentation on alcohol/drug problems in the local community.  At 6:30 PM a panel of recovering individuals will share their personal experiences and answer questions about their recovery.  The evening will end with a 30-minute informational program on treatment and the 12 step-programs in the area. 
    Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them.  Each September, thousands of treatment programs around the country celebrate their successes and share them with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues in an effort to educate the public about treatment, how it works, for whom, and why.  Substance abuse treatment providers have made significant accomplishments, having transformed the lives of untold thousands of Americans.  These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes.
    Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible.  Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment.  Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.
Partnering with Four County are the local high schools, law enforcement agencies, and 12-Step support groups.  Anyone in the community that is interested in learning more about alcohol and or drug recovery is welcome to attend any of these presentations.

Project Core Program of Four County Mental Health Center Receives Funds for Continuing Treatment Program  (August 14, 2009)   Four County Mental Health Center is pleased to announce the award of an $88,540 Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Administration Grant from the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance.  This grant is administered by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council through the Governor’s Grants Program.  Funds will be used to continue a treatment program for adults with co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and mental health issues who are involved with the criminal justice system or at risk of involvement.  This program, Project CORE, provides outpatient treatment and case management services to residents of Montgomery and Wilson counties.  Pre-treatment groups are also offered through the program at area jails.   The goal of Project CORE is to divert the individual from future involvement in the legal system.
     According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 70 percent of offenders have a history of regular drug use as compared to nine percent of the general population.  The rate of serious mental illness among those in jail is nearly four times as high for men and eight times as high for women.  Substance abuse and mental illness are both identified risk factors for involvement in the criminal justice system, and treatment is essential to reduction of crime.  
     Project CORE referrals can come from the court system, law enforcement, family members, or an individual may self-refer.  Additional information about the program can be obtained by contacting the Program Coordinator, Ruth McCall, at 331-1748.  As a condition of funding, Four County is required to note in all information about the program that Four County views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council or the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Four County Receives Grant for Parent Education Services (August 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center received notification of a Community Based Child Abuse Prevention grant award from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.  Funds will provide Parent Education classes in Montgomery, Wilson, Chautauqua, and Elk counties.   During the next year, this project is projected to serve over 700 parents in the four counties. 
     The Parent Education Program provides free parenting classes.  Classes will be offered on over seventy-nine different topics at various locations over the year.  Child care and transportation are available for several classes each month.  New classes that will be available this year include “The Incredible Years” program and “Guiding Good Choices”. 
     Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the parent education classes free of charge.  Additional information and a schedule can be obtained by containing the Program Coordinator, Gail Norton, at 620-331-3480.  A list of classes can also be viewed at www.fourcounty.com.

Parent Education Grant Awarded to Four County Mental Health Center (July 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center received notification of a Community Service grant award from the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, Children and Family Services.  Funds will be used to provide Parent Education classes in Montgomery and Wilson counties.   During the next year, this project will serve 575 or more parents and child care providers affecting 2,550 or more children in these two counties. 
     The Parent Education Program provides free parenting classes in Montgomery and Wilson counties, and also serves Elk and Chautauqua.  Classes will be offered on seventy-nine or more different topics at various locations over the next year.  Child care and transportation are available for several classes each month.  New classes that will be available this year include “The Incredible Years” program and “Guiding Good Choices”. 
     Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the parent education classes free of charge.  Additional information and a schedule can be obtained by containing the Program Coordinator, Gail Norton, at 620-331-3480.  A list of classes can also be viewed at www.fourcounty.com.

SRS Awards Interim Housing Award to Four County (July 2009) The Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services has awarded Four County Mental Health Center $9,000 to support an interim housing program located in Montgomery County that will serve residents of Montgomery, Wilson, Chautauqua, and Elk counties.  Funds will be used to provide temporary housing for individuals with mental illness who are being discharged from a psychiatric hospital or nursing facility for mentally ill and need assistance in locating permanent housing. 
     According to the Center for Mental Health Services, one-third of people who are homeless have serious mental illness.  Research shows that people who are homeless and mentally ill are more likely to recover and not return to homelessness if they receive mental health treatment services combined with supported housing.  The Interim Housing Program at Four County also connects individuals with treatment services, community resources, and peer support based upon the person’s individual needs to help them remain in the community.  Micah Fogleman is the Project Coordinator.  Additional information about the Interim Housing Program can be obtained by contacting Fogleman at 331-3481.

Local Kids Training Team Art Show 2009 (May 2009)     The local Kids Training Team Art Show 2009 will be held at the Independence Historical Museum, 123 N. 8th, Independence.  This show promotes the success of Kansas children identified with Serious Emotional Disturbance.  Four County Mental Health Center’s Community Based Services program works with this population and promotes expression of self through an art contest held annually. 
     The Kids Training Team is a Collaborative Effort of The Kansas Department of Social Rehabilitation Services/Disability and Behavioral Health Services (SRS DBHS), Wichita State University (WSU), College of Health Professions, the Training Advisory Group (TAG) and Title XIX Medicaid Programs.  This network provides training for children's mental health service providers throughout Kansas.  Kids Training Team is dedicated to excellence in training, supporting and encouraging Kansas community-based providers in their quest to serve children identified with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) and their families.
     The exhibits will be judged and the four age groups will each have first, second and third place winners.  Five exhibits total will be selected to compete in a state-wide competition sponsored by Wichita State University at the Kansas Behavioral Health Conference to be held in September.  Winners of this competition will have their artwork published in a calendar that will be distributed throughout Kansas. 
     This exhibit is sponsored by Four County Mental Health Center.  Exhibits will be on display beginning Tuesday, May 26 and remain through June 2 at the Independence Historical Museum. .  
Spring Retreat 2009 - Star of Excellence and Years of Service Awards Given (May 4, 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center staff were honored at the annual Spring Retreat held at the 4-H Building at Riverside Park in Independence.  Ron Denney, Executive Director, led the group in recognizing outstanding leadership and service to the agency. 
     Star of Excellence awards were given to staff who exemplified the agency based on one or more of the Values of Four County.  Star of Excellence awards recipients by department were:  for Community Support Services (adult services), Diana Thomas, Debbie Malone, Kathy Folsom, Frank Peterman, Michael Talbot, and Nancy Nipper.  For Community Based Services (children’s services) Melissa Thornton was recognized.  Administrative Services recipients were Debbie Sheel, Sandy Swart, Judy Johnson, and Teresa Osborne.  Recipients for Clinical Services were Josh Othniel, Brandon Sanders, Cherylene Pope, Michel Starnes, and Shannon Goode.  Recipients for Medical Services were Becky Reeves, Karen Bone, Angie Hammock, and Karen Stong. 
     Community Star of Excellence Awards were given in recognition for the reflection of Four County’s values through everyday interaction with community partners.  Those recognized were Kelly Smallwood, Erica Schultz, Nichole Smith, Shelly Todd, Sandy Swart, Erica Redman, Sarah Musgrove, and Judy Johnson. 
     Years of Service awards were given to Greg Hennen, Susan Hill, Judy Johnson and Bobbye Maley for 20 years of service.  Tammy Blaich, Jan Frye, Linda Powell, Joe Reich and Eloise Wesley were given awards for 15 years of service.  For 10 years, awards were given to Liz Garton and Ginger Graham. 
     Five year service awards were received by Katherine Abbott, Monica Beard, Kelly Bradford, Michele Handshumaker, Stacy Hoyt, Lacy King, Frank Lucivero, Madison Lumm, JC Marsh, Vickie McDonald, Chuck McFate, Rebecca Meadows, Gail Norton, Beth Osborn, Rebecca Reeves, Nichole Smith, Anita Theel, and Adam Vickery. 

Supported Employment Program recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program (May 1, 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center’s Supported Employment Program has been recognized as a Kansas Exemplary Program by the Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services for the third year in a row.
     The Exemplary Award was presented to Ron Denney, Executive Director by Rick Shults Director of SRS Mental Health and Michael Goldberg, CEO of Kansas Health Solutions.  The awards were also presented to Johnson County Mental Health Center, Valeo Behavioral Health Center. 
     Four County’s program was cited as being highly diverse in the types of jobs consumers hold.  The program works with employers and provides them with qualified applicants, matching their needs and the consumer’s qualifications and provides job retention services, employee support and post-hire follow up.  There are no fees to employers for this service and they may be eligible for tax credits.
     Four County has 50 percent of the consumers in the supported employment program now employed, compared to the required criteria of 45 percent.
     For more than 15 years, Four County has helped severe and persistently mentally ill adults find and maintain employment. 
     Members of the supported employment team are Diana Compton, Supported Employment Coordinator, Alvin Bryant, Rebecca Foreman, Frank Lucivero, Frank Peterman, Melissa Row and Brent Thompson.
Denney Attends Rural Health Policy Leadership Conference (April 15, 2009)  Steve Denny, Senior Outreach Services Coordinator, Four County Mental Health Center attended "Rural Voices Leadership and Policy Workshop" sponsored by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Rural Health Policy in Washington D.C. He was one of 22 attendees selected nationally to develop leadership skills necessary to advocate on behalf of rural Americans at the State and National Level.  Denny intends to use the information gained from this workshop to educate and advocate on behalf of the healthcare needs of Southeast Kansas. Denny currently oversees Senior Outreach Services, a grant project funded by HRSA, which provides in home behavioral health services to adults 60 and over in Southeast Kansas. This program has been successful in reaching hundreds of older adults in the target area leading to sustained independence, higher quality of life, and lower healthcare costs in local communities. Denny will be presenting on the Senior Outreach Services program at the National Rural Health Association Conference in Miami, Florida in May of 2009.

Clubhouse Members Attend National Conference in Washington DC (April 15, 2009)  Four County Mental Health Center members of the Coffeyville Monarch Clubhouse program and staff members Bill Cashero and Wanda Daughtery of the Sunflower Clubhouse program in Independence attended the Eastern USA Clubhouse Conference and National Employment Celebration in Washington D.C.  Employment celebration events honor and thank employers and recognize the employment accomplishments of Clubhouse members.  The event emphasis the role that employment plays in recovery of mental illness and focuses on reducing the stigmas associated.  This media coverage is also helpful in letting local companies know about Clubhouse employment and the availability of good workers.  The event also presents a good leadership building experience for members and staff in terms of public speaking, working with the media and event planning. 
     The local group met with Representative Todd Tiahart and the aide to Senator Pat Roberts and shared information about the Clubhouse programs in Coffeyville and Independence. 
     The group was able to view “No Kidding, Me Too!”, a documentary directorial debut by Joe Pantoliano (award winning actor/producer, (The Matrix, Memento, Empire of the Sun, Risky Business).  The group was able to meet Pantoliano and joined their stories in Pantoliano’s fight against the stigma and shame of mental/brain disease.  
     The Monarch Clubhouse submitted a proposal to Four County administration for support of their initiative to attend this conference.  The Clubhouse Program’s funds, raised throughout the year at multiple events, and shared funds from Four County provided this educational experience for members and staff.  The group attended the majority of the workshops covering topics such as Engaging Young Adults, Quality Improvement, Life Outside the Work Ordered Day, Research and Evidenced Based Practices, Creative Technology, Housing and Employment all related to the Clubhouse model. 
     Clubhouse programs provide a community where people with mental illness support one another.  Membership is voluntary.  Members and clubhouse staff work side by side, and is based on the belief that, given the opportunity, people with mental illness can make their own decisions, provide effective help to one another, and live independent lives, recovering a sense of worth that is often lost during an episode of mental illness and treatment.  Four County supports two of these programs the Monarch Clubhouse in Coffeyville and the Sunflower Clubhouse in Independence. 

Clubhouse staff member, Bill Cashero, and Joe Pantioliano at National Conference. 
Group meets with Todd Tiahrt at National Conference
 

Four County Obtains Grant Funds for Project Before and Early Childhood Consultation Programming (January 26, 2009) - Four County Mental Health Center is one of fourteen grantees in the State of Kansas to receive an Early Childhood Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.  The grant is administered through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.  Four County will receive $244,345 for two projects to serve at risk children, ages birth to five, and their families in Montgomery, Wilson, Elk and Chautauqua counties.
     The first project, the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program will provide a mental health professional to consult with child care providers, preschools and child service agencies at no cost to the agency.  The consultant will conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, provide outreach to families and connect them to resources to ensure children, ages birth to five, have the emotional and social skills needed for school success.  Tammy Blaich, a licensed mental health therapist with specialized training in infant and toddler mental health, will provide these services. 
     The second project, Project Before, will provide four case managers to work with families who are identified as at-risk due to mental illness or substance abuse.  In order to be eligible for services through this program, there must be a child or children age five or younger in the home.  The program includes helping parents obtain substance abuse or mental health treatment, assisting with education and employment issues, addressing parenting concerns, ensuring access to healthcare, connecting families with existing early childhood services, and addressing basic needs such as housing, food and transportation.  Stephanie Clark, Community Based Services Coordinator will oversee this program. 
     To learn more about these programs or to make a referral call Four County Mental Health Center’s Coffeyville Office at 620-251-8180. 

 

JJA Planning Grant Received by Four County (January 26, 2009) - Four County Mental Health Center was awarded funding by the University of Kansas Children’s Research Team for continuation of a planning grant to strengthen cross collaboration between mental health and the juvenile justice system in the 14th Judicial District.  This is one of two planning grants for mental health and juvenile justice funded in the State of Kansas by KU.  The second funded program is in Wichita through ComCare of Sedgwick County.  Michelle VanWinkle, Community Based Services Coordinator at Four County, Duane Powell, Director, of Family and Children’s Services and Bill Knight, Intake Coordinator with Family and Children’s Services, are facilitating the project.  A planning team, which includes representation from several community agencies, is exploring ways to ensure that children and their families who come into the juvenile justice system receive mental health and substance abuse treatment services that will prevent further involvement in the judicial system. 

Montgomery County's eldest population group has a reason to be proud (October 16th 2008) - Taylor Newpapers
Montgomery County’s eldest population group has a reason to be proud     They survived a great depression, harnessed the atom, saw everything from Lindbergh to satellites, saved the world from brutal tyranny and contributed to the largest post-war economy in the history of civilization.   No other age group of Americans can boast such accomplishments.  However, this “greatest generation” of Americans also poses a challenge to family, friends and caretakers.   Few people know what is really bouncing around in the heads — and hearts — of those elderly citizens.  And, there are few, if any, times when that proud group of elders asks for help from the internal crises that is breaking down their minds and bodies.  That’s where the Senior Outreach Services (SOS) enters the picture.
   The SOS program, administered by Four County Mental Health Center, provides mental health services to elderly residents — age 60 and older — in Montgomery and Wilson counties. The program offers at-home mental health services that can reach into the hearts and heads of the elderly residents and ultimately put them on the road of feeling good about themselves once again.
     “Too many times, older people do not reach out to ask for help,” said Steve Denny, SOS program director. “This is a group of citizens who pulled themselves up by their boot straps when they were younger. To ask for help is rather foreign to them . . . but they should ask for help. We’re here to provide it.”
     While elderly residents often don’t ask for help, their bodies and minds can reveal the need for assistance. They often turn to substance abuse, primarily alcohol, to escape their troubles, or they express unresolved grief or guilt. They tend to isolate themselves from the rest of society while feeling helpless or hopeless in the process.
    And, why should they feel gloomy about their role in the world? Denny said seniors often face the most challenging obstacles of any age group today. Seniors who deal with mental depression often have faced the loss of a spouse. They deal with health problems, compounded with the high costs of health care on limited incomes. They are usually lonely as they deal with the absence of children or grandchildren. And, many of them are retired and unable to deal with the transition of daily work to daily boredom.
    With all of those stresses, it’s little wonder why a senior citizen feel like the sky is falling.
    “All of those issues contribute to the decline of the individual, both mentally and physically,” said Denny. “What we try to do is go into the homes of seniors and talk to them about their problems, provide some advice, and see if we can’t get them on the road toward recovery.
     The SOS Program is unique in that is provides at-home mental health services. Few, if any, other programs are like it in the United States, Denny said.
    “Our goal is to keep these people out of nursing homes and back into the community,” he said. “Our challenge, from the mental health industry, is to get rid of the stigmas held by many older people about mental health services. But when someone reaches out or is referred to us, we develop a strong relationship with them. The better the relationship, the better the therapeutic outcomes.”
    So far, the program has paid dividends in the seniors who receive the assistance. Denny said a recent survey of clients revealed that 85 percent reported reduced symptoms after 90 days of treatment. Some 70 percent of the survey respondents reported improvement in their emotional well-being after six months of treatment, and 64 percent reported increased satisfaction with relationships after three months of treatment.
     The SOS program, which recently completed its first year, had 143 clients who received outreach or direct services while 67 clients received other services.
     Because the services offered in the SOS program not only will improve an elder person’s mental issues, it also will improve their physical conditions, too, Denny said. Less than five percent of the program participants were placed in a nursing facility permanently, he said.
    “What we witnessed in the improvement of the physical conditions of many of our clients was dramatic,” he said.
Denny said the need for mental health services for elderly residents continues to grow as the population expands. He also said mental health providers like Four County Mental Health Center are shifting part of their mission to helping elderly residents with at-home mental heal services.
     “I only expect those numbers to increase because of the growing number of senior citizens,” said Denny. “The baby boom generation — the children of many of the oldest citizens in the county — is now at retirement age and living longer than their parents. So, the need for mental health services for the elderly will always be there.
     Seniors who are prime for the at-home services can be referred to the program by a primary medical provider or persons involved with senior services. Or, elderly citizens who know that a helpful hand is needed can make an appointments themselves.
 

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   (June 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"