Silver Lining Taking Back 25

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. "Silver Lining – Taking Back 25" Grant # 5H79SM060751-03 July 2015 through September 2015 TRAC Report (GPRA Data)

 WD1 - Organizations implementing MH training "Silver Lining" 1.) Toivo Holistic Healing and Wellness Center: Older adults with mental health concerns engage in activities that calm their bodies, relax their minds, and nourish their souls. Among these activities are yoga, meditation, chatting drums, sound healing, support groups, workshops, Zumba, and expressive art. 2.) CT Mental Health Center in New Haven: Hosted older adults to be trained in AU's Peer Recovery Program and Recovery University course. 3.) Community Mental Health Affiliates in New Britain: Hosted older adults to be trained in AU's Peer Recovery Program and Recovery University course. Also hired four over 55 individuals to work as Recovery Support Specialists. 4.) Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown: Currently hosting AU’s Peer Recovery Program and Recovery University course. Eleven of the students are older adults including three students that are veterans and expect to work with returning veterans. 5.) York Correctional System Institution: Held a trauma Recovery Group attended by 42 individuals over age 55. 6.) Mental Health America of Connecticut: Held trainings for their statewide programs on implementing peer support and hired older adults to fill these positions. 7.) NAMI Connecticut: Continues their collaboration with AU and holds workshops for older adults. 8.) Alcohol Drug Rehabilitation Center: Continues to conduct senior support groups. 9.) CT Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR): Continues with their Peer Run Program with support for older adults. 10.) Chelsea Place: Advocacy Unlimited continues to accept and visit older adult referrals. 11.) Wheeler Clinic Older Adult Program: Older adults referred to Advocacy Unlimited and Adult Senior Recovery Group meetings are attended by AU staff. 12.) InterCommunity, Inc.: Older adults referred to Advocacy Unlimited. 13.) Aurora Senior Living: Older adults referred to Advocacy Unlimited. 14.) Trinity Hill Care Center: Older adults referred to Advocacy Unlimited. Number: 14

 WD2 - Recovery University Trained Older Adult RSS's The Recovery University Courses resumed in May. Two courses have been completed so far in 2015. 17 of the graduating students were older adults, who are now certified to work as Recovery Support Specialists at behavioral health organizations in Connecticut. Currently another course is being held and students will graduate in November. Number: 28

 WD3 - Peer Support Specialists certified through Recovery University Two Recovery University Course graduations have been held so far in 2015, and 28 of the graduating students were older adults and will be certified as Recovery Support Specialists. Through the "Silver Lining" project's emphasis on older adults, 335 of the 587 graduates to date are adults over age 55. Number: 28

 PC2 - "Silver Lining" Collaborating Organizations CT Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut Valley Hospital, River Valley Services, Newington Senior Center, West Hartford Senior Center, Greater Bridgeport Community Mental Health Center, CT Community Addiction Recovery, Inter-Community Mental Health, Alcohol Drug Rehabilitation Center, CT Dept. of Social Services, Chelsea Place Senior Care Center, Institute of Living, CT Legal Rights Project, Focus on Recovery- United, Value Options, and Office of Protection and Advocacy (PAIMI). Number: 16

 A4 - Facilitate support groups to advise on project - Percentage of members who are consumers Through the "Silver Lining" Project, an emphasis has been placed on providing support groups for older adults. In addition to participating in the support groups, all participants provide feedback on the effectiveness of the groups as well as input on the "Silver Lining Taking Back 25" project. Groups include Hearing Voices Network, Alternatives to Suicide, Problem Gambling Support, Men's support groups, Women's support groups, and Women's trauma group. 449 of the participants in these groups are older adults as well as consumers. Numerator: 449 Denominator: 449 100%

 A5 - Consumers involved in planning and advocacy activities There are currently 65 individuals involved in planning and advocacy activities. Fifteen are members of the AU staff or AU Interns, and 50 are individuals from the collaborating organizations and events related to this grant. Number: 65

 A6 - Oversight, Evaluation, Data Collection, and Analysis Six members of the AU staff and one consultant are involved in the oversight, evaluation, data collection, and analysis of this grant. Number: 7

 AW1 - Individuals exposed to mental health awareness messages During this reporting period, three older adults that are members of our "Silver Lining" project were selected to appear and present messages on YouTube videos regarding discrimination, hope, and mental health awareness aimed specifically at young adults (older adult consumers teaching young adult consumers). In addition, articles and news coverage events pertaining to recovery and integration into the community appeared in newspaper editorials, blogs, TV, radio, and op-eds. Older adults were involved with Senator Christopher Murphy as participants in his focus groups statewide to give feedback on new mental health legislation. Number: 3489  TR1 - Individuals trained in prevention or mental health promotion During this reporting period, 56 older adults participated in training through Toivo Holistic Healing workshops in recovery, prevention, and mental health promotion. Workshops included Restorative Yoga, Afro Flow Yoga, Laughter Yoga, Self-Care in the Role, Sound Healing, Dream Board Workshop, and Nutrition workshops. In addition, 115 older adults received training and mental health promotion from the peer advocates working in this grant. Number: 17l

 O1 - Silver Lining Outreach Results As part of the outreach through this grant, AU is continuing efforts to plan a celebration event called “We’re Getting Back the 25” for this spring with many of the project participants. In addition, 672 older adults with mental health issues were contacted by AU, or who contacted us, through phone, email, or personal visits. These individuals were from nursing homes, senior centers, behavioral health agencies, or in the community. Number: 672