Adult Homeless Mental Health Services

A Guide To Services Provided By the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County

The MHA is an affiliate of the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) and the Mental Health Mental Health Association of Montgomery County’s Mission Statement

The Mental Health Association (MHA) promotes mental health and wellness and supports those with mental illness by sponsoring and implementing advocacy, education, and community service programs. A private, nonprofit, United Way (#8151) agency, the MHA has served Montgomery County residents for almost 50 years. The MHA currently manages 10 major direct service programs for children, teens, families, senior adults, and individuals with long-term mental illness. Over 1,000 volunteers implement programs under the direction of the MHA professional staff. To help further the philosophy that mental health is as important as physical health, the MHA offers affordable, valuable and timely seminars on a variety of topics to many segments of the community.

2 What the MHA has to offer YOU! Children/Youth and Families

Families Foremost Center pg. 3

Kensington Wheaton Youth Services pg. 4

Bridges to Pals pg. 5

Voices VS Violence pg. 6

Montgomery County Hotline pg. 7 Adult and Senior Adults

Homeless Outreach Services pg. 8

Shelter Plus Care pg. 9

Places for People, LLC pg. 10

Representative Payee pg. 11

Transportation Program pg. 12

Friendly Visitor pg. 13

Pets on Wheels pg. 14 Community Outreach

Education and Community Outreach pg. 15

Multicultural Mental Health Initiative pg. 16

3 FamiliesFamilies ForemostForemost CenterCenter Can We Help You? Families Foremost Center serves Montgomery County parents-to-be and parents with children under 4 years old. The Center serves families struggling with issues such as illiteracy, low academic achievement, poverty, single parenthood, domestic violence, substance abuse, etc. The center is located at 1109 Spring Street, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD. Call (301) 585-3424 for more information. The Program: The Center provides free, educational and supportive services to expectant parents and parents with young children. The goals of the program include promoting healthy family functioning, providing parents with educational classes, reducing abuse and neglect, and promoting the early mental development of young children. What Can We Do For You?  Adult Educational Program offers: . GED and ABE classes . Health education . ESOL classes which classes including teach non-English substance abuse speakers the English programs language . Parenting educational programs  Self-Sufficiency Program offers: . Employment . Life skills workshops readiness sessions focusing on exploring . Computer-training health related issues to classes parents and young children  Infant and Child Development Program offers: . Parent-child activities that increase parents’ understanding of the developmental needs of infants and toddlers  Mothers Offering Maternal Support Programs (MOMS) offers: . A mentoring ages of 12 and service to and 24 domestic young . Peer support violence mothers groups focusing . Prenatal between the on young educational parenthood workshops 4 5 Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  10 clients passed the GED pre-test and 5 passed the actual test  75 clients and their children participated in parent- child activities  76 clients attended health educational classes; 44 classes were offered

6 KensingtonKensington WheatonWheaton YouthYouth ServicesServices Can We Help You? Kensington Wheaton Youth Services (KWYS) serves youths between the ages of 9 and 18 and their families in the Kennedy, Einstein and Wheaton High School clusters. Referrals can be made directly by youths and their families or health professionals by visiting 12210 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Wheaton, MD or by calling (301) 933-2818. The Program: KWYS is a community-based youth prevention and early intervention program designed to be supportive of the needs of children, adolescents and their families. What Can We Do For You?  Short-term counseling and community and school based workshops are offered if you are experiencing difficulties in your daily life  KWYS offers support groups and parenting classes to help your family prevent serious personal or family problems and support academic success  Outdoor Adventure, a part of KWYS, is a summer program that provides participating youths 4 days of therapeutic recreational activities supervised by licensed therapists  Linkages to Learning, located onsite at designated schools, offers mental health therapy, case management, social services, and many workshops, classes and support groups that help students and their families and encourage academic success. Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  83% of clients believed that the family counseling has helped improve family functioning  86% of clients that participated in Outdoor Adventure believed that 7 the program helped them learn more effective communication skills  71.5% of those participants also believed that the program helped them learn more effective ways to deal with conflict

8 BridgesBridges toto PalsPals Can We Help You? Bridges to Pals serves Montgomery County youth between the ages of 5 and 17. The program focuses its services on children in foster care, as well as other “at-risk” children (those coming from families experiencing: single parent households, low income or educational levels, disabilities, a history of abuse or neglect, etc.) Children are referred to the program by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, social workers, teachers, counselors, and parents. Referrals can also be made be calling the MHA at (301) 424-0656 ext. 123. The Program: Bridges to Pals offers support to children and adolescents with a caring, responsible mentor. The most important goal of the program is to increase the self-esteem of Little Pals. What Can We Do For You?  Each volunteer spends at least 4 hours per month with a child for at least 1 year  Volunteers identify children’s strengths and help them improve problem solving skills  Children develop a strong sense of self worth and improve their ability to positively interact with others  Volunteers become positive role models for their Little Pals Important Accomplishments:  In FY 2005, 67 volunteers provided over 2100 hours of service to 67 children  The following statistics are from FY 2004:  91% of clients believed they increased their social skills because of a positive change in behavior  74% of parents believed that their child’s behavior improved

9  96% of parents believed that their child had improved their relationships

10 VoicesVoices VSVS ViolenceViolence Can We Help You? Voices VS Violence (VVV) serves Montgomery County public elementary and middle schools that have Linkages to Learning programs (see Kensington Wheaton Youth Services page). Call the MHA at (301) 424- 0656 ext.145 for more information. The Program: Voices VS Violence is a community-based education and advocacy program that works to ensure safe lives for children by bringing together the community. The goal of the program is to foster attitudes and behaviors that prevent and reduce violence in schools, families, and in the community. What Can We Do For You?  The program offers in-school workshops at selected sites (through Linkages to Learning) aimed at both English and Spanish speaking families that discuss topics of concern to each specific community. Topics include: . Warning Signs of . Parent Involvement Violent Behavior . Managing . Family Anger/Stress Communication  Children participate in activities which focus on conflict resolution and empathy while parents participate in the workshops Important Accomplishments: In 2004-05 academic year:  93 youths and 123 parents participated in VVV  97% of the parents surveyed found the workshops and presenters at least very helpful 11  93% learned something new they would use at home

12 MontgomeryMontgomery CountyCounty HotlineHotline Can We Help You? The Montgomery County Hotline serves residents of Montgomery County as well as neighboring areas. The program serves English speakers but can refer non- English speakers to other hotlines. Call (301) 738-7176. The Program: The Hotline promotes mental health by providing support services to people with mental illness that need to talk to someone. The hotline runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Montgomery Count Hotline: (301) 738-CALL (2255)  Youth Crisis Hotline: (301) 738-9697  National Hopeline Network: 1-(800) SUICIDE (784- 2433)  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-(800) 273- TALK (8255) What Can We Do For You?  The Hotline provides confidential and anonymous supportive listening by trained counselors  Counselors specialize in suicide prevention and crisis intervention  Counselors help you deal with many different issues including stress, depression or anxiety, money issues, job concerns, and family problems  The Hotline provides a system of referrals to county residents with limited financial resources for mental health therapy Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  14,912 calls were answered by the Hotline  The Hotline director gave 5 Mental Wellness presentations to over 170 students in 10th grade health classes at local high schools

13  The Hotline joined the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network and began taking calls January 1, 2005

14 HomelessHomeless OutreachOutreach ServicesServices Can We Help You? Homeless Outreach Services is a program directed at homeless adults with mental illnesses, mental health issues, and/or substance abuse problems regardless of the person’s connection to any particular program. The program runs out of three Montgomery County emergency shelters, two soup kitchens, one-day resource centers, and at the MHA office in Rockville. Anyone can request an outreach by calling the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Program: Homeless Outreach Services (HOS) provides a one- on-one relationship between you and a case manager or between you and a psychiatrist. These relationships will give you a source of emotional support and a helpful hand in using other MHA programs. HOS is half of the Adult Homeless Mental Health Services (Shelter Plus Care is the other half). What We Do For You:  You and your case manager create personal service plans together. These plans help you get: . Housing . Finances . Therapy . Government Benefits . Medication . Education . Day Treatment . Employment Programs  Service plans let you use your own personal skills to your best ability  Psychiatrists provide you with psychiatric evaluations and diagnoses as well as treatment even if you are uninsured  You will eventually be referred to a clinic to make sure you have a long-term mental health care provider Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  222 clients were served. 15  75% of the clients completed paperwork for financial benefits or received financial benefits.  54% voluntarily participated in psychiatric treatment.  47% participated in structured daytime activity.

16 ShelterShelter PlusPlus CareCare Can We Help You? Shelter Plus Care serves adults who are (or used to be) homeless and live with a mental illness or other disabilities. Referrals can be sent to the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Program: The Shelter Plus Care offers you independent apartment living and supportive services. The program is one of two components in the Adult Homeless Health Services (Homeless Outreach Services is the other). What Can We Do For You?  Case managers help find, furnish, and sign leases to apartments  Through the program, you pay 30% of your yearly income towards rent and the program assists with the rest.  You get help from case managers in accessing: . Psychiatric . Job Training Treatment . Employment . Entitlements  You can see a psychiatrist once a week if you choose Important Accomplishments: The Shelter Plus Care program has housed 84 people since it’s creation in 1994. The following statistics come from FY 2005 in which 45 people participated in the program: Residential Stability psychiatric  44 clients met the treatment terms of their lease,  Of the 12 clients with paid rent on time, a recent substance and did not destroy abuse problem, 4 property took part in addiction recovery Greater Self- services Determination  38 clients participated in Increased Skills or Income

17  45 clients completed increased their applications for income government services  18 clients that they were participated in paid qualified to receive employment, job  43 clients had some training, higher form of income and education, or contributed to rent volunteer work and and utilities skill development  40 clients maintained or

18 PlacesPlaces forfor People,People, LLCLLC Can We Help You? Places for People helps homeless individuals with disabilities (mostly those with a serious mental illness and/or substance abuse problem). The program draws its clients from the Homeless Outreach Services program. For more information call the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Organization: Places for People, LLC provides the business and legal structure for signing leases and making housing available to participants. What Can We Do For You?  You are placed into in one of five households that are supported by Project-Based Housing Choice vouchers from the Housing Opportunities Commission  You pay 30% of your income in rent and the program assists with the rest  The housing coordinator helps you find housing, negotiate leases, move in, and furnish the unit  The coordinator also collects rent, makes regular site visits, and coordinates with other agencies  You see case managers on average once every two weeks to help you access the public mental health system, find medical care, rehabilitation, and other important services.  The goal is to increase your ability to live by yourself through volunteering, job training, education, and employment Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  50% of clients participated in an educational program

19  100% of physically disabled clients lived by themselves in comfort and had access to needed medications  100% of clients had a bed and supplies needed to keep a household

20 RepresentativeRepresentative PayeePayee Can We Help You? The Representative Payee program serves Montgomery County residents, age 18 and over, who receive money from a government agency and are in danger of financial mistreatment or neglect. Most of the time these individuals are isolated, mentally or physically disabled, have significant problems with budgeting and bill paying, and have limited income. Individuals are referred to the program by social workers, case managers and mental health professionals. Self-referrals and referrals from family members are also accepted. Call the MHA at (301) 424-0656 ext. 111 for a referral packet. The Program: The Representative Payee Program promotes independent living by offering financial management for those who cannot manage their Social Security or other government benefit because of a physical or mental disability. What Can We Do For You?  Volunteers apply to the appropriate benefit agencies to be appointed your representative payee. This means that the volunteer will be able to manage the money you receive from the government  Volunteers help you become financially stable by providing financial supervision by making sure your bills get paid on time and your basic needs are met  Many clients feel less stress about finances and develop a friendly relationship with their volunteer over time Important Accomplishments:  The MHA site is the fifth largest of the 123 sites across the country  The program currently serves over 100 clients

21  In FY 2005 over 80% of clients entering the program with debt had made progress in paying it off  Over 60% of the clients in this category were able to establish savings

22 TransportationTransportation ProgramProgram Can We Help You? The Transportation Program serves Springfield Hospital Center mental health patients as well as family members and volunteers who are approved by Montgomery County. For more information call the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Program: The Transportation Program makes community support programs accessible to those with mental illness by providing them with their critical transportation needs. Transportation allows many individuals to prepare to re- enter the community and return home. What Can We Do For You?  The program offers door-to-door timely van service to designated points in the county two times per day, three days per week. The most frequent stops in the past year have been to: . On Our Own . Threshold Services . Montgomery . Jobs Unlimited House . Computer Learning . St. Luke’s House and Resource Center . Rock Creek (CLARC) Foundation  You can easily travel to medical appointments, counseling, jobs, and other private agency programs Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  The program provided 484 one-way trips  482 clients were transported  The program facilitated Operation Santa Claus holiday delivery of clothing and gifts

23 24 FriendlyFriendly VisitorVisitor Can We Help You? The Friendly Visitor program serves elderly individuals living in Montgomery County who are lonely and by themselves because of physical or emotional reasons. Referrals can be made by dialing the MHA at (301) 424-0656 ext.107. The Program: Friendly Visitor helps isolated, frail and medically impaired elderly and adults by matching them with a trained volunteer who has similar interests. Volunteers provide friendship on a weekly basis for a minimum of one year. Each friendship is very unique, and both persons’ lives are positively affected by the relationship. What Can We Do For You?  The friendship relieves the isolation and loneliness felt by the elderly and creates a nurturing environment that reassures him/her of their value as a person  The friendship gives the elderly the ability to remain in the community by providing access to necessary resources  Volunteers help monitor their friend’s health status and promote a safe and healthy living environment  Past volunteers have replaced smoke detectors and found special handicapped remotes for TVs, provided transportation to doctors, drug stores, and grocery stores, as well as referred clients to Red Cross Shoppers and Meals on Wheels Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  107 volunteers participated in the Friendly Visitor Program and 144 clients were served.

25  92% of both the clients and the volunteers believed that the friendship helped the clients cope better

26 PetsPets onon WheelsWheels Can We Help You? Pets on Wheels serves elderly persons living in Montgomery County nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, group homes, adult day care centers, senior centers, the VA hospital, and hospices. The program also serves patients at Children’s Hospital, the Hospital for Sick Children, and RICA. For more information call the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Program: The program promotes mental health to isolated, institutionalized residents by providing friendship, unconditional love and acceptance from volunteers and their pets. Special visiting groups offer acceptance and comfort to disabled or sick individuals. Services Provided:  Animals provide social needs like a sense of companionship that reduces anxiety, loneliness and social isolation  Animals give a nonverbal level of communication to those who suffer from language and communication barriers, dementia, and sensory deprivation (blindness, deafness, etc.)  The nonjudgmental interaction nurtures the individual’s humanity  Research has shown that animal interaction can lower blood pressure and body temperature while increasing an individual’s sense of well-being Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  Pets on Wheels served 72 facilities 27  1,900 clients were visited  5,500 hours were contributed by volunteers and their pets

28 EducationEducation andand CommunityCommunity RelationsRelations Can We Help You? The Education and Community Relations programs serve all residents of Montgomery County. For more information call the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Program: The Education and Community Relations Department of the MHA creates mental health education programs to increase the public’s appreciation, awareness, and understanding of mental health. This is accomplished through 3 programs developed by the Department: Red Flags, Kids on the Block, and Campaign for America’s Mental Health What Can We Do For You?  Red Flags is a program that raises awareness about the warning signs or “red flags” of adolescent depression to 8th grade students in participating public middle schools. The program: . I health behavior in nforms resources their peers youths . E . P about ncourages rovides school and them to reach academic and communit out to adults if social support y mental they observe for youths with “red flag” depression  Kids on the Block is a puppet troupe that presents in elementary schools upon request. The troupe addresses sensitive social issues in a humorous non- threatening performance. Topics include: . Drug Abuse Prevention . Bullying . Divorce

29 . Cultural Awareness  Campaign for America’s Mental Health raises awareness that mental illnesses are real, common and treatable. This ensures that those most at-risk for depression and anxiety disorders receive treatment.  This is accomplished through education and outreach to primary care providers Important Accomplishments: In FY 2005:  31,247 educational and MHA materials were distributed  8 mental health provider continuing education events were given  939 people attended these events MulticulturalMulticultural MentalMental HealthHealth InitiativeInitiative Can We Help You? The Multicultural Mental Health Initiative (MMHI) serves Montgomery County residents with diverse cultural backgrounds. For more information call the MHA at (301) 424-0656. The Program: The MMHI’s goal is to provide effective human services to our richly diverse community. The program seeks to increase the number of people working in human services to satisfy the needs of multicultural populations. What Can We Do For You?  Clinical Services: You can receive clinical services if you are unable to afford treatment and are referred through MHA programs or other agencies. Services include: . Individual, group . Case and family management therapy 30 . Referrals to other community services  Multicultural Apprentice Training (MAT): a component of MMHI that gives apprenticeship opportunities in the human services field for culturally and linguistically competent individuals. Placements range from clinical service to community outreach  MAT gives participants an opportunity to gain the valuable training and knowledge necessary to work as human services professionals  Professional Education: a component of MMHI that provides professional training seminars to human service professionals which focus multicultural education Important Accomplishments: The MMHI officially started in July, 2005 and does not have significant accomplishments at this time.