Transforming Lives Since 1942 Fall 2014 Newsletter

“Not having all of my children with me was very painful. I worried about them so much. I felt helpless.”

Seeing her daughter’s new bedroom brought tears of joy. Under One Roof: A Family Reunited

Monica, a single mother shelter and eventually moved into with bipolar disorder, was transitional housing with all four of working as a cashier when her children. When Monica began receiving mental health care at Didi an act of violence turned Hirsch’s Glendale Center, she was her children’s lives surprised to learn that so many upside down. other services were available to help her family. Despite reporting the assault to police, the family was forced to Both of her teens went into move for their safety, causing counseling while Monica took a Monica to lose her job. Relatives parenting class. And when she took in the older children. With needed to leave the temporary no other options, Monica spent apartment, a Didi Hirsch housing a month living with her younger specialist helped Monica apply for children in her car, bathing them in permanent housing and secure the sink of a local Laundromat. funds to buy kitchen supplies and other items to care for her children. “Not having all of my children with me was very painful,” Monica “I’m very thankful for what I’ve recalls. “I worried about them so learned about how to be a better much. I felt so helpless.” mother and keep myself healthy for my children,” Monica says. “I feel so After almost a month on the blessed that we have a home.” streets, Monica found an emergency Monica and her young children slept in her car for nearly a month.

www.didihirsch.org “Don’t Overcoming Shame Barriers Board Chair Them” Carlos Garcia A Q&A about suicide with President/CEO I became interested in mental Dr. Kita S. Curry health advocacy after seeing firsthand how the stigma of mental illness hurts families. As Board Adapted from Dr. Curry’s interview if someone types “suicide” into Chair, I want to make sure our about suicide with The Argonaut’s a search engine, one of the first Managing Editor Joe Piasecki. message reaches every community things to come up is the National in Southern California: lives are Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone Why do people take their own saved when people are no longer They take their lives because number at (877) 727-4747. lives? ashamed to get help. they’re in terrible psychological What are the warning signs pain and can’t think of any other In addition to erasing the stigma of of suicide? Some of the most solution in the moment. About 90% mental illness, we must overcome dramatic signs are when a person of the time those people have been communication barriers. Our makes statements like, “you’d all suffering from mental illness and/or Suicide Prevention Center’s Crisis be better off without me” or starts substance use, which means that, Line was one of the first in the giving away favorite possessions or with treatment, there’s hope. nation to have Spanish-speaking withdraws from activities he or she crisis counselors available to callers normally enjoys. Have you been affected by suicide? around the clock. We also have I have lost three family members to Are some populations more Korean- and Vietnamese-speaking suicide. I also suffer from a mood at risk? It varies from country to counselors during peak hours. And disorder. Keeping my depression country but in the U.S., older and our Glendale site has Armenian- a secret didn’t help. Getting middle-aged white males are at language programs that support the treatment did. greatest risk of suicide. An equal largest population of Armenians in What was the impact of Robin number of women attempt, but the country. In the week after more men die during attempts— Williams’ suicide? I am proud of the way Didi Hirsch Robin Williams’ death, calls, chats probably because they use firearms. fulfills its promise to provide quality and texts to our suicide crisis line What should you do if you mental health care, substance use doubled. We called in staff and believe someone is suicidal? and suicide prevention services to volunteers from every shift so we Let them know you care about children and adults in Los Angeles could pick up all the calls. Some them. Asking people if they are and Orange Counties. people who were feeling suicidal thinking about suicide does not said his death shook them up... I intend to use my fluency in put the idea in their heads. If they but they wanted help and saw the Spanish to do more outreach in the are that desperate, it gives them phone number in the media. diverse communities that Didi Hirsch an opening to talk without fear of serves. How has technology affected being judged. Don’t shame them or mental health in society? Social tell them they are selfish because Working together, we can erase networking can bring people who they won’t want to talk. You can the stigma of mental illness, are lonely together. It can also also call the crisis line and help reduce communication barriers and connect them to people who are them get to a professional. transform lives. feeling as helpless as they are. But To learn more about warning signs of suicide, go to www.didihirsch.org.

Transforming Lives Since 1942 2 Overlooked Children Partnering With Schools to Help Military Families

When Gregory started having problems in his 2nd-grade class, his teacher knew from his enrollment form that his mother was an Army veteran and referred the family to Didi Hirsch’s Military Families are Resilient (MFAR) Program.

Gregory and his mom were able to get the help they needed because the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the nation’s second-largest district, amended its enrollment forms this year to identify military families. Didi Hirsch works with schools to bring services to military families. This may seem like a small change, but it has made a big difference for are aware of the special challenges her develop better coping skills. By military families in Los Angeles — a they face.” the time they finished the program, mostly civilian area that lacks the the seven-year-old was no longer Through MFAR, Gregory and built-in networks of support found having problems at school, his mom his mother participated in a 12- on military bases. was feeling less depressed and both week program that uses proven reported lower levels of stress. “The needs of military children are techniques to improve parent- often overlooked in Los Angeles,” child relationships. Gregory played A bill under review (AB2341) would says MFAR Program Director Erica therapeutic video games to learn require all California school districts Trejo, LMFT. “It makes a difference patience while his mother had to amend their enrollment forms to when teachers and administrators “homework assignments” to help identify military families.

A Passion to Serve Didi Hirsch’s Newest OFFICERS OF THE BOARD Michael C. Wierwille Carlos Garcia Immediate Past Chair Board Members Chair MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Philip B. Strauss, CPA Executive Vice Chair Christopher J. Harrer Charlotte W. Fletcher, PhD Vera M. Jashni, EdD Secretary Gail Kamer Lieberfarb Janine B. Lichstein Laura Ornest Treasurer Lisa Petrazzolo Shawn Amos Andrew E. Rubin Vice Chair Todd M. Rubin Christopher J. Harrer Lisa Petrazzolo Michael D. Wolper Thomas J. Han, DDS, FACD Vice Chair Michael D. Wolper For more information about all of Didi Hirsch’s Martin J. Frank Cheri Renfroe Yousem board members, visit www.didihirsch.org. Vice Chair

3 Fall 2014 16th Annual

Many of the participants have lost loved ones to suicide.

Our Alive & Running 5K Walk/ Run for Suicide Prevention drew about 2,000 runners, walkers, spectators and volunteers and raised a record $260,000+ for Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center. It was also an opportunity to remember loved ones and raise awareness about suicide.

Volunteers provide encouragement and inspiration The Sept. 29 event included musical to runners. performances, moving presentations by several survivors and an appearance by Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, who emceed the Kiddie-K.

The Suicide Prevention Center received the Top Fundraising Team Award; Team Limelight, headed by survivor Kristine Barry-Olsen, won the Outstanding Team Award; and the Chikara Daiko drummers, brought to us by survivor Marilyn Nobori, whose 14-year-old daughter died by suicide, received the Inspiration Award.

Memorial banners remember hundreds of loved ones lost to suicide. Photos by: Beth Herzhaft by: Photos Event Chair Andrew Rubin Emcee Julianne Grossman Actor Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, entertains a young audience.

Transforming Lives Since 1942 4 He Can See Clearly Now...

Kenyon was terrified when Kenyon said he learned more he believed his co-workers effective ways to talk to potential employers. “Instead of saying, ‘I had turned into zombies. ain’t coming in today,’ a better way “You’re dead, man. Wake to say that is ‘Boss, can I take the up!” he kept yelling. day off? I don’t feel very well,’” he explains. Kenyon, who suffers from delusions, lost his job as a house painter In group activities, Kenyon earned after that outburst and spent a a reputation as an effective listener year eating meals at homeless and a caring and compassionate shelters, living on the streets and in man. “He became our resident abandoned houses. philosopher,” says Derek Haskell, Kenyon’s wellness coach. “He “I didn’t know where to go with “The human mind is like an umbrella,” Kenyon says. “It functions best when always set the stage for his myself,” Kenyon, now 34, recalls. it’s open.” classmates to feel comfortable.” “I was a bit bitter in my direction.” Inglewood Project (HIP), so he In fact, Kenyon’s improvement was When Kenyon began receiving could get all of his healthcare so impressive that he was asked to treatment at Didi Hirsch Inglewood at one place. As part of this give the opening remarks at HIP’s Center, his outlook changed program, he enrolled in Cognitive first graduation ceremony. substantially. As Kenyon focused Enhancement Therapy, where he on getting physically and mentally participated in group activities “The human mind is like an well, he no longer saw zombies and used therapeutic computer umbrella,” Kenyon remarked to or experienced other delusions. games to help him improve his fellow graduates. “It functions best He signed up for the Healthy communication and social skills. when it’s open.”

Tomorrow’s Legacy Save the dates! Begins Today

Many people would like to help Didi may recognize your commitment in Erasing the Stigma Hirsch Mental Health Services, but the Didi Hirsch Legacy Society. No feel they cannot afford to make a minimum commitment is required, Leadership Awards sizable gift today. A bequest by will and your participation will inspire Apr. 23, 2015 or revocable trust can be tailored to others to give. complement your personal lifestyle and financial goals and also support For more information on the Legacy Didi Hirsch. Society and how to include Didi Hirsch in your estate plans, please Alive & Running 5K If you have not already put Didi contact Mickie Faris, Vice President Sept. 27, 2015 Hirsch Mental Health Services in of Development, at 310-751-5425 or your will or trust, please consider [email protected]. doing so and let us know so we

5 Fall 2014 Champions for Change Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards

Using the power of social media to accelerate change, Didi Hirsch launched its #erasingthestigma campaign at our 18th Annual Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards on April 24, 2014.

Chaired by Didi Hirsch Board Member Shawn Amos and his sister, Sarah Amos, the dinner raised $368,000 for needed services. About 500 people attended the event, which started countless “conversations” about mental health, stigma and suicide across a variety of social media channels such as Facebook, and Tumblr. UFC Fighter/Actress Ronda Mental Health Ambassador Kid Rousey talks to reporters. Cudi performs after dinner. Didi Hirsch honored three champions who leverage social media to erase the “This year we are celebrating and harnessing stigma of mental illness. Ultimate Fighting the power of social media to erase the stigma Championship (UFC) Women’s Bantam of mental illness and replace it with hope.” weight title-holder Ronda Rousey, who co- starred in The Expendables 3, received the - Event Co-Chair Shawn Amos Leadership Award for using social media to raise awareness about eating disorders, mental illness and substance use.

Natasha Tracy, an award-winning blogger who writes about her struggles with bipolar disorder in her acclaimed blog “Bipolar Burble,” received the Beatrice Stern Media Award. And American hip-hop recording artist Kid Cudi, who encourages depressed and suicidal youth to get help on social media, was named Didi Hirsch’s first Mental Health Ambassador.

Social media leaders Meghan Camarena and , who appeared in the 2013 and 2014 all-star edition of The Amazing

Race on CBS, emceed the awards. Kid Cudi Beth Herzhaft by: Photos brought the dinner crowd to its feet with a President/CEO Dr. Kita S. 2010 honoree Ross Szabo rousing performance of his song, “Pursuit Curry, flanked by co-chairs presents the Beatrice Stern Sarah and Shawn Amos. Media Award to blogger of Happiness.” Natasha Tracy.

Transforming Lives Since 1942 6 Elizabeth (left) lights the candle of a fellow graduate. A graduate receives a bouquet and a hug during emotional ceremony. Nine Women’s Journey to Recovery “...I didn’t think I had it in me to be a mom. I was really broken.”

The patio at Via Avanta, Didi homelessness and their long In June 2013, Elizabeth moved into Hirsch’s unique residential journeys to recovery. Via Avanta with her three-year- treatment center for women and old son and found the comfort Elizabeth, a young mother, came their children, looked magical. and structure she needed in its from “a good family” and wanted to therapeutic community. With group Lights glittered against the night become a police officer. She started support and parenting classes, she sky and balloons and streamers drinking and smoking marijuana to learned how to take care of herself hung from the rafters and trees as cope with her stress and eventually and her child. Today, she has rebuilt guests enjoyed fruit, tea sandwiches turned to methamphetamine and her life. She has a job, a car and a and desserts prepared by the crack cocaine. place to live. Her son is enrolled in residents. In and out of jail, Elizabeth wrecked pre-school. All were gathered to celebrate nine her car, became homeless and “I am living a life beyond my women who were about to graduate couldn’t care for her children. wildest dreams,” Elizabeth said from Via Avanta. They carried Giving up drugs seemed impossible. before accepting her certificate. bouquets as they walked beneath a But when she faced losing custody “This place saved my life.” flower-and-ribbon-covered arch to of her children, she accepted help take their seats. from Via Avanta. When she and the others finished speaking, the graduates each lit a With hugs and tears, the graduates “I didn’t want to live any more,” white candle and used it to light and their sponsors and coaches Elizabeth recalls. “My children the candle of a current resident, shared stories about struggles needed me, but I didn’t think I passing on the torch of healing with substance use, mental had it in me to be a mom. I was and hope. illness, domestic violence and really broken.”

7 Fall 2014 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mercury Mailing Systems Inc.

Inside this Issue: Didi Hirsch Newsletter Under One Roof: A Family Reunited EDITOR, WRITER (page 1) Kim Kowsky DESIGN, LAYOUT “Don’t Shame Them” Joey Buda Q&A about suicide (page 2)

Overlooked Children of Military Families (page 3) PRESIDENT/CEO Alive & Running 5K Kita S. Curry, PhD Alive & Running 5K participants receive Raises Funds and Hope white carnations, a symbol of hope, as they (page 4) VICE PRESIDENT, cross the finish line. DEVELOPMENT Zombie Delusions Mickie Faris, MPH, MBA Have Disappeared @DidiHirsch (page 5) 4760 S. Sepulveda Blvd Culver City, CA 90230 didi_hirsch_mhs Champions for Change: 310-751-5455 Kid Cudi, Ronda Rousey, Natasha Tracy (page 6) CRISIS LINE Mission Statement Didi Hirsch transforms lives by providing Nine Women’s 877-727-4747 Journey to Recovery www.didihirsch.org quality mental health and substance abuse (page 7) services in communities where stigma or poverty limit access.

If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact the Development Department at (310) 751-5455 Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a United Way-supported agency, funded in part by the Los Angeles County Departments of Mental Health, Public Health, and Children and Family Services and the Orange County Health Care Agency. It also is funded by the California Department of Rehabilitation; the California Mental Health Services Authority; and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.