2010 News Stories

January

Hamilton Center, Inc. and Indiana State University Departments of Social Work and Psychology host conference on Understanding Generational Differences - January 7, 2010

Hamilton Center Inc. and the Indiana State University Departments of Social Work and Psychology present: Understanding Generational Differences Conference, Thursday, January 28th 8:30am to 4:30pm at Maryland Community Church located on State Road 46, Terre Haute, IN.

Mr. Chuck Underwood world-renowned authority on “America’s 5 Living Generations” is the keynote speaker. Join us and explore the unique core values of these generations and the influences that affect our attitudes towards career decisions, consumer choices, and lifestyle decisions. The workshop will explore the unique core values of “America’s 5 Living Generations” and the influences that affect our attitudes towards our lives, workplace, career choices, decisions, behavior, morals and values.

GI Generation Born 1901-1926
Silent Generation Born 1927-1945
Boomers Born 1946-1964
Generation X Born 1965-1981
Millennials Born 1982-2009

Mr. Underwood is also the founder/principal of "TGI" - The Generational Imperative, Inc. - an Ohio-based generational consulting firm that consults and trains corporations and organizations in Generational Workplace Strategy and Generational Marketplace Strategy and has written The Generational Imperative Understanding Generational Differences In The Workplace, Marketplace, And Living Room.

As the host of the television series “America’s Generations With Chuck Underwood”, televised on PBS stations nationwide Underwood has his reputation as a pioneer in generational dynamics research for more than two decades. He is one of the seminal scholars and elite consultants in generational strategy, with clients in business, government, education, religion, politics, media and entertainment, philanthropy, and virtually every other industry-type.

Formally trained in qualitative research methodology and focus-group moderating by The Burke Institute, his research clients now include such giants as Procter & Gamble, Coca Cola, Macy’s, and others. An Ohio University School of Business grad he spent his early career in the mass media of radio and television, as an award-winning broadcast journalist and national sports play-by-play announcer, and a creator and producer of original programming. He has hosted and produced shows that have aired nationally and internationally. Considered an eminent authority in generational study, Chuck Underwood is regularly interviewed for generational news stories by the nation’s – and world’s - magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.

The training is open to the public, and would be ideal for not only the clinical community, but also members of the business community. The registration is $80 for both sessions or $40 for either a.m. or p.m. Students with ID’s are $10, and ISU Students with ID and Hamilton Center Employees are free. 3 CE Credit Hours Category I, is approved for: L.S.W., L.C.S.W., L.M.F.T., L.M.H.C. Psychologists *Partial credit will not be issued. For registration information, please contact Hamilton Center’s Human Resource Office at 812-231-8280 or by clicking the registration form: http://www.hamiltoncenter.org/NewsItems/2010WinterConference.pdf

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Hamilton Center Employee Recognized as a “Hero in the Fight” - January 11, 2010

On December 17th, several hundred individuals gathered at a luncheon at the Omni Severin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis to honor five individuals who were selected from nominees across the state as a “Hero in the Fight,” a recognition program that was established by Lilly USA to celebrate dignity, courage, hope and recovery in the ongoing treatment of people with serious and persistent mental illness. Lilly USA co-sponsored the program with several local mental health organizations including Mental Health America of Indiana.

One of the five individuals honored was Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Virgil Macke, an employee of Hamilton Center. Mr. Macke’s leadership with the Vigo County Adult Mental Health Forensics Program is clearly one of the reasons for this prestigious award. The Forensics Program consists of two parts. (1) The Vigo County PAIR (Psychiatric Assertive Identification and Referral) Program and (2) The Vigo County Adult Mental Health Deferral Program. Both are collaborative efforts between the Vigo County Superior Courts, Terre Haute City Court, the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office, the Vigo County Public Defender’s Office, Mental Health America of Vigo County and Hamilton Center.

The Vigo County PAIR program is for those individuals who are arrested on a misdemeanor charge and who have some type of Mental Health issue. As part of their Diversion Agreement, they have to agree to be in treatment for one year and to be monitored by the court monthly. If they successfully follow their agreement, their charges are dismissed after one year.

The Vigo County Adult Mental Health Deferral Program is for those individuals who are arrested on Felony Charges and who have some type of Mental Health issue. A court team reviews and selects appropriate candidates for the program. As part of their diversion agreement, they have to agree to be in treatment for 1-4 years, based on their level of felony and to be monitored by the Court monthly. If they successfully follow their agreement, their charges are dismissed. The forensics program is intended to give the participants the services they have long needed. The idea is that if they are on their medication and follow treatment for the length of time they are on the program, then they will stay out of the legal system.

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February

The Walk to Washington is coming to Terre Haute - February 18, 2010

[click to view video]

The Walk to Washington is a national event to raise awareness about Depression and mental illness and Hamilton Center, Inc. and Mental Health America of Vigo County are hosting a rally in support on Tuesday, August 24th at 3:30 (location will be announced later).

The Walk to Washington is an 835-mile trek to raise awareness about depression and mental illness. The 50-day walk departs St. Louis on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010 and concludes on National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010 with a culmination rally in Washington, D.C. Along the way, rallies will be held in several cities to raise awareness about depression and mental illness. Please visit wwwwalktowashington.org to learn more about this grassroots effort.

Please let everyone know about this important event. If you would like to get involved, please contact Shelly Shearer, Director of Marketing at 812-231-8320 or sshearer@hamiltoncenter.org. Together we can raise awareness about the disease of Depression and mental illness.

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Local Agencies Participate in Disabilities Awareness Month - February 26, 2010

In order to increase awareness, promote independence, integration and inclusion of all people with disabilities, the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities established the month of March as Disabilities Awareness Month. “Free Your Mind” is the theme for the 2010 observance. It empowers all Hoosiers to embrace people’s differences, and open everyone’s mind to the potential inside everyone while expanding everyone’s horizons and his or her circle of friends.

Adults and children with disabilities comprise more than 19 percent of Indiana’s population, and Wabash Valley providers of services for people with disabilities are working together to promote this celebration throughout the Wabash Valley.

A proclamation will be given by the Mayor of Terre Haute at City Hall on Monday, March 1st at 2:00 pm.

Agencies involved in Disability Awareness Month include Hamilton Center, Bridges of Indiana, C.A.R.S., The WILL Center, Happiness Bag, Blumberg Center, Business Leadership Network-Wabash Valley, Area 7 Agency on Aging and Disabled, WorkOne and ResCare.

“Enabled Not Disabled” Volunteer Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24. During this day, consumers from several providers will be volunteering their services at various non- profit agencies on that day;

For more information contact either Mary Ann Clark at Spectrum Services by phone 231-8355 or e-mail mclark@hamiltoncenter.org or Peter Ciancone at The WILL Center by phone 298-9455 or e-mail petecinc@Thewillcenter.org.

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April

Spectrum Services named Campus Compact Community Partner of the Year

Indiana Campus Compact has recognized a Wabash Valley rehabilitation organization for its partnership with Indiana State University. (watch video)

Spectrum Services, the rehabilitation division of Hamilton Center, utilizes Indiana State students from a variety of departments to service its clients. Students from ISU and other area campuses are also involved through AmeriCorps, administered in the Wabash Valley by ISU’s Center for Public Service and Community engagement.

Spectrum provides services to adults with physical and social disabilities with the ultimate goal of maximizing independent living.

Students majoring in nursing, athletic training, recreation and sport management, psychology, family and consumer sciences and social work regularly work with Spectrum clients and ISU faculty members are frequent visitors to Spectrum’s Wabash Ave. facility.

Campus Compact, which consists of college and university leaders dedicated to service-learning, chose Spectrum Services for its 2010 Outstanding Community Partner Award, which recognizes long-term relationships that provide meaningful solutions to community problems.

“The selection committee was very impressed with the work that you and others are doing with the ISU students to benefit your local community,” said Maggie Stevens, Indiana Campus Compact executive director.

Students and faculty who offer their assistance at Spectrum Services might find themselves participating in a round of bowling, providing friendly conversation during an outdoor walk, explaining ways to remain physically fit, or even prepping old newspapers for use by an animal shelter. The activities are designed to meet Spectrum’s mission to train and support those who want to become more independent in their homes and in the community.

“The partnership with ISU that brings students in spices things up for us,” said Mary Ann Clark, director of Spectrum Services.

The award was presented Wednesday in Indianapolis during a meeting of college and university presidents and chancellors. Spectrum’s partnership with Indiana State will also be recognized in October at the Governor’s Conference on Community Service and Volunteerism.

But it’s a partnership that benefits ISU as much as it does Spectrum.

“I come in the morning and it kind of sets my whole day. I always get welcomed by everyone - and they remember my name. I get handshakes; I get high fives; I get shouts from across the room,” said Lyndsey Atwood, a senior from Danville, Ill. who is majoring in social work and minoring in psychology. “This gives me a feel for what I’m going to be doing and for the population that I’ll be working with and the challenges that I’ll see.”

ISU senior Carrielle Baumgarte, a recreation management and youth leadership major, leads Spectrum clients in activities such as “back hall bowling,” which uses a foam ball and pins.

“It’s really exciting seeing them be able to interact with each other and with the community and I really enjoy it; I really love it,” Baumgarte, a senior from Wheatland, said. “It’s very rewarding because we see the different abilities that they have that you don’t have. They can connect with each other like you wouldn’t understand. Working one on one with them is a very good thing because you can learn their abilities.”

The partnership has also made Spectrum more visible, said JoBeth Haviland, day services program manager.

“We’ve attended some events at ISU that we would have never done had it not been for our students. We’ve also become very involved with recycling thanks to the ISU Recycle Center,” Haviland said.

As ISU seniors prepare to graduate, Baumgarte said partnerships such as the one with Spectrum have complemented her class work at Indiana State and provided contacts that will serve her well in her career.

“It’s really important to be involved in the community because you get to know people and opportunities open up for you,” she said.

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Hamilton Center Receives Donated Mural From Unison Engine Components - April 28, 2010

On Wednesday, April 28th several Hamilton Center employees met with the Community Involvement Team of Unison Engine Components to receive a unique gift for its Child and Adolescent programs.

Unison Engine Components (formerly Tri-Industries) is a division of General Electric, producing complex fabricated components for various industries such as military aircraft. In an effort to invest in their work force and the community they serve, the Community Involvement Team comprised of nearly 20 Unison employees from all work areas, made the decision to give back to the community through a project called Paint Fest. Paint Fest is an organization that helps corporations with internal team building while giving back to a local non-profit. The Unison Community Involvement Team purchased the Paint Fest kit, and took time from their work day and personal time to hand paint a series of pre-drawn canvas panels that ultimately combined to create the picture of a seahorse that will be donated to Hamilton Center’s Child and Adolescent Services Program.

“What a wonderful gift” said Sara Ritter, Program Manager for Hamilton Center’s Child and Adolescent Services. “This is a gift that is going to be enjoyed by children and families in our programs for years to come.” Greg Stewart, Unison Business Leader, added, "The workforce at Unison Engine Components is dedicated to making a difference in the community through projects such as this, a local community garden, mentoring, and other community service events are provided to local non-for-profit businesses through-out the year."

Unison Community Involvement Team Donated Mural to Hamilton Center, Inc.

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June

Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) named Hamilton Center, Inc. Winner of Advocacy Award

Each year, the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) recognizes remarkable rural health individuals and/or programs with awards presented during the Association’s Annual Conference. The Indiana Rural Health Association’s mission is to enhance the health and well-being of rural populations in Indiana through leadership, education advocacy, collaboration, and resource development. In accordance with their mission, awards are being given in those categories.

Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health in Terre Haute nominated Hamilton Center for the advocacy award, and the award will be presented to Hamilton Center representatives at IRHA’s conference on June 14th and 15th.

Noted in the nomination, “In 2007, Hamilton Center formed a collaborative partnership with Union Hospital’s Richard G. Lugar Center for Rural Health to integrate a tele-mental health program to the Vigo County Correctional Facility and a local critical access hospital emergency department (Union Hospital Clinton). Due to the project’s proved success, the model was replicated to additional critical access hospital sites throughout the region over the course of the past year due to generous grant funds made possible from the State Office of Rural Health. These sites include: Sullivan County Community Hospital, Greene County General Hospital, Putnam County Hospital and St. Vincent Clay Hospital. Since the program’s inception, Hamilton Center has completed approximately 300 rural crisis consults on a 24/7 basis.”

The nominator went on to say, “ while it is recognized that integration of primary health care and psychosocial services is important, our healthcare systems often work in silos, such that it can be difficult to move patients through both systems simultaneously for maximum effectiveness and impact. Hamilton Center has demonstrated that collaboration knows no boundaries. Hamilton Center personnel at every level understand that integrated care entails the provision of behavioral health services within multiple health care settings which emphasizes a collaborative approach between mental health professionals and “front-line” care providers. Their collaboration has been particularly apparent in our underserved rural populations.”

Hamilton Center Access Staff

FRONT (L to R): Dr. Robe Fazekas, David Miller, Marilyn Moeller, Mary Beth Dougherty
BACK (L to R): Linda Whistler, Karen Umbarger, Tracy Batchler

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Hamilton Center Makes Changes to Addiction Services

Hamilton Center, Inc. has announced the closing of its addictions residential treatment facility in operation since 2005. The 7 bed residential facility provides recovery services for males 18 and older.

In fiscal year 2009, the addictions residential facility served 117 clients, while Vigo County Addiction Services, which will continue to provide intensive outpatient services, served 1292 clients. “Unfortunately our addictions residential facility operates at a $400,000 deficit, so we had to make a tough decision to maintain services through our much larger outpatient programs than residential,” said Galen Goode, CEO of Hamilton Center. “It is a very difficult decision because the residential program shows great clinical outcomes. We will continue working with other community agencies to find access to residential facilities for those suffering from addictions,” Goode concluded.

July 23rd will mark the last day of the 28-day program in order to ensure treatment completion for those currently enrolled. “We will continue to work with those clients on an outpatient basis as necessary,” said Dr. Cynthia Sartor, Executive Director of Client Support Services. “Our dedicated staff at the addictions residential facility are passionate about what they do. As they have throughout the program, they will ensure that those who remain will have the appropriate community supports in place upon completion,” Sartor said.

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Hamilton Center's Infant and Toddler Services Hosted "Mother Goose on the Loose" for Families - June 29, 2010

Hamilton Center’s Infant and Toddler Services recently hosted an event for families enrolled in services for the Infant and Toddler Services Division of Hamilton Center, Inc. On May 20, 25 families (91 people including staff total), attended the “Mother Goose on the Loose” program at the Meadows Banquet Shopping Center.

“The Mother Goose on the Loose” is a program sponsored by the United Way of the Wabash Valley and its’ Success by Six program. Rachel Williams facilitated the program to the families which engaged the children and adults in a variety of activities including rhymes, songs, finger plays, puppets, musical instruments and colored scarves.

Infant and Toddler Services' programs are early childhood programs for families with children up to three years of age. Their focus is to provide excellent supportive, educational and therapeutic services to enhance the lives of infants, young children, and their families.

Infant and Toddler Services' programs are preventative in nature and work with children and families to build on their strengths. Programs are designed to meet each family's interests and priorities as related to their child's growth and development. Services include written information, assistance in connecting with community services and/or extended support through home visits or group activities.

“The Mother Goose on the Loose” program fits nicely with the mission of Hamilton Center’s Infant and Toddler Services since the Success by Six program serves to jump-start children’s learning and brain development. It focuses on the learning process for infants and toddlers, including the importance of repetition, ritual, play, reading, movement, and music; they provide tips for parents and suggest ways to incorporate books and activities when working with children. The activities are planned to build motor, music, social, and pre-literacy skills in infants and toddlers.

Mother Goose on the Loose program

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July

Hamilton Center’s Spectrum Services Partners with West Vigo High School Students

Hamilton Centers’ Spectrum Services have benefited from hard work from several West Vigo High School Technology Students. Approximately three years ago, Spectrum was awarded a Wabash Valley Community Foundation grant to further develop their courtyard which is enjoyed by the clients they serve. Half of the money was used to purchase benches, picnic tables and gliders for the area. The other half was reserved for a shelter structure where clients could go to a shady place to eat or enjoy recreational activities.

Although the materials for the project were purchased through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation Grant, the students of the West Vigo High School Technology class donated their time by designing and building a pergola which will eventually be covered with vines. The students spent several days completing the project. In addition, local members of the community have donated plants, dirt and statuary, making this a true community project. “We look forward to enjoying the new pergola for years to come, and it’s extra special because of the community support we received to make it happen,” said Mary Ann Clark, Director of Hamilton Centers’ Spectrum Services.

Pergola at Spectrum Industries

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September

Hamilton Award Nominations Needed - September 1, 2010

Hamilton Center Inc.'s Board of Directors is now accepting Hamilton Award nominations from the community. All nominees and winners will be recognized at Hamilton Center, Inc.'s Annual Meeting and Hamilton Awards Dinner October 26, 2010.

All nominations must be submitted on a nomination form by September 21, 2010 to: Hamilton Center, Inc., Office of the CEO, P.O. Box 4323, Terre Haute, IN 47804. To obtain a nomination form, call (812) 231-8317.

Hamilton Awards are presented to businesses, organizations, and individuals that have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and/or care of persons with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities or substance abuse problems. In addition, an award is given each year to a Hamilton Center staff person who has demonstrated a personal commitment to the cause of behavioral health and advanced the mission of Hamilton Center through service above and beyond the normal duties of his/her position.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system serving Central and West Central Indiana. Offices are located in Clay, Greene, Hendricks, Marion, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties. The organization provides a broad array of behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults. For further information, call (812) 231-8317.

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