Category: Hamilton Center, Inc. News

Hamilton Center Inc. hosted its annual Hamilton Awards dinner on Tuesday, October 24, at 6:00 pm at Sycamore Banquet Center on the campus of Indiana State University, Terre Haute IN.  Over 350 staff, community partners, and referring organizations enjoyed dinner and celebration of Hamilton Award nominees.  Featured, was keynote speaker, Art Fuller, Chief of Hamilton Center’s Certified Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) initiative. 

Joining Hamilton Center in March 2020, Fuller has a passion for spreading optimism and was selected as a Hamilton Award Winner in 2021. Art has 25 years of experience in education serving culturally diverse students, students with disabilities, and families who are English language learners. He spent 7 years as a legislative liaison in support of pre-K through higher education and has 10 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and school leader. Art earned a BA in Neuroscience and Behavior from Wesleyan University (CT) and a Master of Education in Middle School Mathematics from Lesley University (MA). He is completing a dual degree Master of Public Health / Doctor of Health Sciences at the University of Indianapolis (IN) focused on health equity.

The theme for Tuesday’s event, “The Ripple Effect” suggests that one person’s actions can impact so many others.  Clinical staffs’ work with one consumer at Hamilton Center often ripples to the family, the consumer’s friends and ultimately positively impacts the entire community.  Consumers are able to live independently with improved relationships and become productive members of the community. 

Hamilton Awards were also presented. Named in her honor, Katherine Hamilton fought for the inclusion, acceptance, and support of those struggling with mental illness in the early 1960’s. She emphasized the importance of community in her life’s work. In this spirit, Hamilton Center awards were created to recognize individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and addiction while furthering the mission of Hamilton Center, Inc. in the community. All nominees were recognized, and winners included: 

Volunteer winner:   LT Thompson, an individual who has not only devoted his life to assisting people to improve their health through wellness  but has mentored so many children who would otherwise not have the means to participate in organized sports or other community events.  Thompson has spent hours coaching and training kids in sports and in life.  He often transports them to games and practices and pays their participation fees out of his own pocket to get them involved. He is a wonderful role model to many and his mentorship has provided guidance and support to children who needed a positive role model in their lives.  

Community winner:  DeAnna Griffin, Executive Dir. of Phoenix House.  Griffin was described as an incredible advocate for woman in recovery.  She works tirelessly to reunite women in recovery with their children  – providing love and support throughout the entire process. Griffin works with the only recovery house for women in Terre Haute – Phoenix House. It is a faith-based residential recovery program that provides a structured sober-living environment, along with 12 step recovery, behavior modification, accountability, peer support, service work, support groups, and discipleship teachings of biblical truths.  Griffin is building sisterhood, impacting community and reigniting hope in so many.

Youth winner:  Imer Holman, a student who was described by his nominator as a young person who embodies the attributes of a truly great person. He is unselfish and works to improve the lives of others.  He started a program at Terre Haute South to help students understand that there is always someone available to help if in need.  Holman teamed up with Hamilton Center to initiate events at middle schools and in the community to provide assistance to students struggling. 

Staff winner:  Crystal Reynolds, PhD, a women described by her nominator as the most compassionate person that he has ever known.  Reynolds background and experience in education, legal, and consulting has uniquely positioned her to holistically assist consumers in various facets of their lives. Her dedication, willingness to serve, and commitment to the community is unmatched.  She has been working for Hamilton Center since 2019 as a Care Manager.  Her educational and work experience are extensive which includes a Doctor of Philosophy from Indiana State University, a Doctorate of Juris from Tulane University and bachelors and master’s in history from Indiana State. Reynolds is known for her outspoken advocacy, compassion, and community service.

Lastly, the Frank W. Jerse awards are presented to annual to community members who are veterans, assisted veteran families or advanced educational system in central and west central Indiana.  Dr. Jerse, for whom this award is named, served his country during World Warr II and received a purple heart.  Upon returning from war he received a doctorate in psychology and dedicated a significant portion of his career furthering post-secondary education at Indiana State University. He also played a vital role in the development of Hamilton Center Inc. Winners of the 2023 Frank W. Jerse award were Daniel McGrath, valued coach and educator, and Hollis Joseph Thomas, veteran.

Hundreds of families and friends of people whose families have been affected by drug overdose deaths converged on Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute on Sept. 8 for the annual butterfly release sponsored by Hamilton Center, Inc. and the Wabash Valley Recovery Center.

Daily overdose deaths currently average 193 per day in the United States, and a corresponding number of butterflies was released to symbolically represent that total.

This month is National Recovery Month.

In The Past Year…
Nearly 1 in 3 adults had a substance use disorder or mental illness.
13.5% of young adults ages 18 to 25 had a substance use disorder
and mental illness.

Recovery Is Real
7 in 10 adults who have had a substance use disorder consider themselves to be recovering or in recovery.
2 in 3 adults who have had a mental health issue consider themselves to be recovering or in recovery (Source: SAMHSA).

Treatment is available, and recovery is possible. People are able to regain their lives, heal their families, and really live again.
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Welcomes New Military Veteran Program Coordinator

Hamilton Center, Inc. has recently achieved the Behavioral Health Center Three Star Designation from Star Behavioral Health Providers.  This distinction recognizes the organization’s service and commitment to service members, veterans, and their family members across the state of Indiana.  Star Behavioral Health Providers ensures that veterans and their families are able to seek help from qualified professionals who are trained in military-specific subjects and can address the special challenges they face.

This designation, coupled with the hiring of Steven Neice, Military Veteran Program (MVP) Coordinator, has positioned Hamilton Center to provide our community’s services members, veterans, and their families with exceptional care, comprehensive resources, and needed support.

Hamilton Center’s MVP program appreciates the dedication and sacrifice required of our current military and our veteran families.  Whether a veteran has recently returned or has been home for years, returning service members frequently suffer in silence and are reluctant to reach out for help. Family members can be a valuable resource for providing front line support to their loved one, however, they often need guidance and education to assist in coping with the changes in their family relationships.

“As a veteran, I am looking forward to working with and supporting fellow veterans and their families,” said Mr. Neice.  “They have dedicated much of their lives in service to us, now it’s time we serve them, and serve them well.”

Mr. Neice is a disabled combat veteran with 12 years of military service including serving in the Persian Gulf War.  He brings to Hamilton Center his extensive knowledge of military life and service as well as 15 years of experience working for the Indiana Department of Corrections. 

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind.  Services are provided to children, youth, and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

On January 6, 2023, Hamilton Center graduated another “new citizen” from a program that offers the opportunity to acquire job skills, employment, and a new way of life.

“I have learned so much through this program – to be authentic, be sincere, and be the best person I can be.  This was so tough at times, but it has changed me.  It has made me a better person, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.  – Teddy Brewer, Hamilton Center, Inc. New Citizen Graduate.

Hamilton Center’s New Citizen Program, first established in 2013, gives individuals who have been incarcerated the tools needed for a second chance at life.  Throughout a one-year probationary period, participants train in different areas of the Corporation to gain skills and experience to secure a permanent career at Hamilton Center.  In addition to job skills, participants gain life skills as they work through challenges of reintegration into their communities with a team of mentors that meet with them weekly.

“Once an individual has paid their debt to society, they should be imparted the opportunity to restore and build upon their lives.” – Melvin L. Burks, President/CEO, Hamilton Center, Inc.

The opportunity is life changing for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system and is willing to turn his or her life around.  The program offers support from Hamilton Center staff and community leaders to bring confidence and motivation to someone who is willing to become a new citizen.

The New Citizen Program is about supporting those who have made decisions that could negatively affect the rest of their lives.  Hamilton Center has made it possible for these individuals to have a second chance, to start a new life, and to travel down a supported path to success.

“This program gives individuals an opportunity that is unlike any other, said Burks.  It tests your will and can be very challenging, but Mr. Brewer succeeded.”

Since its inception, the New Citizen Program has graduated ten participants, and the program has expanded to additional organizations throughout the Wabash Valley.  Hamilton Center welcomes additional host sites and participants for the New Citizen Program. To learn more, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org/programs/new-citizen/, or call (812) 231-8323.

The Access Center at Hamilton Center has changed its name to the Crisis Diversion Center. Hamilton Center’s 24-hour Crisis Line remains the same at 800.742.0787.

The name change comes at the tail end of a series of expansions in services for the department and more accurately represents its evolving role in the community. The department will continue to deliver all the same services, including crisis assessments and acute interventions. Over the past couple of years, the department has expanded to operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This expansion in hours allows the Crisis Diversion Center to better serve individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency when that emergency occurs.

In addition, the mobile crisis team, which began in 2021, has allowed Hamilton Center’s mental health professionals to meet those in crisis wherever they may be in the Vigo County community – connecting them with mental health professionals, as well as assisting with transportation back to the facility for monitoring and acute intervention as needed.

“The expansion of hours in the Crisis Diversion Center allows more opportunity for people in Vigo, and surrounding counties, to access crisis services at a time when they are most vulnerable and in need of support,” said Natasha Newcomb, LCSW, Chief of Crisis Diversion. “These services help us better route people to appropriate levels of care.”

The addition of these services and programs has allowed Hamilton Center to enhance the collaborative relationship with local law enforcement by diverting mental health crises away from the criminal justice system to mental health services. “Diversion centers like this one allow law enforcement to more quickly connect those in crisis with the right care – mental health professionals,” said Amber Sebastian, Manager of Crisis Diversion at Hamilton Center, Inc. “It will also lessen their involvement in mental health crisis situations and get them back out in the community to deal with other criminal activities.”

In addition to the expansion in services, the facility has more than doubled from roughly 1000 square feet to more than 2000 square feet, increasing from two observation/assessment rooms to six. “Hamilton Center has always worked to provide the least-restrictive environment possible for consumers in our care,” said Natasha Newcomb, LCSW, Chief of Crisis Diversion Center. “To promote this, we have added recliners for each room, a pantry, and designed the common area to feel more open.”

“Our vision is to advance excellence in healthcare through compassion, customer responsiveness, innovation, and flexibility,” said Melvin L Burks, President and CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc. “These enhancements have positioned us to better serve our consumers’ needs and the community’s need.” He also stated that these changes align with priorities at the State and Federal level with the rollout of 988, the new national mental health crisis/suicide prevention number and the movement toward federally recognized, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which Hamilton Center is a part.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind.  Services are provided to children, youth, and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

A Crisis Specialist responds to a community crisis call and deploys shortly after to travel directly to the individual in crisis and deliver mental health services.

Hamilton Center provides the least restrictive environment possible for those in its care. The Crisis Diversion Center has added comfortable seating, a pantry, and a more open atrium to promote this. “It’s important for those in crisis to have a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment to recovery and stabilize in,” said Natasha Newcomb, Chief of Crisis Diversion Center at Hamilton Center.

“Meeting People Where They Are”, the theme for the 2022 event

Hamilton Center Inc. hosted its annual Hamilton Awards on Tuesday, October 25, at 6:00 pm at Sycamore Banquet Center on the campus of Indiana State University, Terre Haute IN.  Featured, was keynote speaker, Terry Stigdon,

 Stigdon was appointed director of the Indiana Department of Child Services in early 2018 as part of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s sweeping reform of the state’s child welfare agency. In her first year in her new position, Stigdon implemented changes aimed at offering the best service to Hoosier children and families. As a result of her efforts to provide the right care to the right child at the right time, the state has seen a decrease in children in residential treatment and foster care. Prior to her appointment, she spent nearly 20 years at Riley Hospital for Children. Her work took her to the pediatric intensive care unit as well as the emergency medicine and trauma center; there, she saw firsthand what can happen in the most serious cases of child neglect and abuse. Stigdon, a Chicago native, holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as a master’s degree in nursing leadership and management

The theme for Tuesday’s event, “Meeting people where they are” not only refers to clinical services delivery, but also addresses serving people in nontraditional ways such as virtual/telehealth services and community-based services including mobile services. 63% of services delivered in fiscal year 2022 were either performed remotely or in the community, commented Melvin L. Burks, President & CEO.   

Hamilton Awards were also presented. Named in her honor, Katherine Hamilton fought for the inclusion, acceptance, and support of those struggling with mental illness in the early 1960’s. She emphasized the importance of community in her life’s work. In this spirit, Hamilton Center awards were created to recognize individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the cause of mental health and addiction while furthering the mission of Hamilton Center, Inc. in the community. All nominees were recognized, and winners included: 

Volunteer winner:   DJ Souse, Beast Training and Morgan Wilson, Pheonix Elite.  These two young mentors hosted a weeklong basketball camp called “Blacktop Camp” which was free and open to any kid in the community.  In addition to learning basketball skills, lessons were taught in community service and how to conduct oneself in life.  Special guests were featured, and lunch was served.  Children got “in shape” while they learned lifelong skills and spent time with two outstanding role models. 

Community winner:  The Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club.  This organization has been a staple in the community for over 100 years, providing a safe and fun place for young people to learn and grow.  Serving Vigo, Vermillion, Sullivan, Clay, Parke, Clark ad Greene counties, The Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club provides a variety of recreational and educational programs during the school year and summers all focused on individual development. Accepting the award was Mr. Bobby Moore, the Club’s devoted longtime leader. 

Hamilton Center staff winner:  Tracie Session, Chief Financial Officer.  Session was awarded for her personal commitment to advance the mission of Hamilton Center and for her leadership ability and work ethic.  She began working at Hamilton Center nine years ago in the fiscal dept. She quickly was promoted to several positions before being named CFO in July of this year.  In the words of her nominator, “Tracie goes above and beyond with enthusiasm and is always reaching for the next goal.”