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The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County Embracing Wellness THERE IS NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH NEWS FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MONMOUTH COUNTY INSIDE 3 Metamorphosis | 5 Creativity Corner | 8 Mental Health Month | 11 Family Programs SPRING/SUMMER 2016 RBRN featured on Univision’s “A Tu Lado”, Page 4 MHA hosts Annual Dinner, Page 6 BRINGING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS How a leadership retreat inspired one local woman to become the voice of change in our community. Dustin Knoblauch, LSW of the MHA PATH program, shares her recent experience with us. I was invited to attend the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) Young Women’s Retreat this past March. I was one of 20 young women selected to participate in the retreat which included women from various countries. WFWPI is dedicated to empowering women across the globe with the knowledge, skills, and support to bring peace to their families, local communities, and inevitably, the world. The Federation is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) United Nation’s Affiliate comprised of over 120 countries. Read more on Page 2 MHA hosts 2nd Annual Ride for Patriots, Page 9

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Page 1: SPRING/SUMMER 2016 BRINGING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESSmentalhealthmonmouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/... · VOICE TO THE VOICELESS How a leadership retreat inspired one local woman

The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

Embracing Wellness

THERE IS NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH

N E W S F R O M T H E M E N T A L H E A L T H A S S O C I A T I O N O F M O N M O U T H C O U N T Y

I N S I D E 3 Metamorphosis | 5 Creativity Corner | 8 Mental Health Month | 11 Family Programs

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

RBRN featured on Univision’s “A Tu Lado”, Page 4

MHA hosts Annual Dinner, Page 6

BRINGING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS How a leadership retreat inspired one local woman to become the voice of change in our community. Dustin Knoblauch, LSW of the MHA PATH program, shares her recent experience with us.

I was invited to attend the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) Young Women’s Retreat this past March. I was one of 20 young women selected to participate in the retreat which included women from various countries. WFWPI is dedicated to empowering women across the globe with the knowledge, skills, and support to bring peace to their families, local communities, and inevitably, the world. The Federation is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) United Nation’s Affiliate comprised of over 120 countries. Read more on Page 2

MHA hosts 2nd Annual Ride for Patriots, Page 9

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2 The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

By Dustin Knoblauch, LSW (Continued from cover)

Over the course of 3 days, I took part in talks, lectures, sessions and trainings given by influential individuals to the WFWPI. All presenters shared a common theme…relationships are fundamental to bringing community change. Dr. Amalle Dauo, President of the Active Intervention for Mothers in Mali, spoke of the fight against maternal mortality by improving medical assistance to mothers. Dr. Amalle Dauo spoke of her efforts in the construction of a maternity hospital in the Keniero Village located in Mali where maternal mortality rates are drastically high. Ms. Majandra Acha of the Women’s Environment & Developmental Organization provided advocacy training. Mrs. Lynn Walsh, Co-chair of the UN NGO Committee on the Family presented “Taking Steps: Building a Foundation of Impact in the UN”. The presenters validated my work as a social worker and provided me with practical tools to use in my everyday practice. At the retreat’s closing dinner, I was asked by Ms. Angeilka Selle, President of WFWP USA, to reflect on my experience.

It was quite nerve racking to speak in front of such an audience, but how could I say “no” to such an honorable request. I did not have a speech prepared, but I spoke genuinely and freely. What I took from the retreat and in particular from the presenters, is that I can bring a voice to the voiceless. I can advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

In my role as a PATH Case Manager at the Mental Health Association, I can initiate change in Monmouth County to best benefit my clients. I met incredibly influential individuals, whom I can only dream of becoming one day, but I realized that we all have the same goal at heart. I will strive to be creative, communicate effectively and show compassion in my work. I will continue to develop relationships of authenticity and listen to where clients are coming from. I will continue to advocate for a group much larger than myself. Resources are exceptionally important, and I will continue to advocate for those resources, which many of my clients do not have access to. In closing, the retreat and WFWPI certainly served its purpose; I have been inspired to make the world a better place.

“I CAN ADVOCATE FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES”

BRINGING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS

PATH- Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness PATH program provides free case management services to adults diagnosed with a serious mental illness and who are

homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The goal is to provide linkages aimed to develop stability in the

individual’s life and remediate homelessness. To learn more about the PATH program, please call: 732-383-8520

Pictured above are Participants and Presenters of the 2016 Young Women Leaders Retreat.

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LIFE CHANGING...It’s amazing how four months and a bus ride can change your life. NK was an amazing teenager who had lost his way when he first became involved in the Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) back in 2013. He was a junior in high school when he was referred to the FCIU due to issues of skipping school and associating with a problematic peer group. He started working with a therapist every week to address conflicts in his relationship with his mother and making better choices in his personal life. After four months of individual and family counseling NK successfully completed the program and was making progress. This seemed to be a turning point for him along with attending a county funded trip called “Get on the Bus Tour.” This program gave a select number of kids the opportunity to take a weekend bus tour of several colleges on the East Coast.

A few weeks ago, the FCIU office received a phone call from NK’s mother who was looking for the therapist that had worked with her son. His mother was elated to speak to the original therapist from years prior to tell them about NK’s progress. He completely turned his behavior around by receiving a full scholarship for track and field as well as completing his first year at UCONN. NK’s mother was so grateful for the assistance and was beaming with pride for her son’s progress and accomplishments over the recent years.

An Affiliate of

THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

Definition: metamorphosis (mět’əmôr’fə-sĭs) - A change in habit or form to create something new. A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function. Also called transformation.

Metamorphosis

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4 The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

Red Bank Resource Network’s Pilot ESL Program – a Huge Success!Red Bank Resource Network (RBRN) launched a new, free eight week English as a Second Language (ESL) program for Red Bank Regional High School (RBRHS) students in partnership with THE SOURCE at RBRHS. This initiative provides a safe environment in the community for students to practice communication and support the development of English language skills during afterschool hours.

Two community volunteers, lead teacher Gianna Cusanelli, and assistant teacher, Luke Roskowinski, donated their time and expertise to the program. There were a total of 19 student participants in the class over eight weeks, along with three additional student volunteers from RBRHS. On May 3rd a reception was held at RBRN with students, volunteers, and families in attendance to celebrate the completion of the program.

RBRN is grateful for this collaboration, for the vital assistance from our volunteer teachers, and for the opportunity to work with and provide support to the students in our community. This initiative would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of several key staff members of Red Bank Regional High School, including THE SOURCE at RBRHS Bilingual Clinician, Marisol Mondaca, THE SOURCE Director, Suzanne Keller, and RBRHS Guidance Counselor, Anita Caamano.

On June 2nd THE SOURCE held its 16th Annual Source Foundation Awards where Jessica Kostenblatt of RBRN, Monmouth University student Gianna Cusanelli, and RBRHS alumnus Luke Roskowinski shared the Community Partnership award for answering a sudden need that developed within the community.

MHA’S RED BANK RESOURCE NETWORK FEATURED ON UNIVISION’S “A TU LADO” In exciting news at our Red Bank Resource Network, RBRN staff and a community member were interviewed by Berenice Gartner, Consumer TV Reporter for Noticias 41. Of the staff members, were the center’s Director, Jessica Kostenblatt and Bilingual Family Resource Specialist Carmen Rivera who spoke about different facets of RBRN as well as their experiences working there. Gartner also interviewed community member Guadalupe Bera, who expressed how coming to RBRN gave her the assistance she needed for her family. Kostenblatt explained to Gartner the many ways in which RBRN provides services that help break social barriers that affect local residents and promote a successful family model. Some of these services include use of the business center, assistance with completing various types of applications including health insurance, educational forms and food stamps, and immigration referrals. She added that RBRN and MHA work closely with community partners to support successful families. This interview was for a television news piece which aired on Univision NY at the end of March highlighting RBRN’s work to support the Latino community. RBRN has been providing bi-lingual, bi-cultural services in the area since 2009 when the doors first opened on the west side of Red Bank.

To view the segment please visit univision.com/nueva-york/wxtv/centrocomunitario-de-new-jersey-ayuda-a-familias-latinas-video

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Pictured above is Jessica Kostenblatt, Director of Red Bank Resource Network, Bi-lingual Clinician at THE SOURCE, Marisol Mondaca, and

Bi-lingual Guidance Counselor, Anita Caamano.

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RBRN Gives Red Bank Resident a Night Out at the TheaterEarlier this Spring RBRN’s staff set out to meet two goals: one to recognize a neighboring not for profit for bringing new diverse theater to the community and secondly to provide a cultural experience for local residents. To celebrate the Two River Theater’s production of Ropes, presented entirely in Spanish for the first time and to give community members an opportunity to enjoy a fun night out at the theater, RBRN gave away two tickets to the performance. The recipient of the tickets was Red Bank resident Guadalupe Bera. Ropes, written by one of Latin America’s leading contemporary playwrights, follows the lives of three sons of an international superstar; the greatest tight rope walker of all time. But his fame has kept him a mystery to his family, leaving each son searching for his own way to soar to new heights. This new play, translated by Maria Alexandria Beech, reunites these brothers who try to walk the Ropes of life one step at a time. This storyline truly touched Guadalupe, as she too has experienced separation from her family. Here are Guadalupe’s thoughts on the production in her own words, originally in Spanish, also translated in English. “Mi experiencia en el teatro fue maravillosa. La obra me transporto a la imaginación. Me hicieron sentir especial y a la vez me sentí triste. Me puse en el lugar del personaje pues la obra trataba de 3 hermanos que estaban separados, pero por hazar del destino se reunieron y juntos salieron adelante. Hezo me hizo casi llorar pues me imagine a mis hermanos que no he vizto en un largo tiempo. Gracias por la experiencia maravillosa- y hojala siga existiendo nuestro teatro. Gracias.”

“My experience in the theater was marvelous. The show transported me to the imagination. It made me feel special and at the same time it made me feel sad. It put me in the place of the actors because there were 3 brothers who were separated, but they were reunited by destiny and together

they moved forward. That almost made me cry because I thought of my own brothers who I have not seen in a long time. Thank you for the marvelous experience. Hopefully our theater will exist for a long time. Thank you.”

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Continued

C R E AT I V I T Y C O R N E R

The Rising Tide by Glenn Thompson Intensive Family Support ServicesClambering high atop the formidable North Jetty, I forged on through the dark of a new moon, like a diehard hunter of the night destined to do battle with the mighty, elusive striped bass. The onset of May loomed, and rogue giants of the night lurked beneath the surface, daring hardcore jetty rats from the perilous inlet rocks. Light fog was billowing at the mouth of the Manasquan as commercial vessels pierced the darkness, exiting into the black abyss of the Atlantic. Surfcasting and jetty fishing had surged through my blood for the past five years, and the spring striper run was a shot of pure adrenaline, and an intoxicating chaser. I worked through the long night casting black Bombers, as heavy ground swells ripped along the rocks, barely picking me off. Surfcasting and the jetty were the ultimate escape, into a realm of sea, sand, stars and the hunt for predators that were often twenty yards from shore. Fishing was a perpetual endeavor, and some chose to shake off the brutal, icy winter months by patrolling the shoreline, sight fishing for bass. Others would do the opposite, and surfcast the “terrible” months of July and August, up for night cruising along the surf zone, enduring hot, humid nights with little or no success. I find the spring months a cut above the rest, a fascinating time to be a steadfast surfcaster, as many diverse species of gamefish invade shore waters.

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6 The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) held its Annual Dinner at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank on Wednesday, May 4th. Each year MHA hosts the Annual Dinner in May to celebrate Mental Health Month and honor individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact in the lives of Monmouth County residents. MHA is celebrating 66 years of providing a prevention focused support network for all in need of mental health services. This year, along with inducting new Foundation Board Member, Kate McMahon Sharkey of Atlantic Highlands, MHA honored the outstanding efforts of the following members of the community: The Humanitarian Award was presented to Ron Collier, LCSW, TEP, who has been a valuable asset to our Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) program for the past 6 years. For over 24 years, Ron worked at Monmouth Medical Center, holding various positions and supporting many programs including Children’s Crisis Intervention Services (CCIS), Inpatient Unit, and Adult Partial Hospitalization. Ron is moving on to pursue his private practice and to provide psychodrama training to others in the field. However, he will be staying with IFSS to supervise clinicians working towards their clinical license. Ron will be dearly missed by colleagues, and clients. Jackie Atkins, owner of Gleason’s Gym Jersey Shore in Long Branch, received the Tony Dowling Child Advocacy Award. Jackie is the former coach of the United States Military Academy West Point Women’s boxing team. She is currently serving her third term on the NJ Association of USA Boxing Executive Board and is the Director of the Give a Kid a Dream NJ program. Jackie has partnered with MHA over the past few years to integrate physical health and mental health and wellness in the communities we serve. For many of the youth in Monmouth County, her gym has become a second home, and for some even a first. We are so fortunate for the time, effort and dedication she gives towards bettering the lives of our communities’ youth. The Volunteer Award was given to Abrams Psychological Services. Abrams’ team includes Dr. Mitch Abrams and

his associates Pamela Dengrove, PsyD, Colleen Markey, LCSW, and Vonetta Kalieta, PhD. They have provided the Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) with numerous free presentations to aid IFSS families and community members. Over the past year and a half, Abrams Psychological has presented on topics such as emotion regulation, depression, ADHD, communications skills, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Investors Bank, one of the largest banks headquartered in NJ, was the recipient of the Philanthropy Award. The Investors team members volunteer their time and talents, while the Bank and its Foundation provide donor support. Investors bank has been an incredible community partner and we thank them for all of their support of MHA’s goals and initiatives of promoting mental health and wellness and improving the care and treatment of persons affected by mental illness. The Monarch Award was presented to Ashley Clough-Chase, an inspirational young woman from Collier Youth Services. The Monarch Award is intended to reward the recipient for demonstrating the strength, resilience, and motivation necessary to overcome difficult life situations and to create a promising future. This award was named after the Monarch butterfly making use of the analogy of this elegant creature’s metamorphosis from a crawling caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly that emerges from its cocoon to take flight and make the most of life.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MONMOUTH COUNTY HOSTS 2016 Annual Dinner

Jackie Atkins, owner of Gleason’s Gym Jersey Shore, receives the Tony Dowling Child Advocacy Award from MHA Executive Director,

Wendy DePedro and MHA Clinical Consultant, Laine Happel.

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ANNUAL DINNER

Ron Collier, recipient of the MHA’s Humanitarian Award pictured here with Jessica Kostenblatt, Director of Red Bank Resource Network.

John Gibney and Penny McDaniel accept the Philanthropy Award on behalf of Investors Bank from Foundation Board President, George Whitelaw.

Tom Schember, MHA’s Operating Board President, presented Ashley Clough-Chase with the 2016 Monarch Award.

Dr. Mitch Abrams and Dr. Vonetta Kalieta accept the Volunteer Award on behalf of Abrams Psychological Services, presented by

GraceAnn Talarico, MHA’s Director of Intensive Family Support Services and In-Home Therapy.

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Longtime MHA supporters, Co-founder of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Scott Fritz, The Honorable Mary Pat Angelini and CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Robert Kley, VP/COO of MHANJ, and Ginger Mulligan, former MHA Executive Director gather for a photo with MHA’s Executive Director, Wendy DePedro.

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8 The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

1 IN 5 PEOPLE SUFFER FROM A MENTAL ILLNESS…

Mental Health America’s 2016 theme for Mental Health Month was “Life with a Mental Illness”. This theme called on individuals to share what living with a mental illness feels like using the hash tag #mentalillnessfeelslike. This allowed people to speak out about their experiences, and to help others see from another perspective. Sharing is the key to breaking down the negative misperceptions that surround mental illness, and to show people that they are not alone in their feelings and symptoms. Over the last 66 years, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County has been advocating and supporting a community system of mental health care and treatment that benefits all individuals and families in need. MHA’s advocacy efforts include identifying the gaps in the mental health system of care and working to fill those gaps through collaborative efforts. The organization recognizes that there is still much to be done in our efforts to prevent mental illness through the development of programs that focus on early identification and intervention of problems before they become unmanageable.

MHA invites you, your friends and your business or organization to join us in Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month-May 2017. Please contact 732-542-6422 x 108 or [email protected] to learn more.

B4STAGE4 & MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

To help celebrate May is Mental Health Month, MHA of Monmouth County provided flyers and informational pamphlets at several locations across Monmouth county. Some of these locations included libraries, local emergency rooms, and inpatient and crisis units at area hospitals. The information included a toolkit provided by Mental Health America.

For more information please visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/2016-mental-health-month-toolkit

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RIDE FOR PATRIOTS

“Raising Awareness of the Mental Health Needs of Military Service Members & Veterans”

PREVALENCE

On Sunday, June 12, 2016, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) hosted its 2nd Annual Ride for Patriots Motorcycle Run. The weather could not have been better for the ride. The 121 riders participating in the police escorted motorcycle ride left the PNC Bank Arts Center Vietnam Veterans Memorial late morning under a sunny clear sky. After a welcome by MHA to all attending and the playing of the National Anthem, riders lifted their kickstands to embark on this inspiring ride to honor our servicemen and servicewomen. It was a sea of chrome and American flags as the riders left the Memorial behind and followed the NJ State Trooper brigade.

After a beautiful hour long scenic ride through Monmouth County, the participants arrived at the Manasquan VFW Post 1838, where participants and community members joined MHA for a BBQ lunch graciously donated by the VFW. The documentary film, Project 22, was shown inside of the VFW Post.

Ride for Patriots was conceived in 2015 by two MHA Board of Trustees members who share the same passion for raising awareness of the mental health needs and services available to veterans. James Fagan of Manasquan and Erika Woods of Howell are the bike run co-chairs. The documentary film Project 22, was the catalyst for the Ride for Patriots event. The film follows two combat-wounded veterans traveling cross country on motorcycles on a mission to find hope amidst the backdrop of the post-war challenges that often lead to suicide.

In the United States alone, twenty-two Veterans commit suicide per day. The goal of the event was to raise and heighten awareness surrounding the mental health needs of military servicemen and servicewomen and the mental health services that MHA offers them and all families in Monmouth County. The growing mental health needs of our active duty service members, veterans, and their families are critical, as Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), and other mental health concerns continue to be a reality.

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Daniel Egbert, Woods’ cousin is the film’s co-creator and is featured in the film. It was Daniel’s personal story and struggle to readjust to civilian life that led her to want to help, share his story, and provide a forum for this important issue. “I didn’t truly know how he was struggling until I watched his documentary Project 22,” shares Ms. Woods.

Riding motorcycles from San Francisco to New York, Daniel Egbert and Doc King speak with Veterans to learn about the post-war challenges that lead to suicide and the healing that they are finding in alternative forms of therapy, such as sailing, pottery, education, service dogs and more. During the 6,500 mile journey, the riders interview leading researchers, mental health clinicians, and educators who specialize in Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), as well as, a leading expert in Warrior Culture and Combat Stress.

“We hope that through these types of community events, those in need will learn about and utilize our free mental

health services that are available to military and all families in Monmouth County,” says MHA Executive Director, Wendy DePedro.

Other invited community providers were present speaking with riders and sharing stories. Their presence supports MHA’s mission to raise awareness and to fight the stigma and prejudice that still keeps people from seeking early intervention and treatment. MHA continues to offer two free family support groups to help veterans’ families; the Sanctuary and Safe Place programs. The Sanctuary program offers support for family and friends of active duty members or veterans experiencing emotional difficulties. The Safe Place program offers bereavement therapy to family and friends who have lost an active duty member or veteran to casualties of war or suicide.

Photos by Abbi Finch

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6TH FROM 7:30-9:00 PMAlcoholics Anonymous: What is AA? What does AA do?Philip H. W., Maryann H., and Kevin O. of the CPC (Cooperation with the Professional Committee). Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. www.nnjaa.org | www.aa.org TO BE HELD: Eatontown Library, 33 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD FROM 7:30-9:00 PMAlternatives to Crisis Jay Yudof, MS is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner with a private consulting and training practice. He is involved in peer support (serving as NAMI New Jersey’s Recovery Programs Coordinator) and systems advocacy (serving as Public Policy Chair for the NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association). Jay presents widely on topics related to stigma reduction, peer provider roles, supported employment, and crisis prevention/diversion. TO BE HELD: Eatontown Library, 33 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST FROM 7:30-9:00 PMDual Diagnosis: Mental Illness and Substance Abuse: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options Vincent Visioli, LCSW is the Chief Operating Officer at Stress Care of New Jersey, LLC – a Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Center with locations in Matawan and Manalapan, serving adults and adolescents across the state of NJ. Mr. Visioli has nearly 20 years experience in the mental health field. stresscareclinic.com TO BE HELD: Eatontown Library, 33 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724

MHA’S 2016 FAMILY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSSpecially for families and loved ones of adults who have a mental illness.All programs are open to the general public.

PLEASE JOIN US!

These programs are free and sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County

For More Information Please Call (732) 542-6422 Ext. 101The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) has been providing advocacy and services to families in Monmouth County for over 66 years. MHA is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness and improving the care and treatment of persons affected by mental illness. MHA strives to accomplish this mission through the creation and implementation of innovative programs, education, advocacy, and community partnerships.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1ST FROM 7:30-9:00 PMLink between Lyme Disease and Mental Health: Dr. Robert Bransfield, MD is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry. He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, a unified theory of mental health and illness, the link between microbes and mental illness, Lyme and other tick-borne disease. Dr. Bransfield has a private practice in Red Bank. TO BE HELD: Eatontown Library, 33 Broad Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724

THURSDAYS,OCTOBER 20TH

NOVEMBER 17TH

DECEMBER 15TH

7:30-9:00 PM

HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND WELLGroup Discussion of Self and Healthy Relationships (Formerly known as Mental Health and Well Being)David Landy, PhD is a Psychologist in Private Practice Potential topics: • Three keys to success in life: Acceptance, Awareness, Attitude.• The stories that run us, are us.• What is peace? How can we attain it?• The power of intention. • Is happiness over-rated? If so, then what?TO BE HELD: Presbyterian Church, 352 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury 07702

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119 Avenue at the Common, Suite 5 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

An Affiliate of

THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

Embracing WellnessSPRING/SUMMER 2016 NEWSLETTER

We Can Help!Permit No. 17 Red Bank, NJ

07701

Return Service Requested

OUR MISSION: The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness and improving the care and treatment of persons affected by mental illness.

Programs of the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County n Information and Referral Servicesn Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) • Free Educational Programs are announced each January and August • Free Family Support Group meets every Tuesday from 12 – 1:30pm at the MHA Office

n Free Monthly Family Support Groups for Military Families: Safe Place and Sanctuaryn Supportive Housing/Partners in Independencen Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)n Grandview Social Services Programn Division of Child Protection and Permanency Wrap-Around Programn Intensive In-Community (IIC)n Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU) and Wrap Around Servicesn Red Bank Resource Network (RBRN)/ Sandy Wellness Programs (SWP)

Wendy DePedro, MSEdExecutive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS PresidentThomas A. Schember Vice PresidentsSusan Tellone-McCoy, RN,MSN,CSNKaren Van Natten, MA SecretaryErika L. Woods, MSW TreasurerMarybeth Kopec DirectorsElizabeth Bond, PhDJames FagenMark FirthJohn A. GibneyMichael McLaughlinShirley A. Todd FOUNDATION BOARD PresidentGeorge Whitelaw Vice PresidentDonna Crosson, PhD TreasurerJoseph P. Silvestri, CFP DirectorsMichele Brucker-Collier, DMDLaura BrunettiErnesto Cullari Julie FordLori KrikorianLindsay Lutz, Esq.Ruth Palacio, MS, CASACNancy PearsonDawn RutkoskiKate McMahon Sharkey

For more information or to get involved, visit www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org, call 732-542-6422 and or email [email protected].