Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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The July General Meeting will feature a presentation in which we honor and salute our hometown heroes and their families for their sacrifice. We would like to take this time to discuss the importance of veteran assistance, access to resources and care.

A grassroots, family and consumer self-help, support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with

severe mental illnesses and their families. Such illnesses are now known as serious and persistent neurobiological brain disorders.

Find Help. Find Hope.

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An Affiliate of the

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI Dallas General Meeting Thursday, July 2, 2015

Support Groups: 6 p.m.-7 p.m. | Presentation: 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Meeting Location: Park Central Baptist Church

7777 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX

…We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the

Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these

Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT

STATES, that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the

State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full

Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which

INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of

divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Jefferson, T. (1776). The

Declaration of Independence

Every Fourth of July we celebrate our nation’s independence with beautiful displays of fireworks, delicious food,

astonishing parades and functions that represents tradition and freedom. As we celebrate our independence with

these grand gestures, let’s not forget what this historical moment means for us. Regardless of ethnicity, gender,

religious beliefs and other components that make us who we are, these rights and equalities were not only

declared for a few, but all citizens of North America. For those who paved the way 239 years ago and still sacrifice

their lives today for our liberty bear in mind just how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve.

Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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Some helpful websites

NAMI National www.nami.org

NAMI Texas www.namitexas.org

NAMI Dallas www.namidallas.org

PLAN www.planofntx.org

National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org

NARSAD (National Alliance Research on Schizophrenia &

Depression) www.narsad.org

Recovery International recoveryinternational.org

Child & Family Guidance Center www.childandfamilies.org

Texas Legislature Online www.capitol.state.tx.us

United States Congress Information

Senate www.senate.gov (202) 224-3121

House www.house.gov (202) 225-1908

Green Oaks Hospital physical address is 7808 Clodus Field Dallas,

TX 75257. It is located in North Dallas and is also the crisis

intervention unit for the NorthSTAR area. The hospital is near the

east end of Merit Drive behind Medical City Dallas Hospital at

Forest Lane and Central. This Psychiatric Crisis Stabilization Unit can

be utilized as a psychiatric emergency room, just as Parkland

Hospital Psychiatric ER is used. It is not necessary to be a member

of NorthSTAR to access the services available at Green Oaks. They

will accept indigent, Medicaid, NorthSTAR, most insurances, or

private pay patients. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7

days a week.

Current Board Members through May 2014

Current Board Members for 2

nd Term: New Board Members for 1

st Term:

● Ilana Presley, Secretary ● Mary Berger ● Claudia Smith

● Deborah Goodall, at large ● David Whitley

● Teena Adler, at large ● Leonard Keesee

NAMI DALLAS’ MEMBER & VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

NAMI Dallas honors two veteran rockstar volunteers: Debra and Patrick Moore. Debra and Patrick Moore have given their time and dedication for several years supporting NAMI Dallas and educating family members about mental health,

mindfulness and self care. These great folks are leaders in the Irving, Texas mental health community and we are thrilled to have them be apart of our team.

The NAMI Dallas NEWS is published monthly by

NAMI Dallas

2812 Swiss Avenue.

Dallas, Texas 75204

Ph. (214) 341-7133

Email: namidallas@namidallas.org

Web: www.namidallas.org

Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday

The NAMI Dallas Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at

Green Oaks Hospital.

Visitors are welcome to attend. Staff Executive Director & Program Director: Marsha Rodgers Community Outreach & Support Coordinator: Quita Williams Grant Writer: Susan Essary Special Projects Manager John Dornheim Board of Directors President: Sherry Cusumano Vice-President: Herb Cotner Secretary: Ilana Presley Treasurer: Paul Sloane Board Members-At-Large Teena Adler Roberts* Mary Berger *Deborah Goodall * Leonard Keesee *

Claudia Smith * David Whitley

Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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NAMI Dallas Support Groups

(updated 3/23/15)

For individuals living with a mental illness and family members/caregivers of loved ones diagnosed with a mental illness.

TYPE TIME LOCATION FACILITATOR CONTACT

Family Dallas

1st

Thursday 6-7 p.m.

Park Central Baptist Church 7777 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75252

Rita Mike

NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133

Family Dallas

2nd

Saturday 10-11:30 a.m.

Outreach Center at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 3826 Gilbert Ave Dallas, TX 75219

Carmen (214) 520-0650 ext.117 or (214) 435-7562

Family Rockwall

2nd

Saturday 1-2:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Rockwall, TX 75087

Linda NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133

Family Terrell

3rd

Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Lakes Regional Bldg 400 Airport Rd. Terrell, TX 75160

Emma Glenda

(972) 962-3784 (214) 202-1183

Family Duncanville

PLEASE CONTACT FACILITATORS TO ATTEND

Trinity United Methodist Church 1302 South Clark Rd. Duncanville, TX 75137

Evelyn Madeline

(214) 728-0637 (214) 536-2703

Parents Group (Parents of children & adolescents)

Richardson

3rd

Thursday 7-8:30 p.m.

The Warren Center 320 Custer Road Richardson, TX 75080

Cheryl Amanda

(214) 923-2576 (214) 236-1706

Peer NAMI Connection Dallas

1st

Thursday 6-7 p.m.

Park Central Baptist Church 7777 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75252

Mike

(903) 967-3763

Peer NAMI Connection Dallas

3rd

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

NAMI Dallas Office 2812 Swiss Ave. (parking in back) Dallas, TX 75204

Teena Sharniqua Vita

(972) 815-9491

Peer Schizophrenia Richardson

Every Tuesday 7 p.m.

515 Custer Rd. (First Center) (House across the street from First UMC)

Richardson, TX 75080

Mike (903) 967-3763

Peer Dual Recovery Dallas

Mon. & Wed. 5-6 p.m.

Quaker Meeting House 5828 Worth St. Dallas, TX 75214

David (214) 824-2435

Peer Dallas

2nd & 4th Wednesday

7-8 p.m. Iris Place Apartments 13321 Emily Rd. Dallas, TX 75240

Jeanine (214) 575-9492

Peer Rockwall

2nd

Saturday 1-2:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Rockwall, TX 75087

Amery William

NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133

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Wasn’t our meeting in June phenomenal?!! Our new NAMI Signature Program “Ending the Silence” is taking off in a big way, and after seeing the presentation at the last meeting, I think we can see why! Doesn’t it make you proud to be a part of NAMI? Just knowing how much is being done to erase the stigma around mental illnesses and to educate our youth and the community at large about their story has got to make you feel good about being a NAMI member. I know that we had several people express interest in becoming a teacher/presenter for this awesome program—I want to thank each and every person who has worked to make this program the enormous success it has been and I hope that the rest of you were as inspired as I was by the presentation at our meeting. RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE!!! In fact, with appropriate care and a support system that teaches and nurtures recovery in its members, RECOVERY IS LIKELY! Here is what SAMHSA has to say about recovery which you can find online at http://www.samhsa.gov/recovery: SAMHSA has established a working definition of recovery that defines recovery as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery is built on access to evidence-based clinical treatment and recovery support services for all populations. Learn more about SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery — 2012. SAMHSA has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery: Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms—for example, abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem—and, for everyone in recovery, making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being Home—having a stable and safe place to live Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope How does that sound to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on recovery. NAMI has long embraced Recovery for all who are living with a mental health conditions. When we talk about moving from denial to advocacy—we’re talking about recovery!! Peer to Peer is a recovery program for people living with a mental health condition while Family-to-Family is a recovery program for family members/caregivers. Both offer valuable information to assist in the recovery process along with a supportive community of learners! Ending the Silence is an educational experience that is also a demonstration of recovery! Yes we are a family of families who are a recovery oriented community. If you’ve never joined us but think you might like to, then welcome! I hope to see you soon at our meeting in July! We will have something special relating to Veterans. Many of us have a veteran in our family—someone who has served our country so we can have the freedoms that we have and for that we are grateful. As a result of their service, many of them have had very specific challenges upon returning home. WE WANT TO HONOR YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS WE RECOGNIZE THE SACRIFICES YOU’VE MADE ON OUR BEHALF. Please join us, one and all for support groups at 6pm, then a light dinner (and one that is always quite tasty), and then our special program.

Sherry Cusumano

Sherry Cusumano, RN, MS, LCDC President of NAMI Dallas Director of Region 2 on the NAMI Texas Board of Directors

Letter from our President

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The Recovery Corner

My name is Jamie. I am 32 years old. I am a wife, mother, a peer counselor in the mental health field and a friend. I struggle with a mental illness. My struggles go back as far as I can remember. I can't remember a time where I ever really felt like I really fit in. I often felt ashamed of myself. My life has been full of great highs and devastating lows; full of moments of God's grace at church and things too painful to talk about.

My husband and I got married just out of high-school. He joined the military and I moved away from my close knit family at the age of 20. A year later I was pregnant and it was the happiest, joyous, time of my life. Then winter came. It was far from the cozy winters I experienced in sunny California. It would be negative 45 in North Dakota and I felt trapped in my house. I cried all day and night. I missed my family and God knew that I needed their support.

My husband worked long hours and I eventually lost all touch with reality. I believed there was an investigation to take away my son and that all of the neighbors were in on it including the FBI. I thought the neighbors had hired a private investigator. Everything was closing in around me and everyone was conspiring against me. I heard them saying things and then it would happen. They were listening to my calls and the police were following me. I felt like I was under a microscope.

My first hospital stay was in 2006. I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and it seemed like I would never get better or recover. I felt like I was destined to a life of misery and failures and that I would be tormented all of my life with terrible thoughts and eventually become another statistic, lost to suicide. I felt so incredibly hopeless and just couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing my mind. It was years before I began to come out of the dark deep depression and psychosis; years before I didn't feel so alone in this world and that I was the only one suffering.

Things began to gradually get better as I began to accept the medication I had been prescribed. I was so sick out of my mind; I just couldn't see that they would be my ticket to getting better. We then got orders to move back to California and I felt like it was a divine intervention, telling me not to give up hope.

My first psychiatrist in California, I loved her. I saw her for 5 years. I began to trust her and I shared with her what was going on with me. She helped me with my disability case, as I was in no condition to work. I really opened up to her and began to share my fears. At first it made it worse, but I no longer felt so crippling alone. Off and on I would take my medication, but when she let me go due to what I believe was being non-compliant with treatment, I took this as a wakeup call.

I found a new doctor and I decided from the moment I walked in the building, I was going to take the medication as prescribed. I had lost someone I really cared for due to my non-compliance and I didn't want to lose anyone else, especially my son.

Since taking my medication regularly and using coping skills that I have developed, I have learned to face my fears. I used to hear voices and be crippled with social anxiety. Now, I no longer attach fear to it. I no longer suffer with disturbing, constant racing thoughts. For me there is no denying that there is a God in my life. All that I have come through, all that I have yet to do and the people along the way who have helped me, are a gift from God.

My mental health continues to improve as time goes by. I have more hope today than ever, a better diagnosis and a promising future. I am able to help others because of my lived experience as a peer counselor in the mental health field today. I thoroughly enjoy being a wife and a mother and all of the friendships I've made. I enjoy writing and photography and there is no greater joy that I have than when someone smiles at me and says "I now have hope."

The Recovery Corner is a section in which persons living with a mental illness in recovery can share a story of hope and recovery with our readers.

“I now have HOPE”

By: Jamie

Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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On June 1, 2015 NAMI Dallas was informed that we officially

surpassed our NAMIWalks goal which means we can continue to

provide free mental health support to our community! With recent

changes in Texas legislature we have to make sure we are

prepared to help those in need who may not have direct access to

care. NAMI Dallas is able to fulfill its mission because of you. We’d

like to thank our walk participants, volunteers, committee members,

honorary chairs, sponsors, donors, team captains and Fair Park for

making this by far the best walk ever. This was truly a group effort.

What a way to celebrate our 10th annual walk! Just to show our

appreciation, we will be recognizing our top fundraisers at our 2015

August general meeting and we hope to see you all there.

Goal: $140,000

Raised: $142,395

102% of goal achieved

$140,000

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OUR VETERANS, OUR HEROES

11 ways to honor and support a veteran

1. Visit a wounded veteran at the hospital. 2. Offer your home repair skills to a veteran or military family. 3. Create an online neighborhood user group that can be used to share information about

neighborhood activities, recommend reliable repair companies, and find babysitters. An online group may also help identify the needs of your neighbors.

4. Volunteer your financial, legal, or career expertise via MilServe. 5. Deliver a meal or care packages to veterans. 6. Help a veteran tell their story through a project such as the Veteran's History Project. You can

download a VHP field kit from the Library of Congress website. 7. Volunteer with an organization, such as Canine Companions for Independence, that provide

therapy dogs to veterans. 8. Offer a vet a ride by volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization,

which provides free transportation to men and women unable to travel to VA medical facilities on their own.

9. Visit serve.gov and use keyword “veterans” to find more opportunities to serve our nation's veterans.

10. Become a financial donor to a veteran oriented organization. 11. Say “Thank You”.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran in need of crisis services or support, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1 800-

273-8255 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ for more resource information.

Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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NAMI Dallas will offer three trainings for NAMI Connection, NAMI Family Support Group and Parents and

Teachers As Allies soon in efforts to increase our current services. If you think you have what it takes, please

consider joining our leadership team! For individuals who are serious and can commit to offering these services

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will

gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators

who’ve been there.

Free of cost to participants

Designed for adults (18+) of individuals living with mental illness

Led by individuals living with mental illness

NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals

living with mental illness. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances.

Free of cost to participants

Designed for adult loved ones (18+) of individuals living with mental illness

Led by family members of individuals living with mental illness

NAMI’s Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an

opportunity to be heard and to get what you need. No specific medical therapy or medication is endorsed or

recommended. The groups are confidential and meet on a bi-weekly, weekly or monthly basis.

If interested to become a Support Group facilitator, please send email with name, and reason for wanting to become a

facilitator namidallas@namidallas.org.

Empowering teachers and school personnel to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students, NAMI Parents &

Teachers as Allies (PTA) opens the door for schools to make a difference. This free, 90 minute on-site presentation is led by

a team from your community consisting of a young adult with a mental health condition, a parent and a teacher.

The presentation covers differences between “bad behavior” and symptoms of a mental health condition, recognizing

early warning signs, effective communication, connection to community resources and more.

If interested to become a Parents & Teachers As Allies presenter, please send an email with your name, occupation, age,

and reason for interest in becoming a presenter to endthesilence@namidallas.org.

WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATOR OR PRESENTER?

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Mr. Kovich passed away May 16, 2015.

He was born May 23, 1952 in Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of George and Darlene Kovich. He received a Bachelor’s

degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State in 1975.

He moved to Texas in 1975 where he worked at Texas Instruments as a facilities engineer, and then to Houston,

where he worked in coastal oil and gas. He received a Master of Mechanical Engineering degree from the

University of Houston in1989.

In 1993 he obtained a Texas teacher’s certificate, and worked in the Houston school district as a mathematics

teacher. He later moved to Arlington, TX to be closer to family.

Mr. Kovich married his wife, Susan on December 20, 1975. The couple fostered several children over the years, and

were bless to adopt three children of their own: Will, Alex and Anna.

Mr. Kovich was an excellent husband and father, generous to all who knew him, an avid reader, and was

mechanically inclined. He enjoyed the challenge of examining complex problems and the solving them. He always

had a number of projects in progress, enjoyed being a computer geek, was an excellent cook and always fixed his

own cars. He also designed jewelry with his daughter, Anna.

He loved the mountains of Wyoming and spent time there planning to build a cabin on the land he owned. The

building was in the design stage at the time of his death.

Mr. Kovich took an active role in raising his and Susan’s three special needs children. His main goal in life was their

care and ensuring a bright future for them. He worked tirelessly on mental causes and was actively involved in

Special Olympics and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) where he was treasurer of the Tarrant

County chapter. Mr. Kovich was an activist for mentally challenged individuals, and traveled to Austin on several

occasions to meet with state representatives regarding mental health issues.

He was also a member of the Dallas County NAMI chapter, worked with West Houston NAMI on a booklet for

family members affected by mental illness to share ideas and support, entitled “Advice from Us to Us”

Mr. Kovich is survived by his wife, Susan; children, William George Kovich, Alexander James Kovich, and Anna

Kathleen Kovich; mother, Darlene (stepfather Morton); brother Michael (wife Janice); brother-in-law Stephen; and

nephews Michael, Nicholas and niece Amanda.

He was preceded in death by his father, George; sister, Tina; and step-sister, Carol.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mr. Kovich’s name to the Dallas County Chapter of NAMI.

In Memory of… A celebration of life service for Daniel Eugene Kovich will be

held May 29, 2015 from 2-6 p.m. at Greenwood Funeral Home,

1221 E. Division Street, Arlington, Texas.

Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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NAMI Dallas events for the remainder of the year: JULY: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month AUGUST: The Potters House Megafest SEPTEMBER: North Texas Giving Day OCTOBER: Sarah Hickman benefits concert- MIAW (Mental Illness Awareness Week) DECEMBER: Holiday Party and Community Awards Ceremony

Many of you have been experienced several events in their life, positive and negative. Did you know that donations and contributions can be made in honor of a loved one or someone who has captured your heart? If you would like send a donation, please contact NAMI Dallas via phone, email and/or paper mail. We’d love to hear from you and acknowledge your support and tribute.

We are seeking support group facilitators and Parents and Teachers As Allies presenters! If you’re interested please see page 7 for more information. We are taking names for our interest list.

Connect with NAMI Dallas through Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn or Instagram. It’s simple: Go to our website, www.namidallas.org and click on a social media icon above in the top right corner and it will direct you to the social media page of your choice.

Volume 18, No. 7 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 July 2015

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NAMI Dallas

(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Find Help. Find Hope. 2812 Swiss Avenue

Dallas, TX 75204

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Ph: (214) 341-7133 Email: namidallas@namidallas.org www.namidallas.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID RICHARDSON, TX

75080

PERMIT NO. 158