Date:  Tuesday, May 21

Time:  Open House from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Location:  Guild CSP Service Center

1740 Livingston Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118

More Details:  Click image on right

Meet our April 2013 Everyday Angel: 

Sarah Pikkarainen

Member Assistant.  Teacher.  Volunteer.

Read Sarah’s Full Profile!

May 2013 Everyday Angel,
Sarah Pikkarainen
Photo Credit: Sandi Thompson 

“I wish that so many others could have the experiences that I have had at Guild, says Sarah. “There would be more patience and understanding of people that are perceived as ‘different.’”

 

]]> http://guildincorporated.org/uncategorized/may-2013-everyday-angel-profile/feed/ 0 http://guildincorporated.org/uncategorized/grace-on-mprs-music-with-minnesotans/ http://guildincorporated.org/uncategorized/grace-on-mprs-music-with-minnesotans/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 13:49:34 +0000 hdrake http://guildincorporated.org/?p=2986 If you don’t currently consider yourself a lover of classical music, listen to our President, Grace Tangjerd Schmitt, and her selections on Minnesota Public Radio’s “Music with Minnesotans,” and you may be surprised the next time you load your iPod.

The weekly show on MPR’s classical stations is hosted by Alison Young and Grace was the featured guest on the May 1 edition.  Bill Sweeney, Chair of our Board of Directors, saw Grace as a good fit for the show, which often features individuals who are doing good work in the community and also have a love of classical music.  He nominated Grace to be a guest.

Click on the photo to view the photo gallery on our Facebook page.

In preparation for the show, Grace was asked to submit a playlist of pieces that are meaningful to her.  What results is a series of beautiful compositions in addition to commentary, reflection, and discussion by Grace and Alison not only on the music, but on the composers who created it, many of whom are believed to have struggled with some form of mental illness.   They also discuss mental illness and creativity, while Grace shares how her own love of music developed and the impact it’s had on her life.   We hope you’ll take some time to tune in – some of the pieces provide a lovely sound track to spring, which is finally upon us.   You may just be inspired to revamp your own playlist. 

If you are, here are Grace’s selections:

Robert Schumann, “Traumerei” – John O’Conor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Serenade No. 10 for winds in B flat major K361 III. Adagio – Sabine Meyer and friends

Camille Saint-Saens, “Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix” from Sampson and Delilah – Angela Gheorghiu

Johann Sebastian Bach, “Two Part Invention #6” – Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, “Soave sia il vento” from Cosi fan tutte – Renee Fleming and friends

Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto for Oboe in C minor, violin and strings – Hilary Hahn/Alan Vogel/LACO

Spring is the perfect time to talk about roots. 

So, it’s exciting that you can learn more about our roots –and what they grew in to – in the cover story of this month’s issue of Ramsey County Historical Society Magazine.  “Rooted in Community, One History of Service:  The Guild of Catholic Women and Guild Incorporated,” written by our staff member, Hayla Drake, includes a comprehensive look at our history including:

•           How our founder, The Guild of Catholic Women (GCW), was established and impact of work

•           The story behind our “Ladder of Hope” donor wall

•           How Guild Incorporated came to be

•           Guild Incorporated timeline of events and accomplishments

•           Why we developed the services and programs we have today

•           Client comments and stories from Grace, Heidi, Jajamie,           

             and Antrinita

•           Our partnerships, innovations, and outcomes

The image of roots is a good one for the work of GCW, which spread and evolved over many years.  In 1906, the year they were founded, GCW responded to community need by sewing clothing and distributing food baskets to new immigrants. This early work was the beginning of what became GCW’s legacy – a legacy of what I like to call, “saying yes.”

“Yes” is exactly what GCW said when Ramsey County Human Services asked them to provide boarding for people leaving Hastings State Hospital, a psychiatric facility that was closing.  Despite a lack of public funds for community services in those days, in 1974, Guild Hall became a residential treatment program for eighty men and women with mental illness.  And the roots of Guild Incorporated started to take hold. 

I could not be more proud of those roots – they anchor us, so we can continue to grow GCW’s tradition of saying “yes” – of being responsive to the community we serve. 

Thank you to the Ramsey County Historical Society and Executive Editor, John Lindley, for seeing the “story” in our history and providing us the opportunity to share it. 

If you’d like to read the article, you can purchase a copy of the magazine or ask to take a look at it next time you visit our administrative offices.   

I hope you’ll take a look at our story.  If you do, let me know what you think.  

The priorities aligned perfectly this month when staff spent the day with Joan Kenerson King, RN, MSN, CS, and Senior

Joan Kenerson King, RN, MSN, CS, and Senior Integration Consultant for the National Council for Community Behavioral Health leading Guild staff in training Photo Credit: Guild Incorporated

Integration Consultant for the National Council for Community Behavioral Health.  Invited by Guild to train staff on healthcare reform including Minnesota’s move to a health home model, Kenerson King drew on her 32 years of experience in healthcare as she discussed:

• National forces driving change in healthcare
• Role of community mental health staff in supporting navigation of the healthcare system
• Physical needs of people with behavioral health challenges
• Using existing and expanded skills to support behavioral changes related to health
• Self-assessment of individual practice

“The impact of this training will be to raise awareness of the continuing need to focus on both physical and behavioral health issues as we provide service to clients,” said John Murphy, Senior Director of Services.  “It was noted that Guild Incorporated has developed and is using many of these techniques already.”

As part of the training, Murphy said each team “identified specific action plans that would be taken to integrate physical and mental health for clients.”  And, he’s heard a lot of positive feedback.

 “It’s definitely information that we can use in our day-to-day lives with the people we work with,” said Team Supervisor, Cathy Larson.  “We feel it was one of the best trainings we have participated in.” 

President, Grace Tangjerd Schmitt, welcomed the new, not-so-new, and inaugural Ladder of Hope members. Photo Credit: Guild Incorporated

The tradition is an annual event to honor our Ladder of Hope Giving Society.  And, we were at it again last month, celebrating the addition of 20 new individuals who bring us to 120 members.

New, not-so-new, and inaugural members mingled while getting up close and personal with the Ladder of Hope Donor wall that bears their names and with the artists who donated time and talent to create it.  Internationally known artist, Jason Najarak, whose painting hangs at the center of the wall, was among the guests.  Attendees met other contributors through their photographs and biographies on permanent display near the wall. 

“We are humbled by your generosity and challenged by the confidence you place in the work of our organization,” President, Grace Tangjerd Schmitt, told guests before sharing the difference they made in 2012:

•  1,953 people served across all programs and services – nearly 600 more people than in 2011.

•  448 new individuals and families (outside of usual referral sources) responded to in one business day– a 30% increase over 2011.

• 88% of individuals at Maureen’s House for crisis stabilization discharged without high-cost hospitalization and homelessness prevented for 100% of those served.

Guests experienced their impact, first hand, as they watched our Ladder of Hope video, featuring Shirley and her family. 

Welcome to 20 new Ladder of Hope members; Guests enjoyed a lovely spread of food provided by Wabasha Deli; Guests were treated to great music from jazz pianist JoAnn Funk. Photo Credit: Guild Incorporated

Many thanks to Wabasha Deli and jazz pianist, JoAnn Funk for helping us celebrate in style by donating their time and talent — in the form of a lovely spread of food and great music – both complemented the evening perfectly.

Learn more about our Ladder of Hope Giving Society.

Meet our April 2013 Everyday Angel:  

Jean Mills

Teacher. Crafter. Friend

 Read Jean’s Full Profile!

“A favorite quote of mine from Goethe embodies what Guild is about,” says Jean. “‘Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.’” Guild brings out the best in everyone, no matter where they are on their life journey.”

Perhaps you’ve met some of them right here in our Everyday Angel profiles.

But, mostly, our volunteers are content to go about their work quietly.  That’s why we’re thrilled when this week rolls around each year.  It’s National Volunteer Week – a time for fanfare – to “celebrate service” and to applaud the many contributions of our volunteers.  In 2012, more than 210 dedicated volunteers gave 4,000 hours of their time, talent, and energy to help us meet our mission:  serving in 1:1 friendship matches with clients, talking on the phone with individuals served, assisting members of our Community Support Program during drop-in hours, greeting guests to our offices, and moving furniture to clients’ apartments.

“Volunteers are a huge resource and support for our clients who often have no community connection,” said Director of Community Treatment, Richard Aylward.  Take Myron and his volunteer phone buddy, Jeff.  The men talk at least a couple of times a week, often about shortwave radio, but like most friends, they chat about what’s going on in each other’s lives, too.  The phone calls led to monthly get-togethers; usually these friends head out for a good book store or a restaurant.   

“It’s because of Jeff that Myron is able to get out into the community and do things he normally wouldn’t do,” said RN Case Manager, Kristi Jolly, who works with Myron.  “The two have built a strong relationship over the six years they’ve known each other and I can really see how much Jeff cares about Myron.”

Seemingly small, day-to-day activities, like those shared by Jeff and Myron, can have a significant impact on an individual’s health, recovery, and quality of life.  Being friends with Jeff has helped Myron boost his self-confidence, avoid isolation, and stay active. 

Our volunteers help to connect us and those we serve to the community and make it a better place.  So, cheers to Jeff and all of our volunteers who not only help us fulfill our mission, but become an extension of it – seeing the individuals we serve as “whole people” and not just as their diagnosis.

You can be part of something bigger, too.  Become a volunteer today.

Contact Shannon Horstman, Volunteer Coordinator or call directly at 651-925-8456.

Meet our March 2013 Everyday Angel:  

Kathy Domagall

Kindred Spirit. Confidante. Friend.

 Read Kathy’s Full Profile!

March 2013 Everyday Angel Kathy Domagall Photo Credit: Sandi Thompson

Kathy learned about volunteer opportunities at a Get to Know Guild event in 2011.  She volunteered to be a phone buddy as part of the 1 – 1 Friendship program.  It wasn’t long before a true friendship blossomed between Kathy and Theresa her client match.

Bethany Snyder, a Field Director for Senator Al Franken, attended a Get to Know Guild (GTKG) event on March 7.  

Bethany Snyder, Field Director and Minnesota liaison on healthcare to Senator Franken’s DC office, along with Grace Tangjerd Schmitt, President of Guild Incorporated

“Senator Franken is committed to ensuring folks who experience mental illness have access to resources to live healthy, productive lives,” Snyder said following the event.  “Guild Incorporated provides access to stable, safe housing and support that is integral to ensuring success.”

Invited to the event by Communications Director, Kristi Hamilton, Snyder thanked us for our “commitment and dedication to empowering Minnesotans experiencing mental health challenges.”

In January, we had the opportunity to attend a meeting with other members of Senator Franken’s staff to discuss mental health parity.  We joined representatives from NAMI, Park Nicollet, the Mental Health Association, Fraser, the Emily Program Foundation, and the Park Nicollet Foundation.