|
2008 Creation of Hope Art Exhibit sponsored by Valeo's CARE Program
11/11/08
- Cara Weeks
- Creations of Hope:
An exhibit by artists experiencing mental illness.
October 3-November 28, 2008
(sponsored by the Valeo CARE program in partnership with the Upstage Gallery)
The CARE program at Valeo Behavioral Health Care is sponsoring the fourth annual 'Creations of Hope' art exhibit. This is a juried art exhibit open to all artists experiencing mental illness. The exhibit will be displayed through the months of October and November in celebration of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Selected entries will be exhibited at The Upstage Gallery located in downtown Topeka and will be featured on the 'First Fridays' Art Gallery Walk.
Through, 'Creations of Hope' we aim to provide an accessible and empowering opportunity for artist experiencing mental illness to enter the art community. Additionally we strive to raise awareness and widen views of mental illness in the public by providing an event that celebrates creativity, strength, and hope.
Friday, October 3rd marked the opening reception of the exhibit. Patrons, valeo staff, and artists gethered to celebrate the creativity on display. Artwork by 35 artists were selected by the jury of Charles Anderson, and Connie English for the 2008 display and featured work from artists across eastern Kansas.
Michael Chapman's painted titled "Nightmare" was selected by Valeo CEO Glea Ashley at the 2008 Purchase Award. Mr. Chapman states that this paining expresses both "A feeling of inpending doom and a slight chance that there is a way out, a chance for peace." This piece will be added to the permanent "Creations of Hope" display located in the Lower Level Conference Room at Valeo's 330 Oakley location.
Location and Date:
October 3-November 28, 2008
The Upstage Gallery
720 Jackson St. ,Topeka KS, 66601
(The Upstage Gallery is located inside the future lobby of the historic Jayhawk State Theatre and serves to further the mission of the Jayhawk's renovation campaign and provide a non-profit venue for local artists.)
Contact Information:
Cara Weeks, ATR
Valeo CARE Program, 2401 SW 6th St.,Topeka, KS 66606
(785)357-0580 ext. 2138
cweeks@valeotopeka.org
~~~~~~
New Dual Recovery Anonymous Group
8/28/08
- The Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) program at Valeo Behavioral Health Care is known as "Starfish". The IDDT team at Starfish has continually educated, encouraged, and supported consumers dealing with an emotional or psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. They have formed a Dual Recovery Anonymous community-based 12-step group patterned after AA & NA. Valeo's DRA group is called "Our Group" DRA. They meet every Wednesday from 6-7p.m. at the Bryce Miller Building, 2401 SW 6th Street. This group is open to the public and designated as an open group, meaning anyone with an interest in Dual Recovery is welcome. The group is facilitated by community attendees with support as needed from the Valeo IDDT Team. For more information about this group contact: James Chiselom, IDDT Coordinator 785-357-0580 X 2163
~~~~~~
Supported Employment Services Celebrates National Award
5/7/08
- Supported Employment Services
Celebrates National Award
Valeo Behavioral Health Care's Supported Employment Services recently accepted the National Johnson & Johnson Dartmouth Achievement Award. Supported Employment Program Manager Kristin Farley attended the awards ceremony in Portland Oregon May 7th & 8th. Valeo was selected on the criteria of significant improvement in the number of people participating in high fidelity (measured in Evidence Based Practice Programs) Supported Employment Services, and in the number of people working in competitive jobs.
The Supported Employment Program received a 70 out of 75 score on their latest Fidelity review with the University of Kansas. The national average for job retention among programs of this type is typically 32%-53%. Valeo's was 62% for 2007! Kristin Farley had this to say about her team, "I commend the Supported Employment Services staff for being so committed to assisting our clients in becoming employed and staying employed. I want to recognize all of the extra time they put into getting someone ready for work and making it a positive experience for both the employer and the employee."
Supported Employment hosts their annual Employee Recognition and Employer Recognition events in June to recognize appreciation and achievement. Kristin Farley, was interviewed by WIBW television 6/9/08 for Supported Employment Employer Awards Event. For the complete story go to:
http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/19693314.html
~~~~~~
KU & SRS choose Valeo as research site for Kansas Partnership of Families
1/17/08
- Cara Weeks
-
Kansas Partnership of Families is an evidence-based psychiatric rehabilitation practice created in collaboration with the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare. It is a family-consumer-professional partnership that combines education about mental illness with training in problem solving, communication, coping, and developing social networks.
Valeo Behavioral Health Care, was chosen by the University of Kansas and Social and Rehabilitation Services as one of the research sites for Kansas. The other two sites participating are High Plains Mental Health Center, and South Central Mental Health Center.
Valeo's first Kansas Partnership of Families Program will be open to consumers experiencing Schizophrenia or a related thought disorder, and their families. The program includes Introductory Sessions, Educational Workshops, and Problem-Solving Groups for families. The program sessions take place in the evenings and weekends.
For information about this program contact:
Cara Weeks, Program Manager
785-357-0580 x 2138
cweeks@valeotopeka.org
~~~~~~
|