July 2015 - Hopewell Therapeutic Farm

Weaving Fun into Art

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Ann Thompson

Arts and crafts are regular activities at Hopewell. The residents love the opportunity to be creative and share their talents. Whenever we mention we are going to be working in the Art Room, the residents become visibly excited. They enjoy expressing themselves in the many ways offered by Hopewell. One of our current projects is weaving with straws. The way we weave may be a little nontraditional, but it is easy to do. It is inexpensive to start, and so much fun.

What You Need:

4 to 6 clean plastic drinking straws
Yarn (2 colors if possible)
Scissors
Masking tape

Getting Started:

1. If your straws have a bend, align them and cut them off.
2. Cut a slit in each of the straws on the same end, about 1 inch long.
3. Measure and cut a piece of yarn to about 10 inches longer than you want your finished project to be, for each of your straws.
4. Slide a piece of yarn into each of the straws, about 2 inches past the end.
5. Slide the yarn into the slit in each straw and tape it in place. These pieces of yarn are your cords.
6. Tie a knot around the ends of your cords that are opposite the straws.
7. Align your cord weaving straws.
8. Tie a slip knot with your weaving yarn around your first straw on the left.
9. Start weaving yarn over and under the straws.
10. When you reach your last cord, wrap around the straw. Weave back in the opposite direction to your first cord.
11. Continue to weave back and forth until you reach about 10 rows.
12. Push the weaving tightly together and gently slide it off the straws.
13. Continue weaving groups of yarn together and tightening the groups down the straws until your end product is as long as you desire.

To finish your weaving:

14. Cut the yarn off the straws. Save them for your next project.
15. Cut your weaving yarn about 6 inches longer than your weaving.
16. Knot your weaving yarn around each of your cord pieces of yarn.
17. Once you knot each of the chord pieces, knot a second row back to the first cord yarn.
18. To finish the bottom, knot the cord straws off in pairs. Knot the first and the second cord straws, the second and third cord straws, and down the row until the end is complete.
19. You can trim the cord yarn or leave it as a fringe.

Enjoy your beautiful project. We encourage you to give your hard work to your friends.

If you are not the arts and crafts type, our residents make beautiful weavings. They are available for sale in our Farm & Craft Market. The funds raised by the sale of items in the Market help support our Art Room and projects. Making art in any form is an important part of the healing process at Hopewell. The Hopewell Farm & Craft Market is open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00PM to 4:00PM and Saturdays from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. It is located just two miles south of Mesopotamia Circle, at 9489 State Route 534. Stop by to support healing art and creativity.

Resident Council: Healing from Within

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Ann Thompson

The Hopewell Resident Council was established to support our goals and mission. A charter is in place that explains the purpose, responsibilities, membership, decision-making process and reasons for the establishment of the Resident Council at Hopewell. The main function of the Council is to enhance quality of living and peace across our therapeutic community. The Council implements and improves community functions. At Hopewell, we believe it is beneficial to the development of our residents to stay involved in the decision-making and healing process.

There are certain criteria that must be met by residents who wish to serve on the Resident Council. They must be in the third phase of treatment, and must have transitioned out of the first two phases exhibiting virtuous behavior and personal growth. It is important to set criteria that encourage residents to reach goals they set for themselves.

Equality and cooperation with staff, volunteers and residents are keys to success at Hopewell. These are hallmarks of the Resident Council. We want to ensure our residents feel they are an important part of the Hopewell community. We want them to be engaged, motivated and connected with the farm and staff. The Resident Council has been a success, and we are sharing this success story with other communities with the hope they may emulate this practice for themselves.

Here are some of the core reasons why the Resident Council is so successful.

Makes residents a valuable part of the Hopewell community.

The Resident Council allows our residents to gain independence and decision-making power. It is important to allow residents have a say in their own treatment and ensure they are motivated and healing.

Promotes understanding of resident needs.

Residents are very communicative with each other. The Resident Council gives the residents a voice to communicate on behalf of fellow residents, and in a timely manner.

Teaches responsibilities.

A position on the Resident Council is earned. This prestige gives residents motivation to reach this special level of growth and acceptance. Once on the Council, the members are entrusted to recommend events, plan activities and focus on realistic goals and outcomes for these activities.

Turns frustration into energy to solve problems.

Having a problem and no power to solve it can be one of the most frustrating situations any human being may face. The Resident Council gives residents the opportunity to turn their frustration and negative energy into a force for positive problem -solving. When residents are given the power to facilitate change, they are more resilient and able to bring about positive change.

Improves morale.

Involvement with successful events has a positive effect on morale. It is wonderful to see the residents pull together to complete a task and enjoy the outcome.

A note to other communities: Peer councils are a wonderful tool to ensure residents feel important and vital to the success of an organization. They are not always easy to establish, and need to be monitored by both the residents and staff. Always ensure residents are patient and understanding with each other through the process. At the end of the day, you will have the opportunity to see resident councils plant their ideas, watch the planning grow and see their resulting happiness bloom.

Hopewell Helps Adults with Mental Illness; Provides Fee Assistance through Fundraising

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Ann Thompson

Mesopotamia, OH – Liza Trela, age 27, is benefiting from both outstanding therapies and access to funding available from the Hopewell therapeutic farm community, according to her mother.

“Our daughter, Liza, could no longer be treated at a short-term crisis management facility because her medication could not be administered there,” said Theresa Piteo Trela, a well-known actress among Cleveland theater-goers.

“Her psychiatrist believed he had exhausted all options. We were convinced Liza would be lost to us forever if the state (Texas) had its way. We intended to fight for her, and we did. The court allowed Liza to be placed with us for a period of six months. If she needed to be hospitalized again during that period, she would be taken directly to the state hospital by the police. We felt we were losing Liza not only to paranoid schizophrenia, but also to a mental health system that would incarcerate her.”

At this point, Theresa Trela was also saddened by the death of Providence Hollander, a friend and fellow cast member of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. The show, directed by Joseph J. Garry, Jr., had been a major part of the comeback of Cleveland’s Playhouse Square in 1973. It was through Mr. Garry and other friends from the production of Jacques Brel that the Trelas learned about Hopewell.

Located in rural Mesopotamia, Ohio, Hopewell’s unique, holistic model of mental health care is based on the healing power of nature, community and meaningful work. Its mission is to provide an opportunity for adults with mental illness to experience a self-reliant and satisfying life through participation in a vibrant therapeutic community. Outcomes studies have shown the Hopewell Model creates lasting results and positive lifestyle changes, allowing individuals to develop the skills necessary to manage more independent living.

“Hopewell eased the clutter in Liza’s mind and affirmed her worth through the dignity of expectations and consequences,” said Theresa Trela. “Through its focus on community, Hopewell provided structure, compassion and opportunity. Its unique setting reset Liza’s circadian rhythms. The sun, sky and light are so important for those whose minds are darkened by their illness and dampened by their medicine.”

“Liza is still our beautiful, gifted daughter. But she deals with paranoid schizophrenia,” said Trela. “We talk to Liza twice each day. She struggles, but because of Hopewell, she can deploy her hard-won and evolving coping skills to push back against that darkness. In Jacques Brel, I sang about a hope that believed ‘If we only have love….’ At Hopewell, love and hope abide.”

While Hopewell’s daily rate is about one-third that of an inpatient psychiatric hospital – and is based on actual costs, with no mark-up for profit – the cost of care is often out of reach for many families. Residential mental health care is rarely covered by insurance. Fee assistance is Hopewell’s #1 fundraising priority. On an annual basis, about 95 percent of Hopewell’s residents’ families receive some amount of fee assistance.

“Donations to Hopewell really do save lives. This is our daughter’s second time at Hopewell. Our family and our daughter are blessed,” concluded Theresa Trela.

To make a tax-deductible donation to Hopewell, contact the Development Office at 440-247-0912 or visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

About Hopewell

Hopewell is a 300-acre residential working farm located in Mesopotamia, Ohio, where adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression learn to manage their mental illness and return to independent life. Hopewell is the only therapeutic farm community in Ohio, and one of only a handful in the United States. It is ODMHAS-licensed and CARF-accredited. Hopewell is a member of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA). Information and assessments are available by contacting the Hopewell admissions team at 440.426.2009. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

###

Hopewell Farm Introduces New Website To Provide Information for Families Dealing with Mental Illness

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Ann Thompson

Hopewell, a therapeutic farm community for adults with mental illness, has just introduced a new, mobile-friendly website to provide information for families, caregivers and health care professionals, according to Richard R. Karges, LISW-S, ACSW, Hopewell’s Executive Director/CEO. The URL is www.hopewellcommunity.org.

“Our website contains valuable information to help families and professionals who are looking for an effective alternative for mental health care. It shows the value of a therapeutic farm community as a viable treatment option,” said Karges. “The website provides information about mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder.”

Featuring numerous videos, testimonials and links to other information sources, the website provides easy access to Hopewell’s admissions process and team. “The website quickly displays the underlying holistic philosophies of our mental health care model, as well as descriptions of our program, clinical services and staff,” said Karges.

“Hopewell is the only therapeutic farm community in Ohio and one of only a handful in the country,” notes Karges. “Our website will help families and professionals better understand this treatment alternative. Our outcomes data clearly shows the effectiveness of the Hopewell Model.”

About Hopewell

Hopewell is a 300-acre residential working farm located in Mesopotamia, Ohio, where adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression learn to manage their mental illness and return to independent life. It is ODMHAS-licensed and CARF-accredited. Hopewell is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA). A new backgrounder on Hopewell is available. Information and assessments are available by contacting Hopewell’s admissions team at 440.426.2009. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

Individualized Care through Support Groups and Good Cooking

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Ann Thompson

Hopewell focuses on individualized care that helps our residents improve their mental health and thrive. Residents come to Hopewell with different characteristics, skills, experiences and challenges. We work with each of them, one-on-one and in a variety of therapeutic groups, to ensure their treatment is the most effective possible.

Hopewell offers:

Group counseling
Creative expression
Equine-assisted learning and horsemanship
Meditation
Spirituality
Nature studies
Education (high school diploma and GED preparation)
Money management
Independent living skills (meal planning, shopping, cooking, healthy living)
Interpersonal relationship skills

Hopewell residents possess a wide range of interests and talents. For some, cooking is a passion. (One of our residents has been a chef.) These individuals especially appreciate Hopewell’s attention to growing, preparing and eating healthy food.

One of our residents’ favorite entrees is a turkey/cranberry chutney wrap. Enjoy this easy, healthy recipe at home.

Turkey/Cranberry Chutney Wraps

(Makes 8 wraps)

Ingredients:

8 Soft tortilla shells

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup water

¼ cup red wine vinegar

1 cup chopped tart apple (such as Granny Smith)

½ cup dark raisins

1 lb. roasted turkey breast, shredded (to be divided among 8 wraps)

½ cup orange juice

1 cup shredded carrots

¼ chives, chopped

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1-1/2 to 2 cups arugula (or as desired)

Mayonnaise as needed (approximately ½ cup)

Directions:

1. Mix together cranberries, sugar, water and vinegar in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until berries pop, about 15 minutes.

2. Stir in apples, raisins and orange juice. Simmer uncovered until thickened, about 15 minutes. Adjust sugar to taste (up to ½ cup). Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Note: You may not need entire recipe for these wraps.)

3. In a bowl, mix together carrots, chives, olive oil chopped arugula. Add approximately ½ cup cooled chutney mixture, to taste.

4. To prepare wraps, spread 8 warm tortilla shells with mayonnaise. Top with shredded turkey, then with carrot-chutney mixture.

5. Fold each wrap and serve.

No matter what challenges we face with mental health, it is vital to continue learning, improving and moving forward as individuals.

Memorable Moments: Volunteering at Hopewell

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Ann Thompson

Volunteers are vital to many nonprofit organizations, but not many organizations offer the unique opportunities that may be found at Hopewell. There are many ways to become engaged as a Hopewell volunteer, from occasionally joining daily work crews on the farm to helping the fundraising office plan our annual Summer Solstice benefit. It is also possible to live at the farm while you volunteer.

Hopewell welcomes residential volunteers who live and work at the farm, full-time, for up to two years. These volunteers are given a small stipend as well as room and board. They work side-by-side with the residents (residential clients) and staff to keep the 300-acre working farm functioning well. And they may choose to return later for a second tenure.

Richard is one of Hopewell’s favorite volunteers. He previously volunteered from 2006 to 2008, returned for a second stint beginning In March 2013, and is just about to depart again. Richard has been a true asset to Hopewell. His caring and loving presence definitely will be missed.

Richard has managed a wide variety of tasks during his time with us. He has transported residents to and from medical appointments, run errands for our nursing staff, transferred supplies and mail, and helped with many other aspects of running the farm.

Richard had his own setbacks in life. Once on his feet again, he decided it was time to “give back.” That is when he started giving his time and energy as a volunteer at Hopewell.

Richard enjoys watching the residents come out of their shells and begin to heal. He notices this while spending time with them, especially while transporting them to and from medical appointments. This is often a scary time for residents because they are leaving the sanctuary of the farm to face the stress of medical procedures. Richard is always very caring and thoughtful as he helps residents relax before and after their appointments.

Richard loves Hopewell’s beautiful farm setting, and especially the livestock. He enjoys watching the pigs in their pen and as they run around chasing the lambs. But the thing he likes most is watching residents helping themselves. Richard is a major advocate of allowing residents to work to their full potential, and of pushing them to better themselves every day. He has a wonderful way of helping residents when they struggle, and of leading them to personal success.

Richard’s favorite memory of his time with Hopewell dates to first stay as a residential volunteer. He had the opportunity to take a resident to New York State. The resident had a wonderful time, and Richard was overwhelmed as he experienced the resident’s growth first-hand. According to Richard, joy and wonder described the trip. Richard said it best when he said he has had “a lot of memorable moments” at Hopewell.

We cannot thank Richard enough for all he has done for Hopewell. He will be sorely missed, and we hope he will visit with us often.

While volunteers are extremely valuable to Hopewell, the act of volunteering may provide important benefits to the volunteer, as well. Here are a few of the benefits of volunteering at Hopewell:

Connect with people, every day
Improve social skills
Expand your network
Share your professional experiences
Gain new career experiences
Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
Experience personal satisfaction
Combat depression
Elevate physical health
Enjoy opportunities for fun and fulfillment

Please consider becoming a Hopewell volunteer. The experience may help your own mental health! Call 440.426.2000 or apply at www.hopewellcommunity.org.

Share