Category: Press Releases

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.

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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.

Getting through the dark days of winter can, for many, be particularly depressing. Research tells us that the lack of sunlight, along with lots of cold and wintry weather compound the ¬¬situation. Doctors refer to this condition as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
“If you happen to find that the winter blues are producing more personal distress and anxiety than usual, you are not alone,” said Richard R. Karges, Hopewell Executive Director/CEO. “The good news is that these dark days do not have to be the dreaded experience it could be if you take some proactive steps.”
Karges offers some things you might consider to help make your winter more enjoyable, meaningful and rewarding. According to Karges, “You can focus on the bright side.”
Women, especially those in their twenties, are most susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, but it can affect men and women of all ages, including children and teens. Often people with seasonal depression have at least one close relative with a psychiatric disorder, typically major depressive disorder or alcohol abuse.
Symptoms
SAD symptoms emerge during the darker winter months, then disappear as days grow longer and brighter as spring comes. It’s estimated that a half-million people in the United States may have seasonal depression.
Symptoms of SAD include:
• Weight gain. Craving for food leads to excess weight.
• Daytime fatigue. People with SAD are tired during the day. They may also find themselves sleeping a lot, but getting no relief.
• Increased irritability and anxiety. People with SAD worry more and can be easily irritated.
• Social withdrawal. Those with SAD prefer to be alone. They shun the company of friends and family and do not participate in activities they normally enjoy.
Treatments
SAD is treatable, and there are various treatment methods.
• Light therapy offers some effectiveness. Light therapy boxes are available to imitate the outdoors. You can buy them without a prescription, but they can be costly. The best time to use light therapy is in the morning. Typically, light therapy takes about 30 minutes a day.
• Seek a clinician who can coach you through these dark days and figure out if it is indeed SAD or a life changing event such as death in the family that is the true cause of depression. A medical professional also can prescribe antidepressants, if necessary.
• It is important to find the cause of depression. Make an appointment with a professional who can diagnose SAD or another type of depression. Depression can be caused by past memories or upcoming events. Sometimes we overlook the time of the year in relation to life events.
• The sun does shine in the winter, just not as much. Changing your work schedule or daily routine to make a point of experiencing the sunshine when it does make an appearance can be helpful, as well.
• Why not take a vacation where it’s warm and sunny? And, be sure to maintain your relationships with friends and family.
Information and Assessments Available
“Often during the dark days of winter, we reflect on ways to improve our life and the lives of those near and dear to us,” said Karges. “As a therapeutic working farm, Hopewell offers numerous programs successfully helping people with mental illness achieve their potential and contribute to society.”
Information and assessments are available by contacting Rachael McLaughlin, director of admissions/marketing at 440.426.2009. Visit www.hopewell.cc.
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The 5th Annual Morgan Impact Awards honoring individuals and organizations impacting areas of mental health, education and arts were presented Thursday, November 20 at the Northeast Ohio Medical University Education and Wellness Center.
More than 350 guests enjoyed a welcoming reception, dinner and awards program. In attendance were government officials:
• The Honorable Thomas Teodosio, Judge Summit County Court of Common Pleas
• The Honorable Linda Tucci Teodosio, Judge, Summit County Juvenile Court
• David Lieberth, Former Deputy Mayor, City of Akron
• David Basil, Hudson City Council, Ward Two

and business and education leaders:
• Joel Mowrey, ED, Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County
• Tallmadge City School District Leaders and Board
• Mark Scheffler, ED, Leadership Akron
• John Petures, Akron Community Foundation
• Christine Mayer, GAR Foundation

The evening began with a welcome from The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation President Rick Kellar, who announced, “The people and programs we honor this evening exemplify care, concern and conscientious support of others.” The awards program consisted of short videos highlighting the work of each award recipient. Following short speeches, honorees took home a Fräbel custom glass dogwood sculpture and a framed certificate.
Foundation President Rick Kellar announced the honorees:
Adam Sheldon and Justin Caithaml were presented the Award for Education for their unique methods using creative arts to enhance academic performance with their program, Shaping Music And Reading Together (SMART). Recognizing the need for pre-service educators to have authentic teaching experiences in diverse settings and with the support of their professors, peers and the university administration, they formed a partnership with Akron Public Schools to craft a framework for a student-led urban teaching initiative. The program couples the growth and development of Akron students with the growth and development of tomorrow’s teachers. SMART students learn about different cultures through story exploration, movement, and music creation.
Akron Art Museum, Live Creative was presented the Award for Imagination for excellence in fostering creativity and inspiring a broad audience to discover a passion for the arts. The Akron Art Museum’s education programs directly impact the lives of toddlers, parents, preschoolers, teachers, students, artists, and community members. Each Thursday offers a diverse menu of unique experiences that encourage children and families to unplug, reconnect and get creative. Admission to the museum is now free every Thursday.
Akron Children’s Hospital, Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) received the Award for Mental Health demonstrating dedication and commitment to adolescent mental health.
The Partial Hospitalization Program has served approximately 4,000 adolescents and their families offering a variety of treatment modalities that provide a rich therapeutic experience. A parent stated, “We are incredibly thankful to (PHP) professionals who have helped our daughter through one of her darkest times thus far in life. Keep doing what you are doing because you are really good at it.”
The Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) is a triage and referral service for children and adolescents at risk for self-harm. Located in the Emergency Services Behavioral Health Unit of Akron Children’s Hospital, PIRC is staffed by a well- trained and dedicated team of Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors and Licensed Independent Social Workers who assess patients in a family friendly environment. This level of accessibility and quality of individualized care is unrivaled in the pediatric mental health arena. PIRC staff has revolutionized the delivery of behavioral health care in a hospital emergency department by delivering safe and efficient emergency mental health services to patients and families who are experiencing a crisis. Their compassion and professionalism assists the families when they are extremely vulnerable and overwhelmed.
The Summit was presented the Award for Innovation for their innovative thinking and creative initiatives impacting our region. The radio station, which is sustained through public support, is a leading independent multimedia organization that builds community around compelling music and enlightening content worldwide. In addition to the commercial-free music, The Summit offers award-winning streaming and smart phone stations. Summit Flashbacks offers music from the 1980’s new wave area. KIDJAM! Radio combines upbeat, current and classic music mixing-in kids mentoring kids on exercise, nutrition and self-care. Rock and Recovery features positive and meaningful rock songs with inspirational messages.
Clara T. Rankin was honored with the Founder’s Award. She embodies qualities of creativity, discovery, and steadfastness, is committed to family, and has a spirit of selfless giving, as Peg Morgan, Founder of the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation.
For many years, Clara Taplin (Mrs. Alfred M.) Rankin has been a major catalyst for the arts in Northeast Ohio and an advocate for individuals dealing with mental illness. Guided by her motto, “family first,” and dedication to family, Mrs. Rankin envisioned a healing place. With the help of a small group of devoted friends, including Peg and Burt Morgan, she raised the necessary funds, identified a suitable property in rural Mesopotamia, and founded Hopewell. It is Ohio’s only therapeutic farm community for adults with mental illness.
Suzanne Morgan, daughter of the late Peg Morgan, commented, “I am elated that she is receiving this award. She has contributed so much to the healing of people with mental illness, recognizing the need in the field and making it the best care.”
About the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation
The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation serves to improve the lives of people with serious mental illness by investing in innovative projects in Northeast Ohio having national transformational impact. The Foundation was established in 2001 in Hudson, Ohio, as a private grantmaking foundation. Peg Morgan’s husband, Burton D. Morgan, provided the initial donation that established the foundation and put into motion plans to carry out Peg’s decades-long desire to help families grappling with mental illness. For information, please call 330-655-1366 or e-mail inquiry@mcmfdn.org or visit http://www.mcmfdn.org.

Mesopotamia, Ohio-(December 19, 2014) Getting through the holiday season can, for many, be particularly stressful and sometimes physically exhausting. Whether it be from hiking through crowded shopping malls, driving in bumper-to-bumper holiday traffic, coping with the kids on school break or visiting grandma across town, it can be a time when external demands and expectations are high and, conversely, where time, money and relationships can be stretched beyond their usual limits.

“If you happen to find that the holidays are generating more personal stress and anxiety than usual, you are not alone,” said Richard R Karges, Hopewell Executive Director/CEO. “The good news is that the holiday season does not have to be that dreaded experience you felt was inevitable.”

Focus on the Real Meaning of the Holiday Season

Karges offers some do’s and don’ts you might consider this holiday season to help make your experience more enjoyable, meaningful and rewarding. According to Karges, “you should focus on the real meaning of the holiday season.”

 Don’t get too distracted by the holiday commercial and media hype.
 Don’t feel you have to compete with your friends and neighbors around how much money you spend, gifts you buy or number of cookies you bake.
 Don’t dawdle too much on the nostalgic past (as it may not have been quite as good as you now think it was) or dwell on past holiday letdowns.
 Do take time to reflect, on a personal level, on the true meaning and the reason for the holidays.
 Do take time to recognize and thank others.
 Do enjoy the positive and rewarding holiday moments and keep these in your “memory bank” for future reference.

Information and Consultation Available

“Often during the holidays we pause to gaze at the bold new year ahead,” Karges continued. “We begin to reflect on ways to improve our life and the lives of those near and dear to us. As a therapeutic working farm, Hopewell offers numerous programs that
successfully help people with mental illness achieve their potential and contribute to society.”
Information and assessments are available by contacting Rachael McLaughlin, director of admissions/marketing at 440.426.2009 or visit www.hopewell.cc.

About Hopewell
Hopewell is a nonprofit, private-pay facility. It is licensed and certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and was the first therapeutic farm community in the United States to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for Therapeutic Community: Mental Health (Adults). Hopewell is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA). Research projects are carried out at Hopewell through a partnership with Case Western Reserve University.

Therapeutic lifestyle changes as useful as drugs in improving mental health. UCI study details benefits of physical activity, diet, relationships, fun and spirituality- Irvine, Calif.,

Getting more exercise, spending time outdoors and helping others are among the activities that can be as effective as drugs or counseling in treating an array of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety, according to a UC Irvine study. In determining this, Dr. Roger Walsh, professor of psychiatry & human behavior, philosophy and anthropology, as well as adjunct professor of religious studies, reviewed research on the effects of what he calls “therapeutic lifestyle changes.”

Other TLCs might relate to nutrition, relationships, recreation, relaxation, and religious or spiritual involvement. “I found that lifestyle changes can offer significant advantages for patients, therapists and societies, yet they’re insufficiently appreciated, taught or utilized,” Walsh said. “TLCs can be effective, inexpensive and enjoyable, with fewer side effects and complications than medications. In the 21st century, therapeutic lifestyles may need to be a central focus of mental, medical and public health.” Study results appear online in American Psychologist, the flagship journal of the American Psychological Association.

Among Walsh’s findings:
•Exercise doesn’t just boost people’s sense of well-being. It can help children do better in school, improve cognitive performance in adults, reduce age-related memory loss in the elderly, and increase neuron formation in the brain.

•Diets with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish may enhance kids’ school performance, help maintain cognitive function in adults, and reduce symptoms in schizophrenic and affective disorders.

•Spending time in nature can promote cognitive function and overall well-being.

•Good relationships can reduce health risks ranging from the common cold to strokes, as well as multiple mental illnesses, and can dramatically improve psychological health.

•Recreation and fun can lessen defensiveness and foster social skills.

•Relaxation and stress management can treat a variety of anxiety, insomnia and panic disorders.

•Meditation can enhance empathy and emotional stability; decrease stress and burnout; and boost cognitive function and even brain size.

•Religious or spiritual involvement that focuses on love and forgiveness can promote well-being and reduce anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

•Contribution and service, or altruism, can foster joy and generosity, benefit both physical and mental health, and perhaps even extend lifespan.

A major exception, Walsh noted, is “caretaker burnout experienced by overwhelmed family members caring for a demented spouse or parent.”

Obstacles to TLCs, he said, are the sustained effort they require and “a passive expectation that healing comes from an outside authority or a pill.” Walsh also observed that people contend with a daily barrage of psychologically sophisticated advertisements that promote unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol and eating fast food. “You can never get enough of what you don’t really need, but you can certainly ruin your life and health trying,” he added.