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Hopewell Promotes Tours, Assessments and Farm Market Visits During May Mental Health Awareness Month

Mesopotamia, Ohio (April 20, 2017) Hopewell therapeutic farm for people with mental illness is promoting tours and assessments for residential candidates along with trips to its Farm & Craft Market during Mental Health Awareness Month in May, according to Rick Karges, Executive Director/CEO.

“Here is a chance for people to visit Hopewell. Persons seeking help or their caregivers can determine whether Hopewell is the right place for them. People in northeast Ohio can take a ride in country and visit our farm including our Farm & Craft Market,” said Karges. “The proceeds from market sales help to support our residents and the breakthrough work we do to find better ways to deal with mental illness.” The market is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.

Outcomes studies since 2006 have shown the effectiveness of Hopewell’s program, a model that incorporates a bio-psycho-social orientation to promote wellness and sustained recovery. The healing power of nature, meaningful work and community – along with a caring and high-quality staff – have led to Hopewell’s unique model of mental health care that successfully promotes self-worth, self-confidence and a greater independence for adults dealing with mental illness.

The “Hopewell Model” actually is a newer version of an old methodology called “moral treatment.” Dating back to the early 1800’s in Europe, the concept of moral treatment focused on treating individuals with equality and respect within the context of a healthy living and learning environment. People with mental illness are able to express their feelings and views freely, as well as actively participate in decisions affecting their lives. This is the basis of today’s “therapeutic community.”

A shopping trip to Hopewell Farm & Craft Market will not be something you will soon forget. Please take a scenic drive and visit this market for one-of-a-kind gifts that teach invaluable skills and healing.

“One of the many ways Hopewell encourages treatment and healing is through arts and a structured work environment,” said Karges. “These two aspects perfectly align with healing on the therapeutic farm and are highlights in the Farm & Craft Market.”

All of the wares on sale are handmade by or with assistance from Hopewell residents. Natural materials from the farm are used as much as possible. These include dried herbs, flowers, rock, slate, wood, feathers and more. Some of the other items that can be purchased include birdhouses, artwork, jewelry, candles and organic soap. Depending on the season, eggs and syrup can also be found.

About Hopewell

Hopewell is a 300-acre residential working farm located in Mesopotamia, Ohio, where adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression learn to manage their mental illness and return to independent life. Hopewell is the only therapeutic farm community in Ohio. It is ODMHAS-licensed and CARF-accredited. Hopewell is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Residential Treatment Association. Information, tours and assessments are available by contacting Laura Scarnecchia, clinician/admissions coordinator, at 440.426.2009 or by email at lscarnecchia@hopewell.cc. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

17th Annual Summer Solstice Event to Honor Sandy and Sally Cutler

Hunting Valley, Ohio – The 17th annual Summer Solstice benefit event will take place on Friday, June 16, 2017, from 6:00 to 11:00 pm in Hunting Valley. Proceeds support Hopewell, Ohio’s only therapeutic farm community for adults with mental illness. The event will honor Sandy and Sally Cutler. Long-time supporters of Hopewell, the Cutlers built the David Cutler Conservatory at Hopewell in their son’s memory. Each year, they help underwrite Hopewell’s popular Exploring Mental Health Series. Sally also served as Honorary Chair of “The Campaign for Hopewell – Planting Seeds of Promise,” a three-year comprehensive campaign that ended in 2016. Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth® will be the event’s Presenting Sponsor for the 17th consecutive year.

Known as a “Hunting Valley Block Party,” Summer Solstice will be held at the estate of Honorary Chairs Brian and Gretchen Colleran. Event Chair is Mary Joyce. Corporate Chair is Joseph Verciglio of BakerHostetler. Special Guest Speaker will be Terry Piteo Trela.

This unique benefit features exciting silent and live auctions that showcase unique experiences, getaways, antiques and collectibles. BidPal allows guests to browse auction items and bid from their smart phones. Dinner by Marigold Catering will be served under the stars!

Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available through May 19 to be included in the program. RSVP deadline for individual tickets is May 26; these tickets begin at $225 and include parking, cocktails and dinner. For more information, to purchase tickets or make a donation, call 440-247-0912 or visit www.hopewellcommunity.org/events.

Hopewell is a 300-acre working farm in rural Mesopotamia, Ohio, where adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression learn to manage their mental illness and return to independent life. Hopewell is ODMHAS-licensed and CARF-accredited and is a member of NAMI and ARTA. Proceeds from Summer Solstice provide fee assistance for families with limited financial resources. Each year, fee assistance is provided for 95 percent of Hopewell’s residential clients. To learn more, visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

Hopewell Featured on HBO Vice News Tonight

Mesopotamia, Ohio (March 14, 2017) Hopewell Residential Therapeutic Farm was featured by HBO as part of Episode 59 on its well-known HBO VICE Tonight series. Hopewell was positioned as a viable option to meeting the shortage of psychiatric beds in the United States, according to Rick Karges, Hopewell Executive director.

“The segment runs for five minutes and covers the Hopewell approach to healing and effective therapies,” said Karges, “The episode captures numerous sights found on the 300 acre farm, interviews with therapists and close ups of our residents.”

The entire HBO VICE Tonight video can be viewed above.

“We appreciate the coverage from HBO. It accurately captures the essence of Hopewell and why it is a best option for persons dealing with serious mental illness,” Karges concluded.

About Hopewell

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

Winter 2017: From Desperation to Inspiration

When Christine Montross, MD, spoke at Hopewell’s 2015 Exploring Mental Health Series, she said, “We all live beneath a veil of vulnerability. Mental illness pierces that veil.” It may strike at any age. Few people know that to be true more than 50-year-old Craig R.

Craig had practiced law in Arizona for more than 20 years when he became a full-time judge. . .

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Hopewell’s Lyman House Teaches Independent Living Through Enhanced Transitional Program

Mesopotamia, Ohio (February 14, 2017) Hopewell offers an enhanced transitional program to persons with mental illness when they are ready to advance to independent living.

“Lyman House is Hopewell’s family home open to individuals wanting to practice their skills of independent living before returning to their home and the community where they live,” said Rick Karges, Hopewell’s Executive Director. “While the program has served our residents well, we have adapted and enhanced our transitional program to include others who are not Hopewell graduates, but meet certain criteria.”

At Lyman House, residents manage their own shopping and cooking, housework, etc., and are assisted to find employment, volunteer or attend school. While at Lyman House, they continue to access Hopewell’s clinical services. “Hopewell recognizes the need to provide support for individuals with mental illness as they transition to more independent living situations outside of our therapeutic community,” Karges continued.

In 2012, the Board of Directors approved the purchase of a century home on nearby Mesopotamia Commons. Additional funds were raised to complete extensive renovations, and by late 2013 the Lyman House opened as Hopewell’s adult family home. Licensed for up to five adults, this therapeutic community living option provides an opportunity for individuals to “practice” the skills of independent living before they venture into apartments, jobs, etc. entirely on their own and independent from a mental health facility.

Individuals living at Lyman House are supervised only part of each day. During those times, the Lyman House manager oversees their training and practice in menu planning, food shopping, cooking, money management and self-management of medication. Lyman House residents may participate in Hopewell’s regular programming and are involved in the broader community through part-time employment, volunteering or continuing education.

Generous funding from The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation helps ensure the residents of Lyman House:

• Will be employed, attending school or engaged in significant meaningful activity outside Lyman House at least 20 hours per week within six months of moving into the family home; and
• Will demonstrate 75% increase of independence in three life skill areas.

“Hopewell has the ability to rotate as many as 15 individuals through our transitional program each year,” said Karges. “Waiting times to reside at Lyman House are typically less than 60 days before a room becomes available.”

About Hopewell

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