News

Hopewell Therapeutic Farm Announces Reopening of Expanded Farm & Craft Market on March 4

Hopewell Therapeutic Farm for adults with mental illness announces the reopening of its completely remodeled and expanded Farm & Craft Market on its campus here, according to Rick Karges, Executive Director/CEO.

“We have created a great store to connect Hopewell to the community by offering produce, crafts and art provided by our farm and residents,” said Karges. “Store hours are Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.”

The new version of the Farm & Craft Market is much larger than our original store and is located just south of Hopewell’s administrative building on Route 534. Hopewell animals are located nearby.

The market sells Hopewell’s award-winning maple syrup, bird houses, cutting boards, artwork, ceramics, soaps, handmade jewelry, farm-fresh eggs, flowers, plants and more. A wood shop makes custom signs. Almost all the items found in the store are made by the residents and staff.

According to Sandy Thomas, Farm and Craft Marketing Manager, “The Market is proud to offer an ever-changing inventory of new items created from the inventive minds of our Hopewell family.”

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 ODMH-licensed and CARF-accredited. Hopewell is a member of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and American Residential Treatment Association. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org

Information and assessments are available by contacting Daniel Horne, director of admissions at 440.426.2009. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org

New Hopewell E-Book Details Therapeutic Farm Community’s Approach to Successful Treatment of Mental Illness

Hopewell therapeutic farm community has just published an e-book covering the farm’s approach to treating mental illness, according to Rick Karges, Hopewell executive director/CEO.

“This e-book is designed to provide insights into the Hopewell model,” said Karges. “Our record of success is impressive. We create personalized plans along with a comprehensive strategy of clinical and holistic approaches to help every individual succeed.”

The e-book puts a spotlight on Hopewell as a true working farm, one of only a few in the country. A wide range of therapies is featured at Hopewell, including a nature studies group, equine-assisted learning, interpersonal relationship skills, spirituality, meditation and group counseling.

“Personalized goal plans or individual service plans (ISP) are designed as a result of both the residents and his/her clinician’s collaboration,” Karges explained. “Goals are continually revised throughout the resident’s stay.”

Hopewell’s e-book also covers transitional programs for residents moving from Hopewell to community living. Readers will be exposed to a typical day at Hopewell from breakfast to evening quiet time.

You can access the Hopewell e-book by going to www.hopewellcommunity.org/ebook . Call 440.426.2009 for more information about admissions or to schedule a tour.

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 ODMH-licensed and CARF-accredited. Hopewell is a member of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and American Residential Treatment Association.

Information and assessments are available by contacting Daniel Horne, director of admissions, at 440.426.2009. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

FIVE WAYS TO DEAL WITH SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD); HOPEWELL OFFERS ASSESSMENTS AND COUNSELING

“If you happen to find that the dark days of winter 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 a dreaded experience if you take some proactive steps.”

Karges offers five ways you might consider to help make your winter more enjoyable, meaningful and rewarding. According to Karges, “You can focus on the bright side.” 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).

FIVE TREATMENT TIPS

These suggestions may help, according to Karges:

• 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 may also prescribe antidepressants, if determined 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 sundoesshine 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.

Background on SAD

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.

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, according to Karges.

Symptoms of SAD include weight gain, daytime fatigue, increased irritability and anxiety and social withdrawal.

Information, Assessments and Counseling Available

“Obviously, SAD is treatable. During the dark days of winter, we may reflect on ways to improve our life and the lives of those near and dear to us who need psychiatric intervention,” 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, counseling and assessments are available by contacting Beth Orr, director of admissions at 440.426.2009. Tours are also possible. Visit www.hopewellcommunity.org.

2015: Celebrating 20 Years of Service

Twenty years after the arrival of its first resident, Hopewell is among the leading therapeutic farm communities in the country. The “Hopewell Model” of holistic mental health care is based on a combination of…

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Fall 2015: Self-Expression – The Art of Healing

“I came to Hopewell thinking that I am defined by my mental illness. By being here, I became aware that I am so much more than that,” says Dana, age 24.

Dana arrived at Hopewell in late August 2015 after a two-week hospitalization. “I felt like I could finally breathe again. It was like a breath of fresh air, literally.”

In 2013, Dana graduated from Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. She had a particular passion for fabrics and textiles, and did a great deal of fabric dying and screen printing.

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