News

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

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

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.

Spring 2015: A Family’s Story

My daughter, Liza, is a resident at Hopewell for a second time. I want to tell you our family’s story. My husband, Richard, and I have two daughters. We have always been a close-knit family. We thought life was challenging when Richard lost his job in 2008 and in 2009 when he was diagnosed with cancer. No matter how we have been tested, we have remained strong. But in July 2010, we thought we were fighting for our lives. Liza, our beautiful, gifted oldest daughter, was facing court-ordered confinement in a state mental hospital/ criminally insane facility. Her crime? She is dealing with schizophrenia with paranoid delusions.

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2014 Outcomes Report

Results from Hopewell’s research continue to show improved outcomes.

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Hopewell CEO Suggests Ways to Deal with Dark Days of Winter; Therapeutic Farm Offers Assessments and Information

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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