A Mid-Shore Community Newsletter from Crossroads Community, Inc. (CCI) and Corsica River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) | |
Organizational Headlines
A Message Executive Director Holly Ireland
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Dear Mid-Shore Community Members, Friends, and Family, | |
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CARF is coming!! The Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is the international entity that regularly surveys our programs to ensure that national standards of quality care are being met. National accreditation is required by the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration statutory requirements for licensure to provide public behavioral health care services in Maryland. CARF is coming to Crossroads Community, Inc. On February 10 – 12, 2025. The CARF surveyors will be interviewing those who receive our services, the staff members who deliver our services, the leadership of our organization, and community partners and stakeholders. We are grateful for all the efforts made, day in and day out, that ultimately prepare us for this survey process. We will now have more to celebrate at the 40th anniversary Gala on Friday, February 14th!
February is also the month we celebrate LOVE! All too often in behavioral health and in other professional areas, we have all but removed love from our vocabulary - but we are bringing it back. We LOVE the work we do! We LOVE the people we serve! We LOVE our community, our state, our nation, and the world! We LOVE the humanness of people, regardless of their health status or otherwise.
So we hope that you will join us in spreading the LOVE from the Heart of the Chesapeake in Dorchester County on Friday, February 14th. We will share reflections of CCI's services over the last four decades with food, music, dancing, and cheer. We will also be revealing something big for our future! Tickets to this gala are almost sold out, so if you are planning to attend, get your tickets soon, See you there!
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Valentine's Day is just 10 days away - do you have plans yet? Make it truly special by attending Crossroad Community's 40th Anniversary Gala on February 14th.
Hosted at the beautiful and historic Packing House in Cambridge, gala guests will enjoy an elegant three-course dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and the exclusive reveal of our new brand. Chef-prepared meals will be crafted by The Dive Club | RaR Brewing. Salt and Light will be on-site to capture professional photos for our guests.
It's the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your community!
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Thank You to our Event Sponsors | |
Mobile Treatment Team (MTT) Success Story | |
*Disclaimer: This article is published with the permission of the person, and their name has been changed for privacy purposes. | |
Bert* is a client who transferred from CRMHS clinic-based services to the Mobile Treatment Team (MTT) in 2020. He had been struggling to maintain appointments and his mental health symptoms were worsening. Bert was experiencing severe depression and social anxiety and had a history of self-harming behaviors with suicidal ideation. Sadly, Bert's self-worth was diminished to the point that he did not feel he deserved to have his own basic needs met. He dealt with bullying throughout his school years and avoided any significant social contact with others outside of his family and his part-time job. His work environment had become overwhelming and he struggled with communicating with his employer. Eventually, Bert was let go from his job and he acknowledged feeling intense fear about future job opportunities. | |
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Bert began meeting with Mobile Treatment members consistently over the duration of several months. During this time, team members focused on providing safe spaces to help increase his comfort in processing how his past experiences and mental health symptoms were impacting his life while also learning and implementing effective coping tools. After a while, Bert expressed a desire to begin applying for jobs again. Mobile Treatment Team members assisted in updating his resume and completing mock interviews to increase confidence.
Shortly after this, Bert was hired for a full-time position in December 2022. Since this time, Bert has successfully held his job for over two years while experiencing various performance-based incentives and building positive connections with his coworkers. He has successfully met all of his identified treatment goals centered on maintaining employment, increasing self-esteem, improving social relationships, and managing his depression and anxiety.
Bert is now preparing to be successfully discharged from Mobile Treatment services. During his final program session, he was able to reflect on the progress he has made in treatment while also expressing motivation for the future. Bert will soon be transitioning into clinic-based services with even more exciting goals - he would like to eventually get his own apartment and get his license!
The Mobile Treatment Team has enjoyed all the work Bert has put into his recovery over the years and is excited for him to continue to thrive.
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Shore United Bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to community support by offering regular donations to local nonprofit organizations. In line with their mission of "caring for communities and sharing with those in need," Shore United Bank has donated $7,160 to Crossroads Community, Inc. and Corsica River Mental Health Services since 2020!
Shore United Bank's support, from its time as Centreville National Bank of Maryland and through its merger, has been invaluable. Their contributions, whether through financial services, sponsorships, or charitable giving, are deeply appreciated!
Shore United Bank is a full-service community bank with a rich history dating to 1876. They serve customers in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Visit their website for more information. Thank you for being a Leader of Change, Shore United Bank!
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February 14th: 40th Anniversary Gala
May 4th: CCI & CRMHS Annual 5K Fundraiser
October 6-11, 2025: 6th Annual Mental Health Art Show
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Imagine a place where hope and challenges are met with unwavering determination and where every individual is supported in their journey toward a brighter future. This is the essence of our Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) services—a beacon of hope and transformation in our community.
Our PRP services offer a comprehensive range of support designed to empower individuals with mental health challenges. From one-on-one sessions and skill-building workshops to community integration activities, we ensure that every client has the tools they need to thrive. Our PRP programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community, recognizing that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey.
At the heart of our PRP services is a team of dedicated and compassionate staff members who embody the very spirit of Crossroad Community’s mission.
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Our PRP team has over 86 years of combined experience and understands that each person is unique, with their own set of dreams, strengths, and hurdles. Our team goes above and beyond, investing their time, energy, and hearts into the program. We celebrate every small victory with our clients and stand by them through every setback. Our PRP team's unwavering support fosters a sense of belonging and trust, creating a safe space where individuals can heal and grow.
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PRP team from left to right: Melinda Dobson; Brian Lambert, CPRP, CFRP (Community Recovery Coordinator); Grace Hopkins, BS (PRP Manager Queen Anne); Jennifer Saulsbury, LBSW (PRP Manager, Dorchester); Deanna Lewis, CPRP, CFRP (Program Coordinator); and Kylie Stevens. Not pictured: Leslie Owens, AA, BS, MS (PRP Manager, Kent) and Laura Christ, BS (PRP Client Support Specialist) | |
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Collaboration is key to our success. Our staff works closely with medical doctors, health home services, supportive employment programs, and therapists to create an all-inclusive approach to care. By integrating medical expertise with therapeutic support, we address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. This partnership allows us to develop comprehensive care plans that are as unique as the individuals we serve, ensuring that every aspect of their well-being is considered and nurtured.
In our community, the PRP services are more than a program - they are a lifeline. They represent hope, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Through the dedication of our staff and the strength of our clients, we are building a brighter future, one step at a time.
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Program Eligibility
PRP services are available to adults with a primary behavioral health diagnosis and who meet the medical necessity criteria determined by Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration. Referrals must be made by the treating mental health professionals.
Submit a referral here or visit our website to find out more about our programs.
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Now Hiring: Join Our Team! | |
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Therapist (All Locations)
Substance Use Counselor
(All Locations)
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Residential Coach (QAC & Kent)
RRP Client Support Specialist (QAC & Kent)
Vocational Coordinator
PRP Manager (Dorchester)
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Crossroads Community Memory Lane | |
In celebration of CCI's 40th year of service to the mid-shore, join our ongoing special segment, "Crossroads Community Memory Lane!" | |
Throughout 1995, CCI remained steadfast in our pursuit of excellence, securing DDA funding to serve head-injured consumers and obtaining licensing for our first Group Home on School Road. The opening of Kent and Queen Anne's Counties Drop-In Centers in May 1995 further enriched our community-based support network, offering vital resources and connections to individuals across the region. In December 1995, we culminated the year with a significant move and transitioned our administrative, Queen Anne CS, and Club operations to a new facility at 120 Banjo Lane, Centreville, setting the stage for continued growth and impact in the years to come. | |
May 1996 marked a celebration of our collective achievements with an Open House event at the new QA Building, reaffirming our commitment to serving our community with compassion, dedication, and innovation. Stay tuned as we continue to cruise down CCI Memory Lane in celebration of our 40th anniversary! | |
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Nominations are open for Mid Shore Behavioral Health's Annual Caliber Awards!
These awards honor the work of local mid-shore organizations and individuals for their contributions to the public behavioral health system in the region. The four main awards are: Achieving Excellence through Effective Programming, Achieving Excellence through the Empowerment of Consumers, Achieving Excellence through Interagency and Community Collaboration, and Lifetime Achievement. Special Recognitions are also awarded. This year’s event will introduce three new awards: the Bernie Vervin Beacon of Light Award, the Excellence in Substance Use Recovery Award, and the Recovery Champion Award, formerly known as the Empowerment of Consumers Award. Questions can be directed to Jonathan Qvarnstrom.
If you are so moved, please consider nominating CCI and CRMHS for these esteemed awards! View the nomination forms here. Nominations are due March 7th.
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Looking for a way to support us but don't have time to join a board in an official capacity? Join one of our several volunteer committees and help make a difference! | | |
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Public Relations & Fundraising Committee
The next Public Relations and Fundraising Committee meeting will take place on February 25th at 2 PM. Email Kyle Willey for details.
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Programs and Services Committee
This committee helps guide the development and evaluation of programs and services. Contact Kara Morris or Paula Turner for more information.
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Board Development Committee
This committee focuses on supporting the boards' structure and strategic alignment, offering suggestions for efficacy and development. Contact Holly Ireland for more information.
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Executive Finance Committee
This committee plays a vital role in the organization's fiscal management and strategic decision-making. Contact Holly Ireland for more information.
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| Maryland was one of the first two states in the US to what? | | | |
Last Trivia: What percentage of individuals experiencing homelessness have a mental health disorder?
Answer: 67% (Source: US News)
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Get Connected with Mental Health Support
Corsica River Mental Health Services is dedicated to providing compassionate, accessible assessment and treatment to mid-shore residents. Our empathetic staff understands the challenges of mental illness, substance use, emotional disturbance, and major life events, offering support to rebuild lives and foster resilience. We specialize in services for adolescents, children, families, and couples, with convenient locations in Centreville, Cambridge, and Federalsburg, Maryland. Registration forms can be accessed easily from our website - click here for more information.
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Amplifying Hope & Advocating for Mental Health | |
Mental Health Association of Maryland's 2024 Legislative Briefing & Reception will be held in Annapolis on February 12th. Learn more. | | |
Children's Mental Health Matters campaign champions network of Marylanders advocating for the mental wellbeing of children in communities across the state. Read more. | | |
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