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
| |
Dear Mid-Shore Community Members, Friends, and Family, | |
|
Fall is my favorite season! It's a season of change, of new beginnings, and of letting go. It is a time for gathering and turning inward for warmth and reflection through the cold winter season. The part I enjoy the most is thanks giving. Not Thanksgiving day itself with the parade, football, and all the food (although I love all that too!) but the season's signature act of being GRATEFUL- that's what I enjoy the most. It is the giving in gratitude, sharing of abundance, and appreciation for all that we have that means the most to me this time of year.
Over the years, I have celebrated in many ways:
- Serving others in a church basement with my seven-year-old daughter
- Enjoying small gatherings of three family members and one to two friends for a meal of Thanksgiving
- Celebrating “Friendsgiving” the first time I did come home
- Attending extended family and friends events with 80+ people, and
- Enjoying the day alone cleaning my home and grateful to have a home and some time off to clean it
The practice of gratitude has been shown to be a protective factor and can even improve one’s mental health. I learned my practice of gratitude as a spiritual one. It wasn’t until I embarked on my career as a social worker that I learned about the science of gratitude. There is evidence of its profound benefits! Read more about the science of gratitude here.
I encourage each and every one of us to adopt an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE and, with it, an intentional, regular gratitude practice.
Here are three things I am grateful for:
- Family – of origin and of orientation. Those people in my life who care for and support me and allow me to care for and support them.
- Health – my own, my family, my friends, and my community. For health care, when any of us falls ill, resilience and recovery are always possible.
- Purpose and meaning – my life is full and rich in service to others. I receive far more than I give.
Let’s get started! Please share with us: for what are you thankful?
| |
Shared throughout this newsletter are inspiring client testimonials about the CCI program and its dedicated staff. We hope you'll take the time to read them all! | |
Centreville Police Department Recognizes Strong Partnership with CCI & CRMHS | |
|
On Friday, October 18th, Holly Ireland and Kara Morris attended the annual Centreville Police Department (CPD) Awards Dinner. Approximately 40 people attended the ceremony, which recognized department staff for their service as well as partner agencies and individuals. To our surprise, CCI and CRMHS were recognized as valued partners of the CPD at this ceremony. They shared the missions of our organizations and their appreciation for our dedicated service to the citizens of Centreville. CPD presented CCI and CRMHS with a plaque and certificate, which you can see prominently displayed at the main entrance of the Banjo Lane site.
| |
Pictured above: Kara Morris and Holly Ireland accept the award on behalf of CCI and CRMHS from Lieutenant Larimore and Lieutenant Harris. | |
Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment: Byron's Success Story | |
|
Byron Hawkins first came to Crossroads Community Inc. from the state hospital in 2019 when he first enrolled in the Residential Rehabilitation Program. After a short time, Byron was referred to vocational services, our Supported Employment Program. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak and other factors, by October 2020, he became employed at Walgreens. Byron started out as a part-time clerk but soon showed that he was a dependable, hard worker and steadily earned raises in his salary based on his performance each year. Byron slowly increased his hours until he started working full-time at the end of 2022.
Byron’s dedication and integrity shine through in everything that he does. He has been offered jobs by customers who come into Walgreens and are impressed with his professionalism and work ethic. This summer, Byron worked a second job on the golf course at the Hyatt Resort in Cambridge. He has been able to successfully transition off his social security benefits and even paid off an overpayment by sticking to a budget and saving proactively. Byron has been planning for the future as well - he started a 401k through his employer and is now looking for his own apartment.
Not only has Byron been successful at his job, but he also served on the Board of Directors for Crossroads and was a valued contributor at each meeting. He recently stepped down in order to give the chance to other clients who want to make a difference. This year, he voted for the first time, and last year, he became a grandparent! He loves spending quality time with his son and grandson. Byron is a great example of how the programs at Crossroads can change a person's life for the better. We wish him all the best in the upcoming year and can’t wait to see what he does next!
| |
|
|
We Want to Hear From You!
Have you had a positive experience with CCI or CRMHS? Do you have a success story that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear how our services have helped you or what you've achieved with our support.
Share Your Story
| | | |
Queen Anne's County Mental Health Committee:
The Unsung Heroes of the Mental Health Field in QAC
| |
|
Maya Angelou once said, “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” This quote aptly describes a local organization committed to making our community a better place for people whom others may overlook: Queen Anne's County Mental Health Committee (QACMHC). Established in 1986 to support community members in need of assistance coping with mental illness, QACMHC has awarded more than $780,000 in grants to local organizations providing mental health services to QAC residents. Over $74,000 in grant requests were received by QACMHC in 2024 alone.
This year, CCI was honored to have two grants supported by the committee, bringing $20,850 in additional funding to meet the specific needs identified. Over the years, CCI has received an estimated $170,000 from QACMHC!
| |
|
A grant of $8,061 was awarded to purchase new living room furniture for two of our QAC Residential Rehabilitation Program locations. Both houses identified a need for the replacement of worn-out furniture that did not provide a warm and inviting place for individuals working on their recovery. Butler Human Services Furniture provided a discount on one of these sets, leaving the remaining grant funds to be allocated to other needed updates to our QAC locations.
The other award in the amount of $12,789 has been allocated towards the art program with the Choptank Tolamato Legacy Project. This partnership with Jimmy Reynolds has significantly contributed to the growth of our clients and the Annual True Colors Art Show over the past two years. The grant funding will help cover the costs of his art workshops, which are highly effective therapeutic modalities that an individual can use to increase coping skills and overcome the impact of a behavioral health condition. Take a look at the pictures of some Tolomato art projects below!
| |
These grant awards are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing their impact on the individuals we serve. If you wish to learn more about the work this committee is doing to support individuals with behavioral health needs in QAC, please visit the QAC Mental Health Committee website. There is a way for you to join in the great work that this committee is doing; this includes your donations, which can be sent via their website or check to QACMHC, P.O. Box 183, Queenstown, MD 21658. | |
Meet the Team: Youth and Young Adult Program | |
|
The Youth and Young Adult Program team kicked off the revamped Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) in October after CCI's transitional-aged youth program (Healthy Transitions) came to an end. The Youth and Young Adult Program currently serves 13 clients and is looking to grow and reach as many youth and young adults in the mid-shore as possible. The team is especially grateful for the leadership and direction of the Program Director, Kara Morris. Her support and confidence in the PRP team helped provide a smooth transition.
The Youth and Young Adult Program is comprised of: Deanna Lewis, Program Coordinator; Joe Sebastianski, Client Support Specialist; Missy Interdonato, Client Support Specialist; and Kylie Stevens, Outreach and Education Specialist and Client Support Specialist.
| |
From left to right, the full PRP team consists of Kate Stone, Melinda Dobson, Brian Lambert, Grace Hopkins, Leslie Owens, Kennedy Siaw, Jennifer Salisbury, Deanna Lewis, Kylie Stevens. | |
|
Crossroads’ Youth Program utilizes a wide range of strategies to promote healthy growth and development for children ages five and up. The goal is to help keep families together and work with children to develop successful life skills and resiliency to prepare them for the future.
Crossroads Community’s Young Adult Program helps young adults from 16-25 years of age acquire skills for a successful transition to independent living. The program helps young adults establish their independence by providing mentorship, vocational and educational support, independent living skills, housing resources, community resources, and much more.
| |
|
Program Eligibility
- Individuals must have Medical Assistance and meet specific diagnostic criteria set by Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration.
- Referrals must be made by the treating behavioral health professional
Visit our website to find out more about our programs or submit a referral here.
| |
The Team Enjoyed our Halloween Spirit Week! | |
Tracey, Kara, Andrea, Kelsey, and Kristin dressed up on Throwback Tuesday. | |
Kara, Molly, Kim, Grace, Wendy, and Kathy dressed for the decades! | |
Molly & Kathy pose with their Halloween attire. | |
Team Announcements & Milestones | |
Expansion of Licensures for the SUD Team | |
|
We are excited to share exciting news about the substance use disorder (SUD) team! In addition to being an approved clinical supervisor by the Board of Social Work Examiners, CRMHS Clinical Director Paula Turner, LCSW-C, has also received approval to become a SUD clinical supervisor from the Board of Professional Counselors.
Additionally, Shelby Young and Dawn Wilson have achieved their Alcohol Drug Trainee (ADT) licensure and are working towards advancing to the Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LGADC) level. Samantha Hogan and Brian Abbott are working towards their Peer Support Specialist certifications, as well. Ultimately, this will help grow our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program and allow us to provide enhanced behavioral health services to our community.
| |
Now Hiring: Join Our Team | |
|
School-Based Therapist
Therapists - All Locations
Admin Assistant
| |  |
|
Kingstown Residential Coach (FT)
Queen Anne's Residential Coach (FT)
| | |
Upcoming Community Events | |
|
December 6, 2024: Centreville Holiday Parade
January 29, 2025: Community Resource Day
Save the Dates!
February 14, 2025: Crossroads 40th Anniversary Gala
Packing House: 411 Dorchester Avenue, Cambridge
May 4, 2025: CCI & CRMHS Annual 5K Fundraiser
| |
Crossroads Community Memory Lane | In celebration of CCI's 40th year of service to the mid-shore, we are sharing an ongoing special segment called Crossroads Community Memory Lane. | |
|
The year is 1987 and Crossroads Community introduced Residential Services, establishing the first CCI residence in Queen Anne’s County. The following year in 1988, John Plaskon assumed the role of Executive Director at Crossroads Community.
In 1989, Crossroads continued to experience significant transformations, marked by these noteworthy milestones:
| |
|
- The expansion of residential services and day programs in Kent County.
- The appointment of a Vocational Specialist to assist clients in pursuing employment opportunities.
- The launch of services tailored for clients with dual diagnoses and traumatic brain injuries, supported by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) funding.
- Witnessing the independent living success of two original DDA clients who "graduated" from Crossroads' services in 2018 and now reside independently in Banjo Lane Apartments.
- Inaugurating the Kent County Day Program, initially operating one day a week.
- Commemorating Crossroads' five year anniversary.
- Expanding the Kent County Day Program to operate three days a week.
- Closing the Broadway residence and establishing Centreville Heights.
- Opening a residence along Route 213 and acquiring another.
- Establishing residences in Chester Harbor, Chestertown, and Worton.
| |
Shop our Apparel Fundraiser | Click here to support CCI by shopping our limited edition 40th anniversary CCI apparel fundraiser. | |
Support the clients of our programs by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. | |
|
Looking for a way to support us but don't have time to join a board in an official capacity? By joining one of our several volunteer committees, you can still help us make a difference where you can! Committees include:
- Program Services Committee
- Public Relations and Fundraising Committee
- Board Development Committee
- Executive Finance Committee
Contact Holly Ireland for more information.
| |
True Colors Art Show Recap | |
Click here to take a look at some of the standout moments from our 2024 True Colors Art Show in October! In this video, you'll get a sneak peek at the incredible art and performances that made this year's event so special. We're already excited to grow and improve for 2025—thanks for being part of the journey. | |
|
Crossroads Community and Corsica River have officially merged on social media. Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe to all of our social media platforms to stay up-to-date with our latest news and developments. Keep a close eye out for exciting updates from our team!
Explore our Linktree for convenient access to all our social media channels, or by scanning the QR code https://linktr.ee/cci_crmhs.
| |
Why Our Staff Love Working Here | |
November is Native American Heritage Month | |
Find more information and resources related to the unique mental health challenges faced by Indigenous people on NAMI's website. | |
| How many recognized tribal nations are there in the United States? | | | |
|
Last Month's Trivia: When a person starts experiencing mental health issues and when they seek help?
Answer: 10 Years (Source: Mental Health First Aid)
| |
Resources & Thanks for our Veterans | |
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans is an MDH program devoted to total wellness for veterans and their families. Coordinators are available to answer questions, address concerns, or help with any obstacle a veteran and family might face. Sign up for text alerts by texting MDCom2Vets to 898-211. Calls are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-770-4801. Learn more. | |
The Cambridge VA outpatient clinic provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, women’s health services, hearing aids, foot care, urology, vision care (optometry), and more. Below, you’ll find our address and hours, parking and transportation information, and the other health services we offer at our Cambridge VA Clinic. Learn more. | |
Additional Veteran Resources | |
|
Minority Veterans of America
MVA is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to create belonging and advance equity for underrepresented veterans.
Operation Roll Call
Veterans call the Maryland Commitment to Veterans 24/7 Hotline at 1-877-770-4801 to request to be a part of MCV Operation Roll Call. Once the veteran has completed registration, the RRC will call to check in on the veteran once a week or once every two weeks (whichever the veteran chooses). Contact Dina Karf.
Military OneSource
Offers individualized consultations, coaching and non-medical counseling for tax services, money management, parenting and child care, employment help, webinars, relocation deployment tools and more.
| |
|
Do you have an idea for a future newsletter?
Would you like to share a story or testimonial?
| | | | |
