Creations of Hope 2010 Call For Artists
Upstage Gallery, Topeka KS, 6/1/10 - Cara Weeks - The CARE program at Valeo Behavioral Health Care is sponsoring the 6th annual Creations of Hope art exhibit. This is a juried art exhibit open to all artists experiencing mental illness. The exhibit will be displayed through the months of October and November in celebration of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Selected entries will be exhibited at The Upstage Gallery located in downtown Topeka and will be featured on the First Fridays art walk.

Through, Creations of Hope we aim to provide an accessible and empowering opportunity for artist experiencing mental illness to enter the art community. Additionally we strive to raise awareness and widen views of mental illness in the public by providing an event that celebrates creativity, strength, and hope.

The submission deadline for artists is August 11, 2010. Please submit entries to: Cara Weeks, M.A.,ATR, Valeo CARE/Supported Education Program Manager 2401 SW 6th Street, Topeka, KS 66606. Call 785-357-0580 ext. 2138 for an entry form, or e-mail, cweeks@valeotopeka.org.

Creations of Hope Juror Information: Charles Anderson, ATR-BC- Mr. Anderson is an exhibiting photographer and nationally known Art Therapist. He has 40 years experience providing art therapy at the Menninger Clinic and has been a guest lecturer at Washburn University and Emporia State University.

Connie English, BFA- Ms. English is an internationally recognized watercolorist. Her work has been featured at the Twin Towers and John McEnroe Galleries in New York City as well as the Wichita Art Museum.

Location & Date of Exhibit: Opening Reception October 1st, 5:30-8:00pm. Exhibit Runs October 1st through November 26th at The Upstage Gallery, 720 Jackson Street, Topeka, Kansas 66601 (The Upstage Gallery is located inside the future lobby of the historic Jayhawk State Theatre and serves to further the mission of the Jayhawk's renovation campaign and provide a non-profit venue for local artists.)
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May is Mental Health Month
Topeka, Kansas, 4/20/10 - Valeo Community Residence Program and Valeo Behavioral Health Care will be participating in activities throughout the month of May which help advocate Mental Health and reduce stigma by educating the public on issues surrounding mental illness. Activities include:

*Washburn University Mental Health Symposium April 24th, Topeka Public Library 12a-12p. Guest speaker Marsha Bacote-Alleyne, Valeo ARNP.

*National Council Webinar Series "Mental Health First Aid USA" free to the public!

May 5th Understanding Depression Webcast 4-5pm
May 12th Understanding Anxiety Disorders Webcast 4-5pm
May 19th Understanding Psychosis Webcast 4-5pm
May 26th Understanding Substance Use Disorders 4-5pm

As a member of The National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care, Valeo brings you this free Webinar series every Wednesday the month of May featuring the evidence-based public education program, "Mental Health First Aid USA". You must register in advance for this webinar series. Register Now. No password required.

*"Hearing Voices" Training May 17th. Valeo Behavioral Health Care's Crisis Diversion Supervisor, Lisa Hastings will walk a group of staff, legislators, community leaders, and members of the press through an exercise that lets them experience what it is like to have a thought disorder. They will attempt tasks while being interrupted by recorded voices designed to simulate what someone with a thought disorder might experience.

*"Mental Health Month" display case in the Shawnee County Health Agency lobby the month of May. Display will include Mental Health Tips, education about Mental Illness, and resources available at Valeo.

Mental Health issues affect all of society in some way, shape, or form. It is estimated that one in four Americans will have a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder. YOU can help if you understand. Join us in learning more about Mental Health. For information about any of these activities call: 785-215-8863.
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Valeo Expands Supported Education Program
Topeka, Kansas, 4/20/10 - The Valeo Supported Education Program (SEP) assists persons with psychiatric disabilities in pursuing their educational goals. Participants gain individualized assistance in all phases of the educational process, from exploration to enrollment and success in the classroom. We are now accepting referrals for persons with psychiatric disabilities seeking their high school diploma or GED.

Since 2006 SEP has worked with participants in post-secondary education and we are happy to have our program grow to now include all levels of education. Counselors are excited to assist in the GED or high school diploma process. Some of the tasks we can help with include the following:

*Identify community resources that offer GED programs
*Access and follow through with GED classes
*Identify and implement classroom accommodations
*Practice ways to manage symptoms which impact learning
*Assist in utilizing self-study GED programs
*Learn study skills, time management skills, and test taking strategies
*Problem-solve ways to overcome barriers to GED completion


Each year the Supported Education Program works with the University of Kansas to review our practices. The program is rated on a fidelity scale that measures adherence to proven practices, ensuring that our program provides the best possible services. We are happy to announce that in 2009 SEP received the outstanding score of 60 out of 60 possible points!

In the fall semester of 2009 SEP had 29 participants, with 12 members enrolling in post-secondary education. The average cumulative GPA of those participants completing the semester was 3.33.

For more information on Supported Education contact Valeo Supported Education Program Manager, Cara Weeks M.A.;ATR at:

(785) 357-0580 ext. 2138
cweeks@valeotopeka.org
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Dual Recovery Anonymous Group
7/15/08 - Valeo Behavioral Health Care Announces New Dual Recovery Anonymous Group The Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) program at Valeo Behavioral Health Care is known as "Starfish". The IDDT team at Starfish has continually educated, encouraged, and supported consumers dealing with an emotional or psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. They have formed a Dual Recovery Anonymous community-based 12-step group patterned after AA & NA. Valeo's DRA group is called "Our Group" DRA. They meet every Friday from 6-7p.m. at the Bryce Miller Building, 2401 SW 6th Street.
This group is open to the public and designated as an open group, meaning anyone with an interest in Dual Recovery is welcome. The group is facilitated by community attendees with support as needed from the Valeo IDDT Team. For more information about this group contact: James Chiselom, IDDT Coordinator 785-357-0580 X 2163.
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Supported Employment Services receives National Award
5/5/08 - Jami Nichols - Supported Employment Services Celebrates National Award Valeo Behavioral Health Care's Supported Employment Services recently accepted the National Johnson & Johnson Dartmouth Achievement Award. Supported Employment Program Manager Kristin Farley attended the awards ceremony in Portland Oregon May 7th & 8th. Valeo was selected on the criteria of significant improvement in the number of people participating in high fidelity (measured in Evidence Based Practice Programs) Supported Employment Services, and in the number of people working in competitive jobs. The Supported Employment Program received a 70 out of 75 score on their latest Fidelity review with the University of Kansas. The national average for job retention among programs of this type is typically 32%-53%. Valeo's was 62% for 2007! Kristin Farley had this to say about her team, "I commend the Supported Employment Services staff for being so committed to assisting our clients in becoming employed and staying employed. I want to recognize all of the extra time they put into getting someone ready for work and making it a positive experience for both the employer and the employee". Supported Employment hosts their annual Employee Recognition and Employer Recognition events in June to recognize appreciation and achievement.
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