The Fountain
Terrell State Hospital’s Monthly Newsletter February 2010
TSH Plans Positive Changes For 2010
By Sheila Kunick Departments at Terrell State Hospital will continue to give the same high quality care to the clients of the hospital in 2010. A few departments are adding different programming, new activities for clients, and improving care in several different ways. The Peer Support Department workshop’s theme this year is “I am the Evidence, Recovery is Possible”. Peer Support staff and Community Relations staff are working together to get more volunteers involved in Peer Support. “Our first joint project is the art project at the Oasis. We would like to have more volunteers to work with Peer Support staff to develop support groups and possibly a dual recovery group at the hospital. We are researching and making connections with the community support services to enrich our program,” said Jill Mormon, MEd., CPRP, and ATD Education Specialist. The Client Worker Program will be expanding the Resource Library in the Patient Library; the Library on Wheels will also be expanding this year. In addition, a revitalization of the Clothing Boutique is planned. The Peer Support staff will be working on quarterly patient workshops with a plan for a Spring Festival/Carnival for the clients in May. Adjunctive Therapies will also be having a Fall Festival in conjunction with Mental Illness Awareness Week. “We have also started an art wall in the hallway in the Menendez Center filled with patient art projects,” said Ms. Mormon. According to the Director of Social Services, Leonard DeGrate, his department will continue to place emphasis on “Continuous Quality Improvement Principles” which afford all staff within the department the opportunity to be actively involved in problem solving and decision making on issues which impact the department’s future and direction. The department will work toward exceeding the 95% compliance on the CWS finalization of Social Assessments within seven days in 2010. The department will continue to work in close collaboration with hospital administration, quality management, and the clinical performance teams toward the refinement And enhancements of the treatment plan as well as the treatment planning process. Social Services is also working to facilitate an effective family therapy referral program for Acute Services and continuing to make improvements in the overall operations of the Martha Allen Family Center. Terrell State Hospital's Pastoral Care and Counseling Department is in the planning stage of establishing a Meditation Garden (Labyrinth) at the front of the chapel. The Labyrinth is a place to walk and meditate, to solve problems, or to simply commune and pray. It will be available to any Faith Community to use at anytime. “We have been working on initiating a part-time Clinical Pastoral Care (CPE) training program for clergy in the Kaufman county area. TSH will benefit by adding four new chaplains to the staff to minister to the clients and staff on a regular basis. One chaplain will be contracted to be the supervisor to do the training and three student clergy will volunteer to receive the Pastoral Care training by a combine practical and academic process. This program will enhance the chaplaincy outreach to all of our hospital units, by assigning each chaplain a unit to work with on a routine schedule,” said TSH Director of Pastoral Care David Stine.
Above right: Rev. Richard Rollerson, Jr. is pictured as he receives a plaque of appreciation from TSH Chaplain David Stine. Rev. Rollerson was the guest speaker at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service held on January 15 at Terrell State Hospital. (Photo by Sheila Kunick) 1
Employee Awards Program Continues at TSH
By Sheila Kunick The Caught You Caring award program that Terrell State Hospital began in June, 2009 continues to be a successful employee recognition tool. The Caught You Caring award is in conjunction with the Healing Today/ Hope for Tomorrow Program at the hospital. Department heads, discipline directors, or their designee, issue cards to any staff that is performing their job duties above the assigned expectation. The card is designed to recognize staff that is willing to go the extra mile for improving patient care. The Caught You Caring winners for November included Susie Brown, David Bacon, James Douglas, Jeannie Teel, and Gene Bennett. The December Caught You Caring winners included Shirlyn Hedgemon, Billy Spencer, Marion Baugh, and Cathy Jackson. The Champion of Caring Award is also a monthly award. Two recipients are chosen. All Champion of Caring award winners for the year are eligible for the Superintendent's Award. The winner of the Superintendent's award will receive a plaque and a merit increase. The winner will be announced at the annual Employee/Volunteer Awards Banquet in May. Champion of Caring Award winners for December include Liz Palmer, PAL and Aaron Scruggs, Environmental Management.
Left: Liz Palmer is pictured receiving the Champion of Caring Award from Linda Peters at the Department Head meeting held on January 12. Right: Aaron Scruggs receives his award from Mrs. Peters. Photos by Sheila Kunick)
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Christmas Concert Held At TSH
A Christmas Concert was held on December 18 for the patients of Terrell State Hospital. The show featured the TSH Singers and the TSH Dancers. (Photos by Sheila Kunick)
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Above and Center: The Terrell State Hospital Singers are pictured during the Christmas Concert held on December 18 for the patients of the hospital. Right: TSH Singers during the performance. Below: TSH Dancers Bill Plate, Maria Diaz, Alicia McConnell, Carl Kennedy, Pat Denson and Ricky Jordan, are picture during their performance at the Christmas Concert held on December 18. (Photos by Sheila Kunick)
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Dallas Matrons hosted a Christmas party in December on the Child & Adolescent Unit. Pictured are Jewel Lewis, Dorothy Worllaw, Brenda Jones, Nelda Harder, Robert Luzet, Brice Tennison, Gary Keith Summerfield, Hazel Tennison Scott, and Francis Smith. (Photo by Cheryl Delgadillo)
TSH New Employees
February TSH Volunteer Birthdays
February 4 Reg Tomblin Cheyenne Self Rachel Pool Dawn Blanco February 5 James Williams Debra Rogers February 6 Tommie Airheart February 9 Nancy Drake February 10 Reagan Teel Pat Heering February 13 Peggy Nadolski February 14 Michelle Nickleberry February 16 Bill Plate Dianne Livingston February 17 Marsha Cashion February 20 Betty Perkins February 23 Judy Tanner February 24 Allen Paget February 26 Elsie Hinson
Eric Bryant Steven Bryant Billy Evans Tamberly Gillespie Myron Hubbard Willard Johnson, Jr. Sharon Lorick Paul Nelson Dianna Parnell Tristan Robinson Tawanna Sparks
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“Taste of TSH” Cookbook Available at Community Relations
The “Taste of TSH” cookbook is still on sale in the Community Relations Department at Terrell State Hospital. The cookbook features a collection of recipes from employees, retirees, volunteers and friends of the hospital. The cost of the cookbook is $15 each or two for $25. Two of the recipes featured in the cookbook include the following:
Candied Orange Peel (or Grapefruit or Lemon)
15 oranges 1/2 tsp. salt 2 cups sugar 1 cup water Extra sugar
Cut peel from oranges in 1/4 inch strips. Place peel in water to cover in a Dutch oven; add salt. Bring to a boil; boil for 20 minutes. Drain; repeat procedure two more times without salt. Combine sugar and water in saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring often, until syrup spins a thread (230 degrees). Add peel; simmer 30 minutes stirring often. Drain orange peel well. Discard syrups; roll peel, a few pieces at a time, in extra sugar. Arrange in a single layer on wire rack; let dry four to five hours. Store in airtight container.—Brenda Ray
Five Cup Salad
1 cup pineapple 1 cup sour cream 1 cup mandarin oranges Drain fruits. Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.—Darlene Johnson 1 cup coconut 1 cup marshmallows
February Employee Birthdays
February 1 Bobby Asher February 2 Tammy Langford Vickey McKenzie February 3 Dorothy Jackson Virginia Mitchell February 4 Patty Ayers Dawn Blanco Jessica Carter Margaret Christ February 5 Stacey Faulconer Linda Futrell February 6 Carl Kennedy Sherry Rosenbaum Deloris Whisenhunt February 7 Diane Carvajal Rebecca Edwards Equilla Tucker February 8 Latasha Jackson February 9 Nancy Drake Donna Harris Angela Kelly Wayne Lee, Jr. Lujan Tucker February 10 Banetha Briggs Nathanael Holmes James Rickman David Teel February 11 Pola Harty Carol Robinson Barbara Wadley February 13 Bervin Brown Debra Hawkins Betty Maxie Francine McCormack Antwone Williams February 14 Christopher Coslin Kristi Sabljakovic February 15 Zarina DelaRosa Debra Holmes Cora Oneal February 16 Carla Denson Adeline Johnson Bill Plate Kranti Purimetla Cesar Romero February 17 Marsha Cashion Anita Coleman February 18 Michael Adkins Robert Bourdene Nakia Cole Regino Contreras Kenneth Tucker, Jr. February 20 Ruby Carpenter-Terrell February 21 Meosha Asher Carol Johnson Stephanie Taylor Michael Verseckes February 22 Dustin Hagler February 23 Glory Murray Judy Tanner February 24 Lisa Coats Joseph Flowers Eva Griffith Calvin Vanhuss February 25 Doris Roberson February 26 Kathy Hambric February 27 Pamela Brown Teresa Robertson Dedria Young
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service Held At TSH
By Sheila Kunick A Commemorative Service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. was held at the Winton Gable All Faiths Chapel at Terrell State Hospital on January 15. TSH Superintendent Dr. Joe Finch welcomed those in attendance followed by an opening prayer by Chaplain David Stine. Kristin Stine performed a musical solo. Leonard DeGrate, Jr, and Morgan Denson each contributed to the service. Rev. Jeff Foster, First Christian Church Pastor, also contributed to the service. Rev. Richard E. Rollerson, Jr., Bethlehem Baptist Church Pastor was the keynote speaker. Rev. Rollerson has served as pastor of the Bethlehem Church for 15 years. He has served as president of the Cypress District Congress of Christian Education in Sulpher Springs. He also served as instructor of Pastoral Ministry at the Criswell College in Dallas, and as adjunct instructor of Human Development at the Eastfield Community College in Mesquite. He is the President of Friendship District Congress of Christian Education of the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area and vicepresident of the Terrell Minster's Union. Rev. Rollerson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies and a Masters of Arts Degree in New Testament Studies from the Criswell College, Dallas. He also holds a Masters of Divinity Degree with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth. “It is a great and humble privilege to serve and be a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Rollerson. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968 Dr. King was a Nobel Laureate, Baptist minister, and African American civil rights activist. He is one of the most significant leaders in U.S. history. Dr. King attended segregated public school in Georgia, graduating from high school at the age of fifteen. He received a B.A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College. After three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, he was elected president of predominantly white senior class. With a fellowship won at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In 1954, Dr. King accepted the pastorate of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. At that time he was a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the leading organization of its kind in the nation. In December, 1955, he accepted leadership of the first great Negro nonviolent demonstration of contemporary times in the United States. The boycott lasted 382 days. On December 21, 1956, after the Supreme Court of the United States had declared unconstitutional the laws requiring segregation on buses, all races rode the buses as equals. During the days of the boycott, King was arrested, his home was bombed, and he was subjected to personal abuse. Dr. King, at the age of 35, was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money ($54,123.00) to the furtherance of the civil right movement. Between 1957 and 1968, Dr. King traveled over six million miles and spoke over 2,500 times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action. He also wrote five books as well as numerous articles. Martine Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday that marks the birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Dr. King’s birthday is January 15. This holiday is one of only four U.S. Federal holidays to commemorate an individual person.
TSH History Book Available
By Sheila Kunick The Terrell State Hospital History Book is available for purchase at TSH Community Relations Department. The book was written by Benny Britton and spans the life of the hospital from 1883 to 2008. The book includes photos from the 1880’s as well as current employee and facility photos. The hard bound book is $45.00 with a CD. The soft bound version is $15.00 or $18.00 with the CD. The CD can be purchased for $5.00. Contact TSH Community Relations at (972) 551-8639 for more information.
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Pictured above: A group of volunteers were at the Child & Adolescent Ward on Christmas morning. The volunteers performed Christmas carols, played bingo, gave gifts, and had lots of food for the patients of CAU. Many of the volunteers participate each year to be with the children of TSH on Christmas. (Photo by Deb Helm) Right: TSH Rummage Room volunteer Ruth Ravelette is pictured as she models one of the fur coats that were sold at the monthly rummage room sale on January 7. (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
Free dental screenings and sealants for children ages one to 18, “Give Kids a Smile”, will be given at the Church of Christ Gym located oat 407 Rockwall in Terrell on Friday February 5. The event is sponsored by the Terrell Kiwanis Club and Colgate. The program will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free toothbrushes, games and prizes will be given. You can also enter to win a set of custom bleaching trays.
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New Board Members Join The VSC
New 2010 Volunteer Services Council directors were sworn in on January 20 during a regular VSC meeting. Left: TSH Superintendent Dr. Joe Finch, Tracey Wolfe (New Director), Gene Glaeser (New Director), and Sue Humphreys, VSC Vice Chair. Below: Dr. Finch and Mrs. Humphreys are pictured with new VSC board member Charlotte Gilmore. (Photos by Sheila Kunick)
2010 Terrell State Hospital Volunteer Services Council Board of Directors
David Landua, Chairman Sue Humphreys, Vice Chair George Lawshe, Secretary Jimmy Williamson, Treasurer Charlotte Gilmore, Director Albert Rice, Director David Desmond, Director Anne Davidson, Director Gene Glaeser, Director Lou Gilliam, Director Tracey Wolfe, Director Bob Winchester, Director
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TSH Employee Feature
By Sheila Kunick Robert Hicks is a PSPT working on Unit K. He has been employed at TSH for three years. Before coming to the Hospital Mr. Hicks owned his own business, a feed store in Kaufman. He takes care of the programming needs of clients on his unit. He also teaches a Social Skills class on the unit. He makes sure those clients are getting to the appropriate class at ATD. He collects items that clients need from the Clothing Boutique and from Community Relations. He feels he has a very rewarding job. His favorite part of his job is the interaction with the clients. He enjoys helping clients. “What really makes me happy and lets me know I am doing my job is when a client comes to me before they leave and tells me they appreciate what I did for them while they were here. There is no better feeling than the one I get form knowing I helped a person when they were at time in their life when they really needed someone to encourage and help them. It’s like seeing an old friend when a client comes back and they brighten up when they see you and start talking about the last time they were here,” said Mr. Hicks. He recalled one client in particular that he felt he affected. “I was in Admissions one night and there was a client that came through. He was here for the first time and was very nervous. I spent about two hours talking to the client and reassuring him. I let him know what to expect. About two days later, we got a call that another unit needed help so I went over. As soon as I walked in I saw the client that I had talked to in Admissions. The client was agitated until he saw me. At that point he took his medicine and there were not any more problems. He remembered me from Admissions and trusted me. Anytime something like this happens it makes me feel good about what I am doing here.” Mr. Hicks went on to say that he works with wonderful caring people on his unit. “We have a good group of people that work on K. We work well together and we pull together to get the job done and help each other out.” Mr. Hicks and his wife of 11 years, Janell, have two sons James, 10, and Adam, 6. He enjoys drag racing and has two race cars. Right: Ella Thompson with Holy Spirit Baptist Church hosted a Christmas party in December for Units H, K, and L. During the Holiday Season every unit at Terrell State Hospital had at least one Christmas party hosted by an outside volunteer group. The Holy Sprit Baptist Church has hosted this party for over 20 years. Volunteers are greatly appreciated during the Holiday Season. Special thanks go to all those that gave of their time to make the holiday a little better for the clients of TSH. (Photo by Cheryl Delgadillo)
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From The Desk Of Chaplain Stine
Change And Compromise
The New Year is here and we look around expecting things to be a little different than last year, but not so fast! The tragic earthquake in Haiti was not the way any of us would expect to start the New Year. The devastation of so many lives taken is just unbelievable, but yet we can read in the text of the Holy Scriptures how many lives were taken in similar manner down through history. Congress is trying to complete legislation on Health Care reform and no one knows how this will ultimately turn out. In The New Yorker (December 7, 2009) Jill Lepore quoted Yale economist Irving Fisher: “At present the United States has the unenviable distraction of being the only great industrial nation without compulsory health insurance.” Fisher made that remark in 1916. It seems that we continue to be challenged to deal with compromise for the greater needs of our society. Life continues to change or does it? We are given each year new opportunities to grow as a people and as a nation, but we seem to choose to do many things the same. Is it really that hard to “let go” and strive to do the best for everyone? Are not our Christian values based on the good for all human kind? We celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in January and we reflect on his life and legacy of working for the betterment of “all mankind”. He won the Nobel Peace Prize, he challenged our culture to let go of selfish, self centered motivations, and focus on the good for all races. Today, it is our challenge to continue the civil rights focus only broaden it to apply to other world religious groups that live in our country. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, we read “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them from Pagan beliefs to faith in Christ, to be the son of God. But I believe it is a good reminder for us in the 21st century to assess how we might behave with other people of different faith and remember that we are all God’s children. As clinical care giving professionals working in an institute where people are treated for mental disorders, I would like to encourage each of us to be open to change and compromise. Let’s consider an attitude of open mindedness and spiritual acceptance to God’s spirit of love to our neighbor, and remember that we all are created in the image of God and have the same Spirit. May the Peace of God be with all of us, so that we might consider how we can compromise and “let go” of the various barriers of differences found in various cultures and customs in our society. May we be willing to share the Spirit of Love as a natural greeting of farewell.—Shalom, Chaplain David Stine.
The Fountain is published monthly by Community Relations Editor Sheila Kunick for employees, retirees, volunteers and friends of Terrell State Hospital. Please feel free to share your story ideas, or nominate a co-worker that goes the extra mile for the monthly Employee Feature. Call Sheila at (972) 551-8639 with nominations or ideas. Please send your change of address or change of e-mail address to: The Fountain, Volunteer Council for Terrell State Hospital, P. O. Box 70, Terrell, TX 75160 or e-mail sheila.kunick@dshs.state.tx.us
Right: Mona House from Faith Baptist Church is pictured during a party for clients on Units K, L, and H on January 12. Each month this dedicated group of volunteers from Faith Baptist hosts a party for the clients. The group hosts a sing-a-long and serves refreshments. (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
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Terrell State Hospital Executive Committee
Joe Finch, Psy.D.— Superintendent Perry Harwell—Assistant Superintendent Anthony Claxton, M.D.—Clinical Director Kathryn Griffin, R.N., MSN, NEA, BC—Chief Nurse Executive Vertis Storey—Director of Quality Management Leonard DeGrate, Jr., L.C.S.W., D.C.S.W.—Director of Social Services Vickie Barnes—Assistant Director of Quality Management Benny Britton—Director of Special Projects Terri DeJarnett—Director of Medical Records Debbie Helm—Director of Community Relations and Development Dorthy Floyd, Ph.D.—Director of Psychology Chaplain David E. Stine, M. Div., AAMFT, BCC—Director of Pastoral Care Clent Holmes, RNC—Risk Management Coordinator Monica Pittman—Employee Services Coordinator Pat Denson—Administrative Services Coordinator Amy Pierce—Peer Support Liaison Supervisor
Volunteer Council for Terrell State Hospital P.O. Box 70 Terrell, TX 75160-0070
www.terrellshvolunteers.org
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Terrell, Texas Permit No. 61
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