Minority groups in the U.S. are less likely to receive quality care.
Poor mental health care access contributes to poor mental health outcomes among minority populations.
For mental health support call our 24/7 Helpline 419-522-HELP (4357)
Click HERE to watch a video about National Minority Mental Health Month
Sparking the Conversation
Click HERE to watch Elaine Surber and Erin Schaefer as they represent Catalyst Life Services on the show Sparking the Conversation.
Learn More About WIOA
WIOA stands for Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act and it is giving individuals ages 18-24 so many new resources and opportunities to make their way into the workforce. If you or someone you know is interested in this WIOA program please contact Stephanie Jakubick at 419-774-2250!
Click HERE to read an article and learn more about the option offered for transitional youth support!
Behavioral Health Urgent Care
Catalyst is preparing to welcome the new Behavioral Health Urgent Care on August 2nd!
Check out the flexible hours offered for those seeking help in the community!
Catalyst at the Carrousel
Click HERE to learn more about our community event at the Carrousel on August 6th! Stop by and visit our team members to learn more about all of the services Catalyst has to offer and enjoy a night of fun!
Oasis is Reopening
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
LAST CALL! Today is your last opportunity to register for the Catalyst Life Services Golf Scrammble that is hosted by Mid-Ohio Area CLC!
Progress Industries has been serving the community since 1964 providing employment opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment. Chan Stevens was integral in the start of this workshop 57 years ago and has had a huge impact ever since.
Click HERE to read a recent article about Chan Stevens and Progress Industries!
Photo provided by Mansfield News Journal.
Chan Stevens – Catalyst Hall of Fame On Tuesday June 15th, Chan Stevens was the inaugural inductee into the newly formed Catalyst Life Services Hall Of Fame. Chan Stevens began his lifetime of exceptional work at the age of 16 by transporting children with disabilities to and from their treatment appointments. Chan has provided dedicated service and efforts where they count most, by chairing two successful capital campaigns benefiting much needed new and updated facilities. Chan has been giving to his community for most of his life and has served as an integral member of the Board of Trustees for 57 years. His virtue and wisdom will leave an indelible imprint on Catalyst Life Services and the many we serve in our community.
Click HERE to learn more about Chan’s life and successes!
Golf Scramble
The Golf Scramble is hosted by Mid-Ohio Area CLC
Register by filling out a registration form and bringing it into Catalyst OR register online by clicking below!
Join us at the Richland Carrousel on August 6th from 6PM to 8PM to get the chance to learn more about the services offered at Catalyst while enjoying free snacks, beverages, carrousel rides, face paint, balloons, and more!
Coming Soon
Stay tuned to learn more about the Behavioral Health Urgent Care services that will be available at Catalyst in the following months. The Behavioral Health Urgent Care will allow for immediate access for initial assessments and brief, solution-focused counseling Monday through Saturday and two evenings per week, on a walk-in basis.
A Message From the CEO
Catalyst would like to thank you for your continued partnership and support of the agency. We are grateful for the trust you have given us to support the community in such critical ways. We wanted to inform you that last week, our agency completed a 3-day survey facilitated by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF). CARF is an international gold standard accreditation, in which our program standards are reviewed by professionals who determine if the agency is meeting over 3,000 key standards.
These standards look at many areas, including: Finance, Human Resources, IT, Health/Safety, Leadership, Governance, Vocational Services, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services and programming, Audiology and several other areas. We are proud to share that Catalyst received zero findings during this review, and were found to be 100 percent compliant with all standards. Our lead surveyor shared the rarity of an organization having zero findings, stating that “it is almost unheard of.” Our CARF surveyors stated “Staff at Catalyst are professional, caring, competent and take pride in their work.” The CARF surveyors referred to Catalyst as “the flagship organization in our area.” We are proud of our results and the quality services we provide to the community and so we felt it important to share this success with our partners, stake holders, and funding sources. We look forward to another year of serving the community.
What does CARF accreditation mean for the public?
For those being served, CARF accreditation means that the CARF-accredited service provider is committed to reducing risk, addressing health and safety concerns, respecting preferences of individuals (cultural or otherwise), and providing the best quality of care possible. It also shows that the accredited organization values the feedback and input of their clients and is accountable to the community. Accreditation demonstrates that a CARF-accredited service provider has made a specific commitment to put the needs of their residents at the center of everything they do and that they respect the rights and individuality of its clients.
The average individual waits 11 years to get mental health support and services. You don’t have to wait!
Call 419-756-1717 between 7:30am – 9:30am, Monday through Thursday, for Open Access! If you are in need of Mental Health or Substance Use Services, Open Access will allow you to be assessed by a Clinician that very same day!
To learn more about our Open Access hours click HERE.
Nicole Kimble, the Adult Mental Health Program Director, shares about the mental health services offered by Catalyst and why it is important to bring awareness to mental health during mental health month and beyond.
Wellness Wednesday
This event is open to the community and is entirely free! Come to the event if you are:
– Looking for mental health supports or desiring to maintain wellness – Curious about telehealth services – In need of support for family members – Interested in vocational services – Interested in substance use treatment options
Narcan Training: 12:45pm & 4:30pm **Dr. Bocka and Catalyst staff will be presenting hands on Narcan training with kit, answering questions about addiction, and providing hope.
Free COVID Vaccination Clinic: 12:00pm – 4:00pm **the vaccine clinic will have an ASL interpreter available for the entire time.
*Parking is in the back of the building. For questions or to RSVP for the Narcan training, call 419-774-6710
Open Interviews for Counselor Assistants
Catalyst Life Services is expanding their services and has increased opportunities for Counselor Assistants. These positions are ideal for individuals looking to grow in the field of mental health and drug and alcohol services. Under general supervision, the Counselor Assistant provides crisis intervention, phone services, initial access services and mental health/AOD assistance (including monitoring self-medications and daily living skills) to clients in our residential treatment facilities.
Our Counselor Assistants receive extensive training, coupled with hands on learning from highly experienced Counselors and Therapists. Training dollars available to assist individuals with obtaining their CDCA.
Full-time, 40 hour a week positions are available, as well as part-time positions. Shift differential is given for 2nd and 3rd shift as well as on the weekends. *Qualifications: High school diploma, auto insurance, and an Ohio driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required.
If you are interested but unable to attend either of the open interview slots you can call or email: Trena Jacobs @ 419-756-1717 trena@catalystlifeservices.org or Mandi Whitlatch @ 419-526-6102 mandi@catalystlifeservices.org
Mental Health for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Free Mental Health/AOD training opportunity on live webinar on the following dates: 5/7, 5/21, 6/4, 6/10, 6/25. The training, Providing Culturally Appropriate Mental Health Care to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals was made possible by a grant through the Ohio Department of Mental Health. This training has 6.5 CEU’s.
Community Support
Congratulations to our vocational department for once again being awarded the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) contract for youth services. These funds, totaling over $353,000, go toward helping youth with barriers reach their employment and educational goals.
We are so proud of our vocational department and all the amazing work they do!
Stay Safe Together
Catalyst staff wore blue to work on April 14th in support of April being National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Richland County Children Services theme this year is “Staying Safe Together”. The most important thing we can do to help children thrive is to support families before they reach a crisis.
The 30th Annual Catalyst Rehab Telethon was a huge success!
We went off-air at $115,000 and have now received more than $123,000 in pledges! We are so thankful to ALL who were involved!
30th Annual Catalyst Rehab Telethon raises over 123,000 and counting!
Click the image above to read about the success of the Telethon! Hear from the CEO of Catalyst, Laura Montgomery, as she shares how grateful she is to the community and to all who were involved!
Melissa talks about the power of collaboration and philanthropy as she reflects on the incredible success of the 30th Annual Catalyst Rehab Telethon.
Telethon Success Stories
Click to watch these amazing testimonies of strength and perseverance as each one of these clients came to Catalyst with a specific need and desire to be the best they could be.
Open Access
Call into Catalyst between 7:30am – 9:30am, Monday through Thursday, for Open Access! If you are in need of Mental Health or Substance Use Services, Open Access will allow you to be accessed by a Clinician that very same day!
Community Support
The 15th annual “Will Tube for Food” event to benefit Catalyst Life Services, was held at Snow Trails Vertical Descent Tubing Park during Glow Tubing on Wednesday, Jan. 20th. Click to read more about this successful event!
Click the image above to read about the passion and generosity of a woman, the collaboration of many and the power of a purse.
The 15th annual “Will Tube for Food” event to benefit Catalyst Life Services, was held at Snow Trails Vertical Descent Tubing Park during Glow Tubing on Wednesday, Jan. 20th.
Every person who participated in this event donated a non-perishable food item at check-in. Snow Trails also donated $5 from each tubing ticket purchased to further benefit Catalyst Life Services.
“We are excited to once again welcome families to Snow Trails for this great benefit,” said Nate Wolleson Marketing Manager. “We began this event back in 2006 when the Tubing Park first opened and really enjoy providing families a fun night out, while also making a charitable donation to give back to our local community,” he added.
The “Will Tube for Food” Annual Benefit was sold out quickly with a total of 400 tubers in 2-hour increments. Tubers had a fun-filled evening, boxes of non-perishable food items were contributed, and $2,000 was donated by Snow Trails to Catalyst Life Services. We are so grateful to Snow Trails for continuing to host this event and helping us to serve our community.
Ronni Gaines visited the New Beginnings women’s residential treatment facility, with the goal of blessing others. The women there were recipients of items and products that most people take for granted, as well as the knowledge that they are loved, and others care for them.
Ronni donated 18 beautiful purses filled to the brim with hygiene items, toiletries, and dental products. This idea came to her one day as she was reading a women’s magazine and saw a lady who had donated over 6,000 purses to individuals in need. Ronni wanted to be the difference and started to ask those around her if they would be able to help gather items. She put her idea up on Facebook and was met with enthusiasm and generosity as support started to pour in.
“I want to thank Dr. Marissa Miller, DDS from Shelby who donated all the dental hygiene items. The Avon lady, Connie Roub, donated some purses. Thank you to Theresa Cronenwett at Kuttin Korner, Jeanine Friebel at Dream Huge Realty, Jodie Friebel Gumbert at K & S Bent N Dent and Kathy Couts who also donated items.” Ronni said gratefully.
Many individuals collaborated to get these items to New Beginnings including ladies at a garage sale who heard what Ronni was doing and donated boxes of toothbrushes. So many individuals stepped up when the need was presented.
“It all started with my niece, Ashley Gaines who passed away from her heroin addiction. She was so young at age 22,” Ronni shares. “She was living on the street even though she had a home to live in. It’s hard to think of people who are struggling that way. I just want to do what I can.”
Ronni continues to find healing in helping others and even practices self-care by doing what she can for those in need. She admits that she feels the best, both physically and emotionally, when she is able to do things for others.
Elaine Surber, Executive Vice President & Director of Substance Use Disorder Services, is Ronni’s life-long friend. The preciousness of Ronni’s gift was even more impactful to Elaine as her and Ronni were able to reconnect after Ronnie reached out via social media to ask how she could help New Beginnings.
“This is the second time Ronni made a donation.” Elaine explains. “The first time she brought in beautiful clothes that brought great joy.” Elaine saw the effect of Ronni’s generous spirit first-hand as resident’s faces lit up when the gorgeous, professional clothing was distributed.
Mandi Whitlatch, Supervisor of Substance Use Disorder Residential Services shared, “Many times, New Beginnings is an afterthought and people give leftovers or unwanted items. Donations that are meaningful and are actually clothes they would choose to wear are very impactful.”
Mandi stated that the women liked these clothes so much, they even shared some outfits and had certain days assigned to wear them. These women were so excited for the opportunity to have something nice and something they were proud of. The clothes, purses, and the hygiene items made many women very happy and they have Ronni Gaines to thank for that.
Jen Lemon believes that art is an important component to the healing process involved in recovery from addiction. Because of this belief and her passion to help, she has and continues to donate art supplies to the New Beginnings II art group. This group is held every week at NBII, a female-specific Catalyst residential facility for addition recovery.
Jen shares,”I feel it is important to have the creativity and art in recovery so you can work through issues as you are creating. Art can be so uplifting and those in recovery have something to show and be proud of.”
The art supplies were donated partly through Fusion Church as well as ‘addiction recovery’ funds from the Charity Blitz at Black Iron Fitness in Lexington. Jen was able to purchase paints, canvases, and other art supplies for various art projects created every week.
“My son Nick loved to be creative and I know that helped him during his SUD,” shares Jen. “Unfortunately we lost him almost four year ago, so his love for art lives on. My hope for the clients is this helps on their road to recovery and opens doors for them as well.”
Olivia Pidgeon, a Catalyst Peer Supporter, has her own personal recovery story that equips her to support clients utilizing Catalyst treatment services.
“I believe that in order to truly find yourself, you need to step out of comfort zones that restrict you from growth,” Olivia says. “I did not discover art until I became sober. I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone and dive into a world of paint while I was in treatment. It was there, in my creativity, that I began to love myself and reveal my true potential.”
Olivia is currently the leader of the art group at New Beginnings II and uses the class as a tool to help clients express themselves in a variety of ways. This class has helped many individuals to work through trauma and the healing process in very special and impactful ways.
“We are so thankful for Jen and Fusion Church for their giving hearts. Jen has had a huge impact on my life personally and continues to touch every individual she interacts with,” Olivia beams.
Thank you Jen Lemon, for helping provide tools in the process of healing!
Jamie Starkey supervises adult and child case management staff and wanted to share:
“Case managers are an important part of our agency. They are the eyes, ears and voice in the community for our consumers. Case managers have continued to serve throughout this pandemic. They have made sure that our consumers have the things they need and continued to connect people to resources and agencies. Our case managers are one of many treatment team members at Catalyst and are out there helping every day. I think of case managers as the oil of the car- it is needed to run successfully.
My case workers are patient, kind, caring, good listeners, teachers, helpers, coordinators, and help people connect with crucial resources.”
Jamie Starkey, Case Manager Coordinator
Nicole Kimble supervises the ACT case management staff and would like to share:
“The case managers always go above and beyond going out in the community, being the needed support for clients and to assure their needs are met. The case managers truly care about those they serve and it shows in their work. I am so appreciative of all that they do and the great client care that they provide is a big part of the agency.”
Nicole Kimble, Adult Mental Health Program Director
Mandi Whitlatch and Deanna Roberts co-supervise the AOD case management staff and share:
“Our case managers are the consumers’ advocates in the community. While we developed a way for people to work from home, the case managers continued to take people into the community, shopping for them and providing daily supports to those on their caseloads. They have had to be very resourceful to meet the needs of the clients.”
– Mandi Whitlatch, SUD Residential Supervisor
“I don’t know if I can truly put into words and express the gratitude and appreciation I have for our case managers! They have selflessly continued to provide quality care and support for clients, taking them shopping in the community and ensuring that their other safety needs are meant during this time of uncertainty. For some clients the only support they have is their case manager. Thank you for your professionalism and dedication to the clients and agency.”
Tanya Haga supervises the Deaf Services Case Manager and shares:
“One of the unique services that Catalyst can provide is case management services for those who use American Sign Language as their first language. This allows for advocacy and community supports that also include access to services due to language difference and the need for sign language interpreters.”
The Catalyst Rehab Telethon first started in 1992 at WMFD TV. This year is the 30th annual Rehab Telethon! Over these past 29 years we have raised $2,498,016!
What is your role and how long have you been involved with the Telethon?
This will be the 6th year that I will be serving in the capacity as Chairperson for the Telethon – the last three years and I also had a stint of a similar time frame years before. In various capacities, be it fundraising, participating as a host and as a donor, I have been part of this event for at least the last fifteen years or so.
What made you choose to get involved/why are you passionate about this cause?
Providing critical physical and behavioral healthcare programs for our community has to be our number one priority, as we can bring about positive changes in the lives of so many. Catalyst Life Services plays a vital role in our area to provide much needed services.
How is this year different than previous years?
This year is special, it marks the 30th anniversary of this successful event. This year we will bring the community together virtually to allow for social distancing guidelines set by the state. It’s ironic, we are going to a taped, studio setting made possible by the great people at WMFD-TV, just like the first year back in 1992! We will still have entertainment and check presentations and community guests but it will be handled remotely or in some cases pre-recorded.
Why is donating to the Telethon more important this year than ever?
The need is ever greater, given the physiological and psychological toll the pandemic is taking on our daily lives. We hope this event will continue to help fill in the funding gaps for those in need especially this year as mental health concerns and substance use continues to rise during this uncertain time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is no greater feeling in this world than the satisfaction of helping others by giving generously! We are very appreciative to the longtime donors that have faithfully supported this long-standing event and look forward to attracting new donors this year.
The 30th Annual Catalyst Rehab Telethon is officially set for Saturday, February 6, 2021! Your help is needed now more than ever and we hope to make the 30th Anniversary of the Catalyst Rehab Telethon a great success! Since 1992, the Telethon has helped to ensure that The Rehab Center (now part of Catalyst Life Services) can continue to provide services to individuals in need throughout North Central Ohio. Since we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to eliminate the in person celebration at the Richland Mall this year but will continue the tradition as a televised production so you can still “Watch it Happen” on WMFD-TV all day from 11am -8pm. We will celebrate 30 years of the Catalyst Rehab Telethon and hope you will tune in! We would appreciate if you would keep us in mind as you plan for the year-end and/ or your 2021 charitable giving budget. As the need for our services increases during this uncertain time, your donation will have a huge impact on providing life changing benefits to those in need. You don’t have to wait until the Telethon – your contribution in any amount would be very appreciated. For your convenience, you may donate online by visiting www.catalystlifeservices.org/donate/.
Please contact Melissa Drozda at 419-774-6710 with any questions or if you would like to know about sponsorship opportunities!
A Catalyst Success
“Aveon is going to accomplish great things in life, especially with his mindset and determination. There is nothing he cannot do!” shares Employee Specialist, Taylor Salisbury. Taylor has been Aveon’s Employment Specialist since November 2019. She has helped to find several job opportunities for him and has continued to remind him of the great potential his future holds.
Aveon Grose is a client of Catalyst Life Services and started in the WIOA Program in June of 2019. He started the program with a mindset of wanting to better himself. Although he was only 15, we wanted to get a head start and learn how to earn and manage his own money.
“The WIOA program has opened me up to new opportunities, pushed me forward and helped prepare me for the future,”Aveon says.
Taylor Salisbury has worked to place Aveon on a worksite that would best fit his skills and interests. Aveon is currently working at the WIOA site: Black Belt Pro Fitness, a martial arts and fitness center. During the summer, Aveon participated in the Taekwondo program as a counselor. In this position, he taught young students the basics of Taekwondo. This experience helped him to look at things differently and he found himself working harder than he had before.
Aveon is now 16 and will be going into his junior year this school year. He has already been offered several college scholarships for football. Aveon shares that he is still considering these different college offers, but knows, no matter where he ends up, he will become a physical therapist. He desires to help other athletes and possibly act in the role of a Trainer.
Aveon is currently in Driver’s Education, working to obtain his driver’s license. His schedule is also filled with football practices and games as well as track and basketball. Although his load is heavy, he has still managed to receive satisfactory grades in his high school classes. He also continues to meet with his employee specialist, Taylor Salisbury to stay on track to reach his goals.
Aveon shares that the WIOA program has helped to shape and prepare him for the future. For those students who share the same desire as Aveon and want more for themselves, he encourages them to be the best they can be. “Continue to wake up every day, keep working and strive for better things,” Aveon says encouragingly.
No matter what the future holds for Aveon, his determination and hard-work are bound to push him toward success and endless potential. And for those around him, may they see his example, believe in themselves and work for their dreams.
Holiday Tips
Click the image above to hear from the Director of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services, Tanya Haga. She shares many tips on how to gather safely for the holidays and better include individuals with hearing loss.
Helping Kids Cope with the Holidays During a Pandemic
This has definitely been a strange and stressful year for kids and families. The upcoming holidays are likely to be particularly challenging. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:
1. Make your plans in advance, if possible, and tell your kids what’s happening, when and why. Kids can adjust to lots of changes, but uncertainty and indecision increases stress and anxiety.
2. Try and retain as many traditions as possible, even if in a modified form. Make an extra effort to connect by phone, Zoom or FaceTime with friends and relatives you’d normally see.
3. Consider cooking familiar dishes from past celebrations.
4. Make sure kids understand why this year is different and why people aren’t traveling as much as usual. Gear your explanations to their age and developmental level using words and concepts they can understand.
5. If kids get moody or frustrated, acknowledge their feelings in an open, honest and consistent manner. Let them know that lots of people are working hard to bring the pandemic to an end as quickly as possible and that they will be able to travel for the holidays and visit relatives at some time in the future.
*Tips created by David Fassler, MD, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
The Executive Director, Erin Schaefer, shares some tips on how to stay mentally healthy during the holidays which can be a very stressful time for many.
*To find out more about help and hope for the holidays you can view a video created by the KnowitB4uneedit Campaign HERE.
“This group works together as a team to oversee compliance areas at the agency. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all that they do!”
– Denise Carson, Performance Improvement Director, Catalyst Life Services
Community Support
Thank you to the Women’s Fund for supporting our Women’s Residential Treatment Program. Support for this program was provided by a grant from the Richland County Foundation. The mission of the Richland County Foundation is to improve and enhance the quality of life in Richland County through strategic philanthropy and community leadership.
Additionally we would like to thank the following individuals:
Norm Shoemaker and Carl Neutzling on behalf of the Mid Ohio Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, for their donation of 2 picnic tables.
Jai Merina for her donation of 2 picnic tables.
Kyle Bierly for her donation of new heavy duty bird feeders and bird seed.
Eat for the Cause
Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 5th, 4-8pm!
By eating at Chipotle, you can support our cause! Simply show them a virtual or paper copy of the flyer below or simply mention you are eating to support Catalyst Life Services! We will receive 33% of the proceeds!
Mark your Calendars!
Richland Gives is a time of community collaboration as individuals and businesses come together to support the mission and work of Richland County non-profits.
You can view our page and donate to Catalyst Life Services HERE.
