Getting Involved and Trying Something New Breaking patterns of isolation and socialization are essential to mental health recovery. Thomas M. Wernert Center (TMWC) encourages members to get involved and try something new. TMWC is a peer support center that offers a variety of programs and activities to support adults living with mental illness. The center, located at 208 W. Woodruff Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Each week, members of TMWC connect in the large clubroom area, conversing over card games, puzzles, or just hanging out. Daily activities include Peer Enrichment Program (PEP) classes and support meetings, group activities, and outings in the community. TMWC campus also has a fi tness room, art studio, and computer lab for peers interested in art, exercise, and technology. Each department is instructed by a specialized peer coordinator. Members are encouraged to be active in everything of interest. The Frank W. Lynch and Roberta Jane Lynch, MSW Art Studio is a creative space to express yourself through a variety of art forms. The computer lab offers more than 15 computers to help members improve basic computer skills, access the internet for research and resources, or just browse the web. The Eigensee Family Fitness Room has cardio machines, strength training and stretching equipment, and a SMARTfi t machine. Those looking to learn more about wellness and recovery may be interested in the Peer Enrichment Program (PEP). All members are welcome to participate in any of the support groups offered, including Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) and Emotions Photo Credit: Anne Grady Group Serving a World with Exceptionalities By Julia Hage There is a beautiful thing to the world of individuals with exceptionalities. It can be very easy to encounter someone with a disability and immediately make assumptions about them and their abilities. When you sit in the thought that each human deserves space to be themselves, that is where society can move biases aside and allow the individual to fl ourish. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with individuals with exceptionalities my entire life. From both my parents working in the fi eld of special education, to having an Aunt with cognitive disabilities living with us as I grew up, I have had exposure and immersive experiences allowing me to learn about the incredible abilities of individuals with exceptionalities. Some of the most intelligent, funny, personable people I’ve ever known have been individuals that society puts into the category of being disabled. It is easy for society to see their unique qualities and see those as a disadvantage. As each individual’s accommodations are different, society has been quick to label this as an annoyance, nuisance, or inconvenience. If we looked at individuals with exceptionalities as humans, we might begin to see that in fact every human has needs and accommodations to live their life to the fullest. Creating an equitable life for all should be our societal goal. Recently, I have had the opportunity to begin work at Anne Grady Services. I made this move in my career as I could see the immediate impact my work could have on the lives of our individuals. Anne Grady has been serving individuals with intellectual disabilities with dignity and respect since 1982. As the organization is in its 40th year of service, the continuous work to expand opportunities for individuals and provide the highest quality of life has stayed a priority. When thinking about the individuals served at Anne Grady, I think about one of my newest friends. Tom Rich, an individual who has cerebral palsy, has been a client of Anne Grady’s for 6 years. With this, Tom is also an employee of Anne Grady’s as our Ambassador. Tom has spoken at multiple community events, has sang the National Anthem at a Toledo Mud Hens game, and has recently written a book about his life titled “Live Life Rich”. Tom is a perfect example of appropriate accommodations creating space for him to utilize his natural talents and thrive. In his book, Tom mentions “My disability is real. But don’t think I am not a full person. Everyone has a disability, some you see, some you don’t”. When asked about the hardest thing about his disability he stated that the acceptance of or from others is extremely diffi cult. “People miss out if they do not know someone with a disability. Some people don’t know how to interact with us. They think they must sugar coat everything”. Tom is a brilliant Photo Credit:Thomas M. Wernert Center Page 4 and kind individual, he notes in his book “treat people with respect and dignity. Let people into your life”. Notice that in this statement, Tom never says treat individuals with exceptionalities, he says treat people. Individuals who live their lives with exceptionalities are just people living their lives. When we give every individual in our life the individualized keys for success, we give them power, we give them a voice, and we create equity. As Tom says “My goal is to make people aware that people who have disabilities are productive, equal, and strong” – “Do not look at me, do not look at us like we don’t matter. Even though we may be in a wheelchair… we matter” – “I have no limitations. This chair does not defi ne me or confi ne me”. Tom agrees that people who have disabilities need help but his answer to this is that everyone needs help. “If someone says they don’t need help, that are not being honest”. Individuals like Tom are a good reminder to everyone that a person is a person, no matter their abilities, their disabilities, or their exceptionalities. Be a human, always. Be kind, be thoughtful, be understanding. You just might have your life changed for the better if you do. Matter. Peer support staff teach classes on topics such as Mental Health Literacy, Wellness Management, Diabetes Support, and more. Classes are once a week, for two hours, and are usually an 8 to 10 week commitment. Different groups and courses encourage and expand all walks of recovery. To be a member at TMWC, you must be 18 years or older, live in Lucas County, have a mental health diagnosis, and are receiving mental health services. Are you or someone you know ready to begin or expand your mental health recovery? To learn more, call 419-242-3000 and ask about membership. Photo Credit: Ed Conn Julia Hage is the Mission Advancement Associate at Anne Grady Services
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