Announcements - North Country Community Mental Health

Important DD v. MDHHS Update

Trenton Lee — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:55:22 +0000

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has received preliminary court approval for the settlement of litigation alleging that medically necessary intensive home and community-based services were not timely provided to Medicaid-eligible children and youth as required by Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) provisions. This litigation is known as DD v. MDHHS; formerly known as KB v. MDHHS.

The Class Action Notice, which outlines a summary of the settlement’s terms, as well as the full Agreement, can be found on the MDHHS website. Class members include all Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries under the age of 21 in the State of Michigan for whom a licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within the scope of practice under state law has determined, through an assessment, that intensive home and community-based services are needed to correct or ameliorate their emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric condition.

As a recipient of this communication, MDHHS requests that you take appropriate action to share the Class Action Notice and full Agreement on your organization’s website; with your provider networks, if applicable based on your agency; and via any other venue determined appropriate to notify potential class members and other persons who may be interested in the outcomes of the settlement.

MDHHS is happy to schedule an informational session, as requested, to address questions about the impact of this settlement.

Questions or requests for an informational session can be directed to MDHHS-BCCHPS-Questions@michigan.gov.

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North Country Community Mental Health 2022 Annual Report

Trenton Lee — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:16:46 +0000

Click here to see the 2022 Annual Report.

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2022 CARF Report

norcocmh — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:40:11 +0000

A correction has been requested to reflect the accurate organizational leadership as of November 2022 as follows: Brian Babbitt, Chief Executive Officer, Amy Christie, Chief Clinical Officer; Kim Rappleyea, Chief Operating Officer; Joseph Balberde, Chief Information Officer; Ann Friend, Director of Finance.

Accreditation Report CARF 22

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NCCMH Plans Array of Family-Friendly Events Across Northern Michigan to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

norcocmh — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:51:00 +0000

North Country Community Mental Health is promoting Mental Health Awareness Month with activities each week in May. “Look Around, Look Within” is this year’s theme for North Country’s Mental Health Awareness Month activities to recognize the effects of our natural and built-in environment on our mental health and to learn ways to protect and strengthen our well-being.

“From your neighbourhood to your genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to your mental health. We encourage everyone to consider how the world around you affects your mental health,” said Amy Christie, Chief Clinical Officer at North Country Community Mental Health. “Your surroundings can impact if, how, and when your needs are met, which in turn affects your mental health.”

“This Mental Health Month, we are offering an array of activities with the aim to increase the community conversation about the connections between our physical and mental health and environment, how to build our resilience, and how to access help when needed,” Christie said. “You can take steps to change your space and protect your mental health.”

North Country CMH has planned the following activities during the month of May:

23^rd Annual Splash of Color Fun Run & Walk for Mental Health Awareness

Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. at the Festival Pavilion behind the Fire Station in downtown Petoskey. This fun event celebrates mental health and increases awareness of mental health issues during Mental Health Awareness Month. Participants may pre-register at www.eventbrite.com. The cost is $25 per person which includes the Run/Walk, T-shirt, swag bag, paint packet, and a chance to win door prizes. People may participate for free if they do not want a T-shirt and may receive a swag bag, with advance registration. Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more. Race day registration and packet pick up will be available at Festival Park (Behind City Hall), in Petoskey, beginning at 9:00 a.m. the day of the event. The COLOR RUN begins at 10:00 a.m. The colourful 5K course starts at Festival Pavilion behind the Fire Station and goes through the Bear River Recreation Area. This is a fun run, where you will experience colour splatter stations along the route to get your colour on. The WALK begins with a big splash of colour at 10:30 a.m. The course will begin at the Festival Pavilion Shelter, cross the Bear River at the Bayfront, follow Lake Street to M-31, and through Memorial Park towards Wachtel Avenue, returning to Festival Pavilion Shelter. Proceeds benefit the NCCMH Client Special Needs Fund. Questions? Call Nancy at 231-429-1228. This is a spectacular event!

RSVP on Facebook at fb.me/e/27sisNAY3

Donate directly to the Client Special Needs Fund at tinyurl.com/yy4rnzsn

PhotoVoice Inclusion and Statewide Traveling Art Show

May 1-31 – Charlevoix Public Library, 220 W Clinton

May 1-8 – Antrim County Building, 203 E Cayuga St

May 9-14 – Petoskey District Library, 500 E Mitchell St

May 15-21 – Cheboygan Area Public Library, 100 S Bailey St

May 22-31 – Otsego County Library, 700 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord

Libraries and public offices are partnering with North Country CMH to present the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan’s “Creative Minds Changing Minds” exhibit featuring 15 winning pieces selected from consumer art contests across Michigan and feature a painting from Petoskey resident Will Sanderson and East Jordan resident Tamara Wilson. Additionally, the exhibit will include images created by NCCMH clients who attended a PhotoVoice class at New Horizons Clubhouse in Rapid City and Petoskey Club in Petoskey. PhotoVoice is a process used to highlight people whose voices and perspectives may often go unheard and overlooked and is comprised of photos and words used to highlight the experience of the person with mental illness. Their exhibit is entitled, “I Am Right Here: See Me for Who I Am, Not What I Have.” A Youth PhotoVoice exhibit, “Through Our Eyes,” created by students across the region through the Northwest Community Health Innovation Region, is also included in some of the displays.

According to Deb Freed, NCCMH event organizer and PhotoVoice instructor, the exhibit has two goals. One is to help de-stigmatize mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders by showcasing the talents of people who use community mental health services. Secondly, the exhibit aims to highlight the recovery potential of the arts. “Art helps change attitudes while enriching people’s lives. For hundreds of years, great artists, musicians, and writers with mental health issues have created beautiful masterpieces to share with the world. We are pleased to present this show of Michigan and local artists who have used art to further their recovery and build life skills. The local PhotoVoice artists aim to give hope to those whose recovery journeys will come after theirs and encourage people struggling with their mental health to reach out for help.” They selected ‘I Am Right Here’ as the theme of the show and want people to know that they are much more than their diagnosis.”

Free Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training for the Community

During May, the Youth Mental Health First Aid class is May 4 and 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The adult class is on May 11 and 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to register using the links below. The courses are split into two half days and offered virtually to increase the number of people who may be able to receive this training and increase the capacity of our community to respond appropriately to people we know who may be experiencing a mental health issue.

Adult MHFA – tinyurl.com/yf8sjk3s

Youth MHFA – tinyurl.com/2p8thff4

Mental Health First Aid is a ground-breaking, evidence-based training program for community members interested in learning to recognize and diffuse mental health crises. Participants learn how to help an individual until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves. The youth-specific Mental Health First Aid class is especially valuable for educators, school administrators, school counsellors, members of faith communities, homeless shelter staff and volunteers, health care workers, police and other first responders, social workers, policymakers and family members of people with mental health challenges. NCCMH will offer Mental Health First Aid training quarterly. If you work at an organization in NCCMH’s six counties and are interested in organizing a special Mental Health First Aid Training for your staff, please inquire by emailing us at NCCMHTraining@norcocmh.org.

Tools4Resilience Virtual Education Series

Leading mental health agencies Northern Lakes Community Mental Health and North Country Community Mental Health are collaborating to offer a free virtual education series in May focused on the theme #Tools4Resilience.

The series provides valuable insights and practical strategies for promoting mental health and self-care and is open to anyone interested in learning more about mental health issues and techniques for building resilience.

The series features webinars every Thursday and most Tuesdays throughout May from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Mental health professionals from both organizations, as well as the Northern Michigan Regional Entity (NMRE), will share practical tips and techniques, insights into specific mental health issues, and strategies for promoting self-care. After each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the speakers and will receive access to myStrength, a free self-help health and wellness app.

The #Tools4Resilience offerings include:

May 4: Letting go of the heavy backpack: working through difficult situations. Learn how to communicate in a positive way to help others. Learn techniques on how to handle situations where people might become angry, or behaviours escalate.

May 9: Navigating conflict resolution. Skills and tips to practice to positively and constructively communicate with people in your work or personal life.

May 11: A DOSE of life. Increase and balance your happy hormones to become more resilient by taking control and living your life!

May 16: Developing cultural intelligence. Gain an inside view of individual bias to increase understanding and for personal development.

May 18: Strong foundation, bright futures: building a healthy tomorrow. An overview of the parent-infant relationship and its impact on mental health, well-being, and resiliency.

May 23: Trying to keep yourself safe online. A roundtable discussion on ways to thwart common techniques scammers uses to steal our financial and personal data.

May 25: Health is our wealth. Choices to holistically integrate your physical and mental health in order to achieve optimal health. Techniques to advocate for yourself with a primary care provider, food as medicine, and more!

**Free showing of the movie Driving Miss Daisy at the Petoskey Friendship Center and presentation on mental health and aging**

Friday, May 19, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Petoskey Friendship Center Library (1322 Anderson Rd, Petoskey). This 1989 story starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy depicts Daisy, a 72-year-old retired schoolteacher who is determined to maintain her independence. When she is unable to drive her car following an accident, her son Boolie arranges for her to have a chauffeur named Hoke Colburn. Despite a rocky start, Daisy and Hoke’s relationship builds into a close friendship over the years. This film was a commercial success, receiving four awards at the 62nd Academy Awards.

Community-Based Events

In addition, staff from each NCCMH office are planning special community-based events:

- Bellaire – Bridge Walk to Wellness – Begins at the trailhead by the Health Department and ends by the Village Police Department. – Join us in a walk of the bridges in Bellaire and receive a gift. Call 231-533-8619 with questions. Wednesday, May 17, 1:00 p.m.

- Charlevoix – Mental Health Rocks! – NCCMH Charlevoix Office at 6250 M-66N – This is a day of fun family-friendly activities around the theme of our physical surroundings. We will plant community veggies and sensory gardens, paint the Mental Health Community Boulder, experience a mindfulness nature walk, put together sensory boxes, paint rocks with positive messages, and enjoy snacks. Call 231-547-5885 with questions. Thursday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

- Gaylord – Otsego County Community Garden – Participants are invited to help clean and beautify our outdoor surroundings including helping the conservation office to clean up the pathways. There will be a station for kids to decorate pots and plant seedlings. At 4:00 p.m., Mr. Jack Chambers will give a presentation on the Four Sacred Medicines (plants) in the garden’s amphitheatre. Mr. Chambers is a Tribal Elder, combat Marine Veteran, and Traditional Healer from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Thursday, May 18 – 3:00-6:00 p.m.

- Kalkaska – Sensory Stroll – Along the Stroll participants will learn how using our senses in our environment can help to calm our mind and body. Information will be provided on coping/calming skills along with an activity to create your own tool kit. This will be a walk around the fairgrounds path, near the Kaliseum, in Kalkaska. Participants will be able to create a sensory tool kit on their walk by stopping at each check station to learn about coping and calming skills related to their senses. Stations will include an activity station for the following: Sight: having various photos/postcards of places and things such as nature, animals, etc. and information on playing games like Eye Spy and how what we see in our environment can help us calm; Sound: Music/sound station where they can create a rain stick and listen to live music performed by Darrell Boger; Touch: where they can explore other tactile textures and play in the dirt and plant a small plant; Smell: where they can create an essential oils roller or scented slime and learn about calming scents; Taste: where refreshments will be available – Sunday, May 21 – 1:00-4:00 p.m.

- Cheboygan – May Day Mindfulness – at North Central State Trailhead on South Western Ave, across from Faith Baptist Church – with family-friendly activities, including a mindfulness scavenger hunt, writing inspiration letters to yourself, mental health education, and a gardening kit giveaway. There will be fun door prizes, and snacks and drinks available. Come join us and learn how to avoid a May Day Crisis of your own. Saturday, May 27, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

- Petoskey – Rock Your Mental Health – at Festival Square, 200 Watchel St., Petoskey – Join us for a rock painting event to promote a positive mental health environment. “Pick it, Paint it, Place it (or take it home). Rocks and all painting supplies and snacks will be provided. Wear your painting clothes. – Tuesday, May 30 – 1:00-4:00 p.m.

North Country Community Mental Health provides services to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska and Otsego Counties experiencing a serious mental illness, severe emotional problem, or intellectual/developmental disability, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder. With a team of highly trained professionals, NCCMH offers a range of crisis intervention, outpatient, and home- and community-based services and supports.

Persons wishing to know more about North Country Community Mental Health are encouraged to visit www.norcocmh.org or to access services call 877-470-7130. For 24/7 crisis intervention call 877-470-4668.

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North Country CMH Commends Outgoing Board Members

norcocmh — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 04:47:00 +0000

North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) recently recognized four members of its Board of Directors whose terms of service have ended.

Board Chair Ed Ginop presented special resolutions to Paul Liss, Robert Draves, and Christian Marcus at the NCCMH December meeting for fulfilling their roles with distinction and dedication. Katina Banko was not present and received the resolution after the meeting.

Paul Liss served on the NCCMH Board for fourteen years, having been appointed by the Otsego County Board of Commissioners in 2009. He served on the Finance Committee and Executive Committee, and as Chair of the Personnel Committee.

Christian Marcus served on the NCCMH Board for ten years and was appointed by the Antrim County Board of Commissioners in 2013. In addition to serving as Chair of the Finance Committee, he also represented NCCMH on the Northern Michigan Regional Entity Board of Directors for three years.

Robert Draves was appointed to the NCCMH Board in 2019 by the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners and served through December 2022. In addition to serving on the NCCMH Board, Draves also represented NCCMH on the Northern Michigan Regional Entity Substance Use Disorder Oversight Board.

Katina Banko was appointed to the NCCMH Board by the Kalkaska County Board of Commissioners in 2021 and served on the Finance Committee.

NCCMH provides services to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska, and Otsego Counties experiencing a serious mental illness, severe emotional problem, or intellectual/developmental disability, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder.

There are fourteen board members on the NCCMH Board of Directors who represent the six counties served by NCCMH. They are County Commissioners or appointees of their County Board of Commissions. The County Commissions will be appointing four people to replace the outgoing NCCMH board members.

In addition, there are two vacancies, one in each of Charlevoix and Kalkaska Counties. If you are a resident of Charlevoix or Kalkaska County and are interested in supporting NCCMH programs, services, and clients by serving on the NCCMH Board of Directors as an appointed county representative, please contact your Board of Commissions.

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NCCMH Trains First Responders

norcocmh — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:40:00 +0000

Critical Incidents, such as natural disasters, accidents or shootings, can have devastating impacts on the people involved as well as the helpers who assist them afterward. Helping people cope with critical incidents and psychological harm was the topic of a special training provided recently by NCCMH to two dozen first responders.

First responders, EMS, fire, law enforcement, and hospital emergency department staff joined NCCMH staff in intensive learning with Susan Elben, MSW, LMSW, an instructor for International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc (ICISF), over three days at the Gaylord/Kirkland University Center.

The class, sometimes referred to as psychological first aid, was designed for people without formal training in mental health, as well as mental health professionals, who desire to increase their knowledge of individual and group crisis intervention techniques in order to be better prepared to help their communities.

Amy Christie, NCCMH Chief Clinical Officer explained why NCCMH sponsored the training, which they offered to community partners at no cost: “We planned this training to increase our community’s preparedness to deal with critical incidents. As we all responded to the Gaylord tornado last fall, when many people were traumatized, we needed ‘all hands-on deck’ to help. On-scene help was needed and peoples’ needs continued long after the event itself. Luckily, in our small communities, people rally together and do what they can. In the aftermath, we may need some psychological first aid too, to help deal with the trauma emotionally. Too, in small communities such as ours, the helpers themselves often also experience trauma because they may know or be related to the people involved. The three-day course prepared participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services, including pre- and post-incident crisis education, on-scene support, support for significant others, demobilizations after large scale traumatic incidents, and small group defusings,” Christie explained.

“The training offered positive opportunities for collaboration for future partnerships as well as increased knowledge of mental health issues and concerns within our communities,” Christie added.

Bill Drollinger said, “As Chief of Police for the Bellaire Police Department and Assistant Chief of the Bellaire District Fire Department, I had the opportunity to attend the Crisis Intervention Stress Debriefing Training. This training is designed to assist Front Line Emergency Service Personal to deal with traumatic events. Most Emergency Service Personnel are reluctant to talk about tragic events and research has shown that early debriefing can help with mental health concerns. Crisis Intervention Stress Debriefing is a very important step in Emergency Services to assist in the health and well-being of First Responders.”

Susan Elben, MSW, LMSW, instructor for International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc (ICISF)

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NCCMH Receives Full CARF Accreditation

norcocmh — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:32:00 +0000

North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) received notice that they were awarded another Three-Year Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) after their site visit November 2-4, 2022. This is the sixth three-year accreditation the international accrediting body has awarded to NCCMH.

This accreditation outcome represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the standards established by CARF.

“I am very pleased with the excellent results of the CARF survey and proud of the team of talented professionals delivering quality services to our community,” said Brian Babbitt, NCCMH Chief Executive Officer. “What stood out to me during the exit interview is the recognition by all three seasoned surveyors of the strength of the team, their dedication, the teamwork, the positive attitudes, and the focus on those we serve. North County was credited with being in the top 10% of programs they surveyed and our children’s services were in the top 1%.”

The report noted many areas of strength, including the dedication, compassion, and strong, positive attitude of staff and staff commitment to the people they serve.

Especially noted were NCCMH’s partnerships with the community and local law enforcement, the medical director, the two “excellently organized” Clubhouse programs in Petoskey and Rapid City, the assertive community service (ACT) team, the emergency/crisis intervention team, and children and family services. The outpatient treatment and case management programs in each of the six counties served by NCCMH were noted, which “provide an exceptional depth and scope of clinical services to children, adolescents, and families, including infant mental health services, parent support partner services, and home-based services to support children and families across the lifespan.”

In addition, surveyors found it notable that NCCMH won the prestigious Mental Health America Platinum Bell Seal Award for its commitment to providing a mentally healthy workforce at the platinum (highest) level.

Programs surveyed were Assertive Community Treatment, Case Management/Services Coordination, Community Integration, Crisis Intervention, and Outpatient Treatment.

An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality.

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Our Kalkaska Office is Moving!

norcocmh — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:25:16 +0000

NCCMH Kalkaska will serve clients remotely starting August 22nd, until we have settled into our new office on Monday, August 29th. The new office will be located at 515 S. Birch St.

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Charlevoix County First Responders Guide for Behavioral Interventions

norcocmh — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:12:51 +0000

The purpose of the First Responder’s Guide for Behavioral Interventions is to provide community partners with a clear outline of rules, processes, and procedures when responding to behavioral health related emergencies, especially when it intersects with the criminal justice system.

The Guide identifies which agencies the procedure or process applies
to and, at each step, assigns responsibility for the task(s).

Click the Cover Image to download the Digital Copy.

Form Index

Protected Personal Identifying Information MC 97 (Click here)
Addendum to Protected Personal Identifying Information MC97a (Click here)
Petition for Mental Health Treatment PCM 201 (Click here)
Clinical Certificate PCM 208 (Click here)
Adult Formal Voluntary Admission Application DCH-0086 (Click here)
Notification of Noncompliance and Request for Modified Order PCM 230 (Click here)
Order for Report After Notification and Report PCM 231 (Click here)
Order to Modify Order for Assisted Outpatient Treatment or Combined Hospitalization and Assisted Outpatient Treatment PCM 217a (Click here)
Demand for Hearing PCM 236 (Click here)
Letters of Guardianship PC 633 (Click here)
Letters of Guardianship of Individual with Developmental Disability PC 662 (Click here)
Pick Up Orders for Minors: Petition PCM 240m (Click here)
Order Regarding Transport of Minor PCM240o (Click here)
Petition for Continued Hospitalization of a Minor PCM 237 (Click here)
Petition for Judicial Admission PCM 224 (Click here)
Order and Report on Alternative Mental Health Treatment PCM 216 (Click here)
Notice of Hearing PCM 212 (Click here)
Notice of Hearing PC 562 (Click here)
Proof of Service PC 564 (Click here)
Order for Adjournment MC 309 (Click here)
Request to Defer PCM 235 (Click here)
Second Mental Health Treatment Order PCM 218 (Click here)
Petition for Continuing Treatment Order PCM 218a (Click here)
Notice of Hospitalization and Certificate of Service PCM 211 (Click here)
Initial Order After Hearing on Petition for Mental Health Treatment PCM 214 (Click here)
Petition and Order to Change Venue PC 608o (Click here)
Six-Month Review Report PCM 226 (Click here)
Petition for Discharge from Continuing Treatment PCM 220 (Click here)
Order to Modify Order for Assisted Outpatient Treatment or Combined Hospitalization and Assisted Outpatient Treatment PCM217a (Click here)
Notification of Noncompliance PCM 230 (Click here)
Order for Report after Notification and Report PCM 231 (Click here)
An Order after Notice of Non-Compliance with Assisted Outpatient Treatment or Combined order PCM 244 (Click here)
Second Order for Mental Health Treatment PCM 219 (Click here)
Continuing Order for Mental Health Treatment PCM 219a (Click here)

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Game Realm and Petoskey Club Members Honored at Lansing Employment Event

norcocmh — Thu, 19 May 2022 18:47:24 +0000

Twelve companies were recognized at Michigan’s State Capitol during Mental Health Awareness Month for diversifying their workforce by employing adults who have mental illness, with the support of Clubhouse programs across Michigan. The event was organized by Clubhouse Michigan, a coalition of Clubhouses dedicated to serving adults with mental illness in every area of the state. Michigan Senators and State Legislators presented awards to the companies in recognition of their commitment and leadership in helping people who have mental health challenges obtain employment, thus helping to dispel the stigma of mental illness, which is so often an obstacle to full recovery and community integration. The awards were presented in front of a crowd of over 100 people, including Clubhouse member workers, their employers, Clubhouse staff and their state legislators.

Samantha Sprague, owner of the Game Realm in Petoskey, was present to receive an award, along with two of Petoskey Club’s members who work at Game Realm, Catherine Rubino and Kandyce Alworden.

What makes the award to Sprague especially meaningful, according to Jama Moffett, Petoskey Club Director, is that “Samantha is a previous member of the Petoskey Club who went on to start her own business and is now helping others on their way as well.”

After receiving the award, Sprague shared the following sentiment, “I was a little hesitant to accept the award because I didn’t do this for recognition. When I was at Petoskey Club they helped me to open up and gave me the courage to open my own business. I can’t say thank you enough for all Petoskey Club has done for me and for others, and I’m really glad that I can do this small thing to help other people.”

Rubino, one of the Petoskey Club members who works at the Game Realm, said, “I would like to thank Samantha and the Game Realm for giving me the chance to grow as a person. During my time employed at Game Realm, my self-confidence and sense of worth have increased in many significant ways. I have learned a lot about myself by being a part of the team. This experience continues to make me a better person.”

Alworden, who was the first Transitional Employment (TE) worker at Game Realm, and now maintains an ongoing Supported Employment (SE) position there, helped train Rubino for the TE job. Alworden said that “Working at the Realm has been a learning experience with doing more in-depth sorting and filing, which has given me the confidence to take on additional responsibilities and has helped me to be less afraid to speak with people.”

Moffett noted, “Employment is a powerful tool for recovery for people challenged by living with a mental illness. Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, some employers are initially hesitant to hire our clients until they understand that our partnership is a win-win endeavor. At this event, we honor forward thinking employers who have looked past preconceptions to learn what our program supports can do to foster success. They’ve hired our Clubhouse members, found that they are willing and dependable employees, and are a positive example to other employers, demonstrating that our members make great employees, and our program is here to back them up.”

Clubhouses are comprehensive rehabilitation, recovery and support centers for people recovering from mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression and anxiety disorders to live successfully in their communities. Clubhouse members choose to volunteer their time and talents to run the Clubhouse while working side by side with staff colleagues, which is inherently rehabilitative and fosters recovery. Many members become interested in paid employment, and so the Clubhouse provides Transitional Employment and Supported Employment opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. In Transitional Employment, members work for six to nine months and receive training and absence coverage is provided by the Clubhouse staff Placement Managers. In Supported Employment, an established connection between the Clubhouse and the employer helps the member get the job, with optional training offered, as well as ongoing support being available. Estimates put Clubhouse members’ combined earnings at nearly $2.7 million per year in Michigan.

Moffett added, “There are more than 200 Clubhouses in the United States that support over 45,000 adults in their recovery. We are blessed to have over 40 clubhouses right here in Michigan, more than any other state.”

Petoskey Club is a program of North Country Community Mental Health. If you would like to learn more about the Petoskey Club, please contact Jama Moffett, Director, at 231-347-1786.

Courtney Wilber (Petoskey Club Placement Manager; Kandyce Alworden (Supported Employment Clubhouse Member); Samantha Sprague (Employer and former Clubhouse member – Owner of Game Realm); Catherine Rubino (Transitional Employment Clubhouse Member)

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