Helen De Wolf shows off art work produced at SIDE, a local peer support center, a first year beneficiary
Illnesses that affect the brain and cause emotional symptoms are very frequently diagnosed in our country. While many people think that these problems can be disabling for a lifetime, recovery can often be found by recreating a self-identity and building solid relationships. Current advocacy approaches by people who have themselves recovered from these diagnoses are working towards a wellness solution for emotional difficulties. This means finding and building healthy support, stress management, housing, family life, employment, and recreation outlets in a person’s life that can make a huge difference in both emotional and physical health.
Another essential element of understanding emotional difficulties is seeing the role of trauma in people’s lives. This can be any experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to fight or flight, and causes powerlessness. Many studies have shown that 60- 90% of people involved with the mental health system have experienced trauma, and by some definitions, the mental health diagnosis itself is a trauma experience. Addressing people’s trauma experiences by allowing emotions to be truly felt and teaching self-soothing strategies can be extremely helpful.
We invite grant proposals from organizations that work from a recovery perspective using trauma-informed care. We also seek organizations that involve recovery advocates in the planning and delivery of services. Our funding priorities include but are not limited to:
Miss Betty Bables from SIDE shows off her second place medal from the Car-Free Challenge. In addition to SIDE's artroom, the agency promotes wellness with many different groups and activities
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Education, awareness, and outreach for people not receiving adequate mental health services
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Integration of physical wellness and mental wellness
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Increasing participation of people with mental illness in community events that encourage recovery
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Peer support, role modeling, and other consumer-provided services
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Encouraging creative expression as a part of recovery
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Advocacy for permanent supportive housing and other community-based living
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Non-medication strategies for self-support
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Education about effective use of evidence-based medicine in recovery
Our grants are usually $2500, with the total number of grants available depending on funds raised during the charity rides. In 2010 we awarded four grants and in 2011 we awarded five due the generosity of an anonymous donor who provided matching funds for an additional grant. Applications are available in last winter and early spring. Check back with our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed get notified of the next funding cycle.
