By Luke Sikinyi and the NYAPRS Cultural Competence Committee (March 10, 2023)
Helen “Skip” Skipper, Executive Director of the New York City Justice Peer Initiative (JPI)
As we continue to highlight women leaders of color in mental health and peer movements, we are happy to share our next leader featured in the Black Movement History Leaders exhibit: Executive Director of the New York City Justice Peer Initiative (JPI) and NYAPRS New York City Regional Coordinator, Helen “Skip” Skipper! Read below to see a snapshot of Skip’s work and learn more about the project.
This series is in response to a project from the Wildflower Alliance highlighting often overlooked leaders within various mental health movements. The Black Movement History Leaders: Past & Present exhibit is both a way to publicly recognize these leaders’ great work as well as a call to develop and lift more emerging leaders of color. In the spirit of Women’s history month, we plan to use the remaining days in March to highlight women of color who have been trailblazers in overlapping movements.
There have been and continue to be many powerful Black leaders within this movement who too often are made less visible by a society that still finds it easier and more automatic to lift up white voices first. This exhibit is intended as only one of many small steps to counter that trend, and to help us avoid losing more stories from our history than have already been lost. We consider this not just an exhibit, but a call to action to lift up more black voices, to at least sometimes take a step back to make space for those who’ve had less access to these platforms, to share or pass along invitations to step forward, and to make intentional efforts to mentor and grow emerging Black voices, too. Sera Davidow, Executive Director for Wildflower Alliance tells more about her experience with this project in thisMad In American blog post
Luke Sikinyi and the NYAPRS Cultural Competence Committee (March 3, 2023)
NYAPRS’ Cultural Competence Committee is happy to share a wonderful project from the Wildflower Alliance highlighting often overlooked leaders within various mental health movements. The Black Movement History Leaders: Past & Present exhibit is both a way to publicly recognize these leaders’ great work as well as a call to develop and lift more emerging leaders of color. In the spirit of Women’s history month, we plan to use the remaining days in March to highlight women of color in our community who have been trailblazers in overlapping movements.
There have been and continue to be many powerful Black leaders within this movement who too often are made less visible by a society that still finds it easier and more automatic to lift up white voices first. This exhibit is intended as only one of many small steps to counter that trend, and to help us avoid losing more stories from our history than have already been lost. We consider this not just an exhibit, but a call to action to lift up more black voices, to at least sometimes take a step back to make space for those who’ve had less access to these platforms, to share or pass along invitations to step forward, and to make intentional efforts to mentor and grow emerging Black voices, too. Sera Davidow, Executive Director for Wildflower Alliance tells more about her experience with this project in thisMad In American blog post
Wildflower Alliance
Taina Laing, Baltic Street CEO
We start with NYAPRS Board Co-President and Baltic Street CEO, Taina Laing. Read below to learn more about Taina and her work:
By Howard Diamond (March 1, 2023) This is an ongoing series by Howard Diamond. To read from the beginning, click here.
Random Act by a Peer Specialist – Part 7
MAY RAINS MAY LEAD TO MAY RESULTS
This day is a rainy one, where umbrellas dominate the streets of Lake Town, but stubborn Taylor Thompson felt it was not convenient. By the time he reached the office, on May 13, he was soaked from head to toe. His trusted secretary, Steve Washington was busy typing away, while Holly was at the courthouse. She was not scheduled to be in the office until the next day for a meeting with Taylor. Promptly at 11, Taylor and Assistant Director, Karen Collins are to interview Anna Mancini for the second time.
At 4:30, Ruth had her scheduled appointment with Jane. At court, Holly met with her consumer, but there was little progress with his case. Then she saw two ladies in different parts of the hospital. During lunch, she bumped into Ms. Collins who told her to call her secretary, by the end of the week to make an appointment to meet. Although Holly was curious she did not ask any questions of Ms. Collins and proceeded to her other visits.
One of these visits is with Officer Grey, but not concerning Ruth. Meanwhile, Ruth spent her day, relaxing until 3pm, when she was to be picked up for her visit with Jane. Both Ruth and Jane were distracted by something going on right outside Jane’s office. Loud noises interfered with the session. At one point, Jane recognized the voice as another of her fellow clients and she excused herself from Ruth and diffused the situation. When everything was calm, Ruth stated she could not finish and went to the waiting room and sat until her 5:30 pick up. Moments later, Jane came to Ruth and rescheduled for Friday at 3pm.
Friday comes and so comes the rain again. Fortunately, Holly has scheduled this morning to do her progress notes and catch up with an assortment of return phone calls. In addition, Steve gave her a couple more, plus a reminder note for her appointment with Assistant Director Collins at 11am. Taylor had a meeting at 930 with Marty from Generations and other respite Directors to discuss ways to improve resources in the community.
At 10:45, a few of the other Supervisors went into the conference room. Each of the Supervisors had a notebook, a pen, and a cup of coffee or tea. Several minutes later, Taylor dropped his wet jacket in his office and proceeded to the conference room, with his notebook and pen in tow. As Taylor entered, Steve buzzed Holly that Ms. Collins was ready. Nervous Holly walked into the office, Ms. Collins greeted her at the door and the two took a stroll around the interior of the building.
Fifteen or so minutes later, Ms. Collins and Holly entered the conference room with the Supervisors patiently waiting. Taylor stated to Holly it was okay to have a seat. Karen opened the meeting by saying everyone needs to be on a first name basis, and this includes Holly. This moment Taylor took over and informed everyone that the purpose of this meeting is to interview Holly for the Assistant Supervisor opening.
Surprised Holly went through the interview process without any problems. The second question asked of she can handle the position by losing most if not all of her caseload. Holly answered that she would transition each person by mentioning part of recovery is change and this one of many. As Supervisor, I am not going away and communication will continue, but less often. Almost everyone in the room nodded their heads.
A few moments later, Holly was done with the interview, went to lunch and finished her week. Steve let Holly know that Ruth called that her appointment was canceled until Tuesday at 430, her regular visit. Meanwhile, the selection committee discussed Holly’s interview and agreed to have her come back for a second interview.
NEW WEEK, NEW REVELATION, NEW CONFRONTATION
Most Monday morning meetings are at 10am. Today is no different, but this the morning had a special guest, Officer Grey. At this meeting, Officer Grey let everyone know that there was a break in the Ruth Haines case. Recently, on the streets downtown two people were attacked in separate incidents. Both of the people were apparently ambushed by the same individual. In addition, the rape of Ruth was perpetuated by him or her. She will be called in later in the week for further questioning.
When people left the conference room, Karen, Taylor and Steve talked with Officer Grey. They discussed safety matters that can be used to prevent occurrences in the office. Karen suggested a new improved security system while Taylor thought ID badges could be used again. All good possibilities, but they have to be discussed at other meetings. Officer Grey left and the rest went on their way.
As usual, Ruth took a walk downtown. She strolled in the women’s section of one store, the detergents in another and lastly the freezer section of the supermarket. After every stop, Ruth was suspicious of a man who was following her. It definitely appeared to be the same person as before. While she was walking back to Generations, Marty received a mystery letter that read similarly to the texts that Ruth was getting a few weeks prior. In the letter it stated,
“BEWARETHE STREETS!
I WILL BE HERE!
I KNOW HOW TO FIND YOU.
I KNOW WHERE YOU WORK!
BEWARE THE STREETS”!
Marty informed Officer Grey. At the advice of Officer Grey, when Ruth returned he showed her the letter and then she ran to her bedroom crying. One of the staff at Generations calmed Ruth down and brought her in the dining room in time for the evening meal. Afterwards, Marty had a chat with Ruth about the strange letter. She was sorry that she got Marty involved and asked if he can bring the letter to therapy tomorrow. It was okay by Marty and he said he will give it to her at breakfast.
MONDAY TURNS INTO TUESDAY, TUESDAY TURNS INTO DOOMSDAY
That night, Ruth received at least a dozen texts from the same caller, one more disturbing than the next. For Ruth, her appointment today with Jane could not come soon enough. Being followed and all the texts made this a difficult overnight for Ruth, so she decided to all walk the streets near the Community Residence and prepare to go to Jane’s visit.
This Tuesday Holly worked 11am to 7pm, where most of the early part of her shift was uneventful. All that was going to be drastically different starting at 4pm, when Holly received an anonymous phone call. It was placed by a woman who stated she was being followed by another lady for the past couple of weeks. So Holly pulled over to get more details, but the phone call ended. At the office, Steve said Holly had no messages, but he did say someone kept calling, say a sentence or two and proceeded to hang up. Almost every time, she said, “Help”, but never explained further. In an hour, Steve said he was going home.
At promptly 4:30, Jane directed Ruth to her office. Right away Ruth began talking about last night and was getting more and more agitated. Jane noticed that Ruth clothes and hair were messy and she appeared extremely tired. Suddenly, Ruth became enraged and started screaming at Jane for no apparent reason. The more Jane tried to take control, Ruth got louder. Also, she yelled the name Dion to stop hitting Gabriel.
Outside the office, Steve was walking on his customary route to the bus stop, when he was pushed from behind to the nearby wall. While being hit in the back and stomach by an unknown object, he was wrestled to the ground. Steve could not tell how many guys were there, but in unison they repeatedly chanted these words,
“YOU WERE WARNED!
BEWARE THE STREETS!
WE WILL RETURN!”
Many times, Steve was struck by the same equipment, while they laughed in a continuous manner. Also, the attackers took Steve’s leg braces and hit him a few additional times, leaving him bloody and almost unconscious. Finally, they dumped Steve’s body in a vacant alley covered in black garbage bags.
Throughout the entire day, Holly received the same call from the same lady. Each time, the woman said a little more. It was often unclear and the majority of the words did not connect with each other. At around 9pm, Holly arrived home, but the calls persisted. Around 11:30 pm, this time there was a recording that basically said,
“YOU WERE WARNED!
NEXT TIME IT WILL BE WORSE!
WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!
WE KNOW WHERE YOU WORK!
YOU WERE WARNED!
BEWARE THE STREETS!
BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE!”
Quickly thereafter Holly hung up the phone, went to bed and thought to herself, “Sorry, wrong number“.
Luke Sikinyi and the NYAPRS Cultural Competence Committee (2/28/23)
We are excited to join the nation in celebrating Black History Month. This is a time to honor and recognize Black Americans’ immeasurable contributions, resilience, and achievements throughout our history.
Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the immense impact that Black Americans have had on our society and the world at large. It is a chance to celebrate the rich cultural traditions, artistic achievements, scientific breakthroughs, and political movements that Black Americans have spearheaded.
As we observe this month, we are filled with gratitude for the many ways that Black Americans have enriched our country and the world. From the music of Duke Ellington and Aretha Franklin, to the scientific discoveries of Dr. Mae Jemison and Dr. Patricia Bath, to the political and social movements led by Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and so many others, Black Americans have shaped and transformed our society in countless ways.
We are inspired by the resilience and strength of Black Americans in the face of historical and ongoing challenges, and we are committed to working towards a more just and equitable society.
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Black History Month, by learning and educating ourselves about the rich and complex history of Black Americans, and by amplifying and supporting Black voices in our communities and beyond.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of Black History Month!
Daniel’s Law: How It Could Transform NY MH Crisis Response
marievog
January 25, 2023 (Reposted from NYAPRS by Luke Sikiny
NYAPRS Note: NYAPRS joined other mental health advocates, criminal justice groups, and lawmakers at the NYS Capital yesterday to urge the legislature to pass Daniel’s Law this session. In a statement, NYAPRS Public Policy Director said that “Daniel’s Law will give New Yorkers in mental health crises an appropriate proven path to getting the help they need and deserve by addressing their mental health, substance use and related medical needs by providing people with immediate access to those who are best suited to help them: Peers and EMTs.
NYAPRS has long championed and demonstrated the extraordinary power and effectiveness of peers in supporting people through crisis. That’s why we worked so hard with Senator Brouk, Assemblymember Gunther and OMH in helping to craft peer led crisis stabilization centers.
Passage of Daniel’s Law will help divert people in acute states of distress from avoidable admissions and incarcerations…and terrible tragedies like the heartbreaking death of Daniel Prude in March 2020. It must be an essential step in New York’s new crisis continuum….along with the new 988 crisis line, the stabilization centers and respite centers.
Finally, it will be an essential measure to aid people and families in crisis and their communities…especially for communities of color who have utterly been failed by state and local mental health systems for generations.”
The New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) and the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) are excited to announce the launch of the CORE Peer Navigator Project. The CORE Peer Navigator Project is designed to engage and educate eligible individuals about New York State’s recent transition of four Adult Behavioral Health Home and Community Based Services (BH HCBS) to Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) Services. These services promote an individual’s recovery and personal empowerment in community settings.
Beginning Tuesday, January 17th at 9am, the CORE Peer Navigator Project will go live and begin accepting phone calls.
Who Can Call: HARP enrolled, =or HARP and HIV-Special Needs Plan (SNP) eligible individuals interested in CORE or BH HCBS services -or- providers supporting HARP eligible or enrolled individuals with mental health and/or addiction related challenges.
What to Expect: A Peer Navigator Line Specialist will answer each call and determine eligibility to participate. If eligible, the individual will be transferred directly to a Peer Navigator in their region.
What is a Peer Navigator: A Peer Navigator is a person with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction related recovery who is an expert in CORE Services. They will explore the caller’s personal recovery goals and interest in voluntary involvement with CORE or BH HCBS services. The Peer Navigator will support their peer through education, referral, and service engagement.
How: Peer Navigators can connect with individuals via text, phone call, Zoom, or in-person.
Wellness in eight dimensions is a model or framework I developed decades personally and in my work as an occupational therapist.
Eight Dimensions of Wellness by Peggy Swarbrick
Close to 25 years ago, we incorporated wellness in our work at the CSPNJ for people living with mental health, substance use, and trauma related challenges. Since the model has been expanded for youth, family caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals and in many workplaces. Consider how wellness in 8 D can be a framework to guide you and how you can share with others. Each dimension of wellness can affect overall quality of life because wellness directly relates to how long we live (longevity) and how well we live (quality of life). A wellness lifestyle includes a self-defined balance of health habits. It is important to note the emphasis on self defined because everyone has individual needs and preferences, and the optimal balance of activity, social contact, and sleep varies from person to person. Seeking satisfaction and well-being in each dimension and creating a balance across dimensions contributes to overall Wellness. Defining the desired balance and determining well-being in any specific dimension will be unique for each person. As you begin 2023, please reach out and share how you are using the wellness in 8 D model for yourself or how you are sharing with others.
This is the sixth part in a multipart series. To read from the beginning, click here.
Mystery Man Appears Again
On a warm 60-degree end of March day in Lake Town, Ruth decided to take a walk into town. She waved at the grocery store manager, Ted while he was painting his window, Sal and Tony, the guys at the pizza place and others. Also, she walked into the diner to ask about the open part time position. At this juncture, Ruth left her resume and filled out an application. In the distance, she thought she saw the mystery man.
At around 8pm, Ruth receives a phone call. Several minutes later, another phone call and no one there and again a third, a fourth and at about 9:45pm a fifth. Each one was similar, Ruth picked up the receiver, said hello, but no one was at the other end of the line, and eventually replaced the receiver. At around 10:30, Ruth tried to fall asleep. Generally, Ruth turns off or buzzer mode on her cell phone. Overnight, she receives six text messages from an unknown account, which Ruth believes is from the same person.
When Ruth wakes up she calls Holly and lets her know what happened. A suggestion Holly offered to tell Office Grey. Reluctantly Ruth agreed. Ruth proceeded to phone the police and tell Officer Grey what occurred. He said he would write a report, but nothing else can be done because it was only one night. Two nights later, the calls and the texts returned with a message…” YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!”
The next morning Ruth called and made an appointment for the same day. Before that Ruth phoned Officer Grey who said he will meet with Ruth and Holly. Everyone met at Holly’s office at 3pm the same day. At around 2pm, Ruth received another text message stating, “BEWARE THE STREETS”. A scared Ruth arrived at Holly’s office but had to wait. Secretary Steve greeted Ruth and tried different techniques to get her to calm down. By the time Holly was ready was better and Officer Grey was standing by Ruth’s side and escorted her to Holly’s station.
Since Taylor was out of the office, the three met inside his room for privacy. There Ruth informed them of the prank call earlier in the afternoon. After she was done, Officer Grey asked for Ruth’s cell phone. While he was inspecting her phone, Holly told Ruth that she made a visit for her with Jane at 5pm, she will drop her off and give her exact money to get her home. Upon finishing with Ruth’s phone, Officer Grey filled out and completed more police work that Ruth signed.
Before ending the meeting, Officer Grey wanted to say that there were more things that he wanted to clarify and give the women information. Although all phone numbers were anonymous, he said that they came from the same person. Officer Grey continued, actually there were more than two texts, probably over twenty, with a couple of common themes. Most glaring was spelling mistakes, phrases and questions that were commonly incorrectly stated. This news startled Ruth, but she did not understand why. It was almost 4:30pm when Officer Grey left with Steve and asked him a few questions. Shortly thereafter, Holly and Ruth proceeded to Jane’s building.
During the next couple of weeks, Ruth walked into town as usual, no sign of the mystery man and no threatening text messages. Everything seemed to take a lull and that suited Ruth well. Weather outside Lake Town was getting warmer, flowers were blooming, and vegetables were growing. One day last week, friends of Ruth had a picnic in the park.
For Holly things were getting better. Stress levels were manageable and her anxiety was under control. Her brother Andrew called and said was coming to visit the last week in April for a few days. At work Holly’s consumers were doing okay and putting the pieces of the lives together. Taylor, her supervisor met with Assistant Director, Karen Collins on a couple of occasions regarding the vacant Assistant Supervisor position. All Holly knew that there were five candidates remaining. One was Anna Mancini. At the police station, Officer Grey had no news.
April 15, things changed. That day Ruth started her day around 6am and an hour later, she receives another unusual text message. This read, “BEWARE THE STREETS! I WILL BE THERE! I KNOW HOW TO FIND YOU. I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE! BEWARE THE STREETS! Immediately she proceeded to the police station to report to Officer Grey. He will be in at 10:30 about 45 minutes from now. Alright, I will come back then. My name is Ruth Haines, please tell him that I was here and want to speak to him.
Halfway between the police station and the center of town, is a coffee shop so Ruth decided to have breakfast. Ironically, Taylor and Holly chose the same place and walked in around 8:10 and the three ate together. At the table Ruth began to inform the two of what transpired earlier. Both went through her text messages and were upset by what they saw. After the meal, Taylor offered to drive Ruth back to the police station. Taylor said no problem, Holly and I have other cases to go over.
Upon arrival, there was a disturbance outside the station. Someone put a large rock through a window, shattered glass everywhere, nearly hitting Officer Grey in the head. This incident terrified Ruth again and suddenly she received a ding from her phone. Some rocks had attached messages including, BEWARE THE STREETS, “WE KNOW YOU ARE CLOSE” and “WE WILL GET YOU.”
About ninety minutes later. a new text appeared on Ruth’s phone. It read, “BEWARE THE STREETS! I WILL FIND YOU! I KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT! I KNOW HOW TO FIND YOU! BEWARE THE STREETS! BEWARE THE STREETS!” She saw Officer Grey coming toward them. He took down the latest information and he said he will call Ruth soon. Right now, he had to stay here.
NIGHTMARES, A NEW ENCOUNTER, HOLLY LEAVES EARLY
A few days later after the window through the police station, things were getting worse for Ruth again. She was receiving additional texts and phone calls plus these were getting more vulgar. One day when she was leaving therapy, she saw a strange man at the other side of the building. Ruth noticed that he had a cap on backwards and slowly put his hands together. In addition, she heard him whistling, “Take me out to the ballgame”. Although Ruth was not followed home, she arrived safely, but was still shaking.
That evening Ruth had sleep issues. Most of the night she was awoken by the sounds of, “Take me …” and the visuals of that man. Each time she got up, her dreams were getting increasingly clearer. Finally at 9AM, she decided to stay up and start. Tomorrow Ruth has an appointment with Jane, but she will phone her later. Also, she will let Holly know, also.
Upon getting to work, Steve noticed that there was a man making a weird noise at the corner of the building. The man had a hat on and looked disheveled and he appeared to be in need of new clothes. As Steve was opening the office at about 8:30am, he figured out that he might be the mystery man. Like most times, Taylor walked in at exactly 9:00am. Shortly after, Steve wanted to tell Taylor what occurred, but said he had calls to make. Also, Holly was not in yet, so put on both schedules for 10am.
By the time Holly strolled in at 9:26, the office was bustling with plenty of workers, phone ringing and the clatter of desks being moved. Just a common occurrence in the office between 8:30am to 10am. On Holly’s way, she received a message from Ruth. When she returned the call, Ruth did not pick up. At 10:00am, the chimes outside Taylor’s office and the meeting began. Steve had the floor and told the entire team what had transpired earlier. Various participants expressed and showed concern. After the short fifteen-minute meeting, Taylor said he will phone Officer Grey later this morning.
Except for Steve, no one else knew that Taylor had a meeting with Karen Collins regarding the vacancy of Assistant Supervisor. The two of them discussed three possibilities with other Supervisors. Two were already for the agency and the third was working for an agency twenty miles from here, but in Garland County like us, working as a Case Manager for the Mental Health Court. Ms. Collins ended the discussion by stating she will start meeting with the participants next week and hopes to make a decision soon. Clear schedules, please.
All morning Holly and Ruth did not connect, and albeit that Holly worked only till 12:30, they will talk tomorrow. She reminded Steve about her day, and he said he knew and already told Taylor again. Her afternoon was to pick up her brother, Andrew, at the train depot and spend the rest of the day with him. At around 11:30, Taylor spoke with Officer Grey and said he would be in the office around 2:30 and he would speak with Steve.
ANDREW VISITS, A THIRD MEETING, A PLEASANT WEEKEND
Although Andrew’s train arrived 45 minutes late, Holly didn’t mind much This is because she will spend this Wednesday through Monday with her big brother Andrew. Both were hungry so they went to a local Chinese takeout, had an eggroll, and shared boneless spareribs. one was off to a great start, and both hope that this will continue. Additionally, Holly was scheduled to take off Friday afternoon and Monday to be with Andrew and bring him to the depot on Tuesday morning. Friday morning rolled and Andrew made his younger sister toast and tea, but she ran late and grabbed a half slice of toast before she flew out the door. She had to be in court promptly at 9. Then she needed to be at hospital at 10:30 for a case conference at 11, then go to the office to speak with Steve, sign out and proceeded home. Another half day in the life of a Peer Specialist.
Shortly past five, Steve saw a man lurking around outside the building. It looked like the same man as last time. He motioned he wanted cigarettes, but he said nothing and everything was covered except his eyes and nose. Since Steve did not smoke, he could not provide any. Under the cape, Steve saw him get upset, growl a couple and walk away…or did he? As usual, Steve took his familiar route to his bus stop. A block down, he heard the man right behind him, growl and then run away. 10am, Ruth replacing Office Grey and Taylor plus assorted other staff to give small messages and Steve a weekly update. Things have been relatively quiet since Tuesday, she said. Also, she went to nearby mall and the local shopping center without incident. When Ruth was asked about her sleep, she said it was better and had only a few nightmares about the mystery man and “Take me out …”Then, Ruth wanted to ask Holly a couple of questions. Steve informed Holly was not here this afternoon. Oh Yes, I now recall she will not be here Monday also. Steve said she was correct.
Holly and Andrew spent a good weekend together. They took walks in the two parks in Lake Town, had pizza one night, Andrew cooked another, and had an expensive five course Italian meal. Sunday morning Andrew made an exquisite brunch platter for two. Around Three pm and the two went to a local area production of “Les Misérables”. Each day the weather was in the 60s by day and 50s by night, with blue sunny days and clear starry nights. Little or no wind accompanied low humidity made the days and nights spectacular.
Tuesday the 29th, the wind has changed direction and speed. It started well when Holly dropped Andrew at the bus depot and she proceeded to work. As soon she arrived, there were two messages from Ruth. At approximately 10:15 am, she spoke to Steve and when Holly was ready, he transferred the call and Ruth explained that she had little or no sleep, had many prank calls and frequent horrible text messages. Also, she mentioned she scheduled a 4:30 appointment with Jane. Holly had a busy day ahead but thought she can cancel her last appointment and meet Ruth at the clinic. Later, Steve received a call from Holly’s consumer, who said he cannot make and the 4:00, so Steve phoned Holly to let her know the details. This meant that Holly was free and she let Steve inform Ruth today to meet her. “Beware the Winds of Change.”
This is the sixth part in a multipart series. To read from the beginning, click here.
Stay right here for Random Act By a Peer Specialist: Part VII … Coming Soon
See you in the NewsBlogs and Newsletters, Howard Diamond is a Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island/
Ho, Ho, Ho for the Holidays. Thanksgiving is over and we want some relaxation time to concentrate, (no, not orange juice), on the upcoming holiday month. In our society, we’ve gotten used to the sentimental images of holidays being full of travel, food, family while spending quality time. As of this writing, it has been relatively nice, but it does not mean one can’t dream of a White Christmas.
For others, it is a ho, hum time of year. Before, during and after the holidays, there is a segment of the population that needs to be talked about. They are the impoverished, the poor and the destitute. We are expressing HOMELESS here. These individuals oftentimes are underfed and or malnourished with tattered clothes. Walking through the streets of our communities, many are looking for food with a permanent place to live, added with new(er) clothing. Some wind up in a shelter, others are forced into the Mental Health System and or the Criminal Justice System. Unfortunately, a lot of the HOMELESS population do not know it is even the holiday season. Ho, ho, ho, but not for some.
For most in the Jewish religion, this year there will be no rest for the weary. Each year Jews from around the world attempt to observe their holiday, Chanukah. This year Chanukah starts by overlapping the other holidays. Its onset is Sunday evening December 18 and runs through the night of December 26th. Commonly, Chanukah is known as “The Festival of Lights”. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians and the returning of the Menorah (a candelabra) to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. A subsequent miracle occurred when a vial of oil poured into that menorah, was supposed to last for one night, but it continued to be glowing for a total of eight nights.
Children during this holiday often spin a four-sided top called a dreidel. On each of its four sides, is a Hebrew letter which translates into English as “A Great Miracle Happened There”.
Late in the month of December, on the 25th is Christmas. This is an annual festival where many Christians observe the day of Jesus Christ being born. Most believe that he came to this world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity. Although there are different opinions of the exact date, December 25 became the day most Christians celebrate his arrival. Now, it became a time for family gatherings, singing carols, eating to excess and exchanging presents.
An example of family interaction is going around town to purchase an annual tree. Then the family decorates this tree with ornaments and lights. Special foods are made all throughout the holiday season.
On the following day, December 26th, begins a celebration of Kwanzaa. This is a week-long holiday that honors African heritage in African-American cultures. Each of the seven days honors principles which are thought to have been fundamental in promoting strong communities and families around the world, primarily in Africa.
Their candle holder is called a Kinara and is lit each night to commemorate their ancestors. On the seventh day, the holiday culminates with a large family get-together, a huge dinner and gift-giving.
Like many countries around our world, Nigeria and its people, celebrate two different holiday seasons, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Almost half the population of Nigeria is Muslim and almost all the others are Christians. Therefore, its people honor life with Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1. Coming from the phrase, ‘matunda ya kwanza’ essentially Kwanzaa means fresh fruits in Swahili, which is the native language of Nigeria. Meanwhile Christmas in Nigeria is a family event. The yuletide season culminates on December 25 when families get together for food, fun and many assorted activities. Actually, Nigerian children are brought to see Father Christmas which is what they say is their Santa Claus.
Not everyone celebrates this time of year with holiday cheer. People with terminal health concerns or long term mental health issues rarely commemorate any part of the December festivities. Most have little or no family interactions and only have friends that are in a similar predicament like themselves. These individuals are often put in institutions for life with little chance of seeing the light of day ever again. No visitors, no contact with anyone, no hope for recovery to lead a productive existence in society. Therefore, no birthdays, no ho, ho, holidays, no fun what is for some.
Whether one celebrates holidays or for any reason can not, make this December the best one yet. If one does not receive my message, I still wish all a good last month of the year. May everyone out there who are struggling, hope the year ahead will be what we wish for, now and always. By the way, I want the world to be in peace and in harmony. Wherever we are, Happy holidays, but not for some.
See you in the NewsBlogs.
Howard Diamond is a Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island, New York.
Celia Brown: Psychiatric Survivor, Pioneer, and Global Activist for Change
marievog
NYAPRS Note: This week, our most beloved Celia Brown passed away. Celia will always be one of the greatest pioneers and people our movement will ever know and, accordingly, a number of Celia’s closest friends are joining with NYAPRS and the NYAPRS Cultural Competence Thursday December 22nd between 4:00-6:00 pm EST to host a special zoom event to give time for people to share their love, gratitude and loss with each other. Jonathan Edwards and Taina Lang will be facilitating the discussion. Please come to share, either verbally or via chat, your feelings with your community. (See below for the recording of this memorial ceremony.) .
December 22nd Memorial Webinar (2 hours, 29 min.): NYAPRS honoring and memorial sharing: https://youtu.be/n13PVEkTTzg
Celia Brown, a psychiatric survivor and activist who was revered — even beloved — for her foundational and ongoing efforts in mental health advocacy and the peer movement, has died after a battle with cancer. Known for her warmth and decency, her activism and resolve, Brown is being mourned across many overlapping communities in mental health, human rights, civil rights, and disabilities activism. Her decades of work included campaigning for human rights, leading MindFreedom International, and working as a pioneering on-staff peer-support specialist for the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Yesterday was a sad day for the peer community as we have lost one of the founders of the peer movement. Celia Brown, who passed away in her home Sunday evening, was an amazing advocate both within the Office of Mental Health and through her leadership on the board of Mad Pride. Celia was not only the first peer specialist in our state civil service system, but also in the country. She helped to create and define the role of the peer specialist in our state facilities and her work is what made the peer specialist role become part of the standard of care for people receiving services.
Of her many accomplishments, Celia was most proud of her leadership in the Adult Home project including an emphasis on helping people discover their passion. That focused work was directly influential in the creation of the state’s recovery centers. She also recognized the importance of mutual support within the peer specialist community and worked diligently to create and then support the annual NYC peer specialist conference. This was a great challenge and something that she loved doing.
Celia was assertive and firm in her convictions, yet always kind, respectful, and willing to consider different perspectives and beliefs. Celia was a role model for so many people in recovery, always an inspiration and she exemplified what is possible. Celia held onto hope and in doing so gave hope. As a woman of color, she offered leadership and guidance, demonstrating for countless individuals what it looks like to overcome multiple barriers. One of her many strengths was not allowing the trauma that contributes to – and is a part of the experience of having mental health issues – to impact her relationships or willingness to trust and see the good in people.
One of the many beautiful examples of how she lived her life can be seen in how she honored her father’s passing. He was building a house in Ghana when he passed away. Celia took on the responsibility to finish the job and went to Ghana every year to help fulfil his dream. This is the person we lost today, someone who understood the importance of tradition and relationships. Celia was the kind of person who was a natural healer and was always there for anyone who needed someone to talk to. To honor her spirit, let us all make an extra effort to take care of ourselves and each other, create space to be with uncomfortable feelings, and allow this moment to become part of our life experience as we continue her work of making the world a better place by being kind to each other and listening without judgement.
Sincerely,
Ann Sullivan, Amanda Saake & the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (formerly the Office of Consumer Affairs)
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And those of us at the Academy of Peer Services will miss Celia not only for the significant contributions she made to our courses, but also to our community, and the light of lovingkindness she brought to our world. She lives on in each of us.
In Honor and Remembrance of Celia Brown
December 12, 2022 By Harvey Rosenthal, Jonathan P. Edwards, Gita Enders, Taina Lang, and Laura Prescott
I deeply regret to inform you all that Celia Brown passed away yesterday.
Celia was and will always be one of our movement’s most cherished and most influential leaders, a very kind, devoted, determined and humble leader who led the way in the advancement of rights-based advocacy, peer support, trauma informed approaches, cultural competence and humility, peer specialist roles and numerous efforts to combat racism and discrimination.
She was a long-time leader in the consumer/survivor/ex-patient movement who was introduced to the civil rights movement early in her childhood by her family’s experience and role in the struggle.
She was a founding member of the National People of Color/Consumer Survivor Network and following the deaths of people of color across the nation due to deadly force of police, she helped to create Surviving Race: The intersection of Injustice, Disability and Human Rights in 2014 to explore the intersections between race and disability in the human rights movement.
Celia’s advocacy on behalf of people with psychiatric and other disabilities spanned the globe. Celia served as President of the Board of MindFreedom International, served as their main representative to the United Nations and collaborated with other disability organizations on the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. She traveled to Finland, New Zealand and Geneva and marched on the roads of Ghana, West Africa to lift the stigma and disenfranchisement of Ghanians with disabilities to change its laws.
For a great many years, Celia served as the Regional Advocacy Specialist at the NYC Field Office, NYS Office of Mental Health, providing technical assistance and support to people with psychiatric disabilities and their families and facilitating trainings on peer support, wellness, and recoveryapproaches incommunity mental health agencies.
Celia was a humble but powerful changemaker and truthteller, whose love, kindness and inspiration touched everyone she met. She was both a Mother of our Movement and she was a very dear friend to me.
Her legacy will live forever. Every time, we stand up for recovery and peer support and march for choice, rights and social justice….Celia will be there.
Harvey Rosenthal, NYAPRS CEO
When I entered the peer support workforce community nearly two decades ago, Celia Brown was one of the first pioneers of the consumer/survivor/ex-patient movement I met; she soon became an ally, a mentor, and a deeply close personal friend. Celia possessed unparalleled wisdom and skill navigating historically oppressive systems while simultaneously “changing the narrative” within these same hierarchies.
She was a tireless advocate, possessed a buoyant spirit, and was intentional about supporting others. Celia inspired her fellow advocates to speak out against inhumane practices, racism, and stigma. She skillfully and inimitably traversed her multiple roles with grace and discretion. Mere words cannot capture the breadth and depth of support Celia exchanged with her peers, friends, and family.
On a more personal note, I always experienced a sense of excitement, hope and rejuvenation talking with Celia. Regardless of what was going on in our lives and throughout the world, we always found something to be grateful for and laugh about. We sought comic relief to buffer the harshness of police violence, political upheaval, and structural racism. Celia and I share a birthday and were born in the same year. I am fortunate to have worked with Celia on planning the New York City Conference for Working Peer Specialists for the past 17 years; convening the Inaugural Surviving Race Dialogues this past summer in Savannah, Georgia; and hosting virtual peer support groups on Saturday afternoons for 14 months during the pandemic.
Celia sought to change systems one person at a time and never deemed any cause insurmountable. I will miss her immensely and will always be enriched by her dedication, friendship and support.
Jonathan P. Edwards, Ph.D., Peer Support Workforce Advocate and Researcher, Colleague and Longtime Friend
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When I returned to New York after over 10 years working in behavioral health in rural Arizona, one of the first people I met was Celia Brown. Her warm and giving soul made me so comfortable. As I learned more and more about Celia, I was honored and humbled that she took time to call me in on the movement and its history as she and others in the consumer/survivor/ex-patient network shared their knowledge and their time.
Celia made time for everything, I too worked with her for the past nine years on planning and executing the annual New York City Conference for Working Peer Specialists. She was a leader, who did not make one feel “led,” she was a wealth of historical knowledge, compassion, and passion for the work and for the international peer community.
Celia was always there for people; I remember riding home with her on the subway from Greenpoint in Brooklyn, where we had just spent time with visitors from the Netherlands, telling our stories. It was bitterly cold, and she had a long ride to the Bronx ahead, but she came out for these people as she always did for her family, friends, and colleagues.
I had the privilege of being invited by Celia to take part in the 2022 Surviving Race Dialogues and gratefully appreciated the opportunity to be of service at this social justice event. Celia was all about advocacy, equity, and justice, and my life will be forever changed by her resolute presence and kind mentoring.
Gita Enders, Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Medical and Professional Affairs, New York City Health + Hospitals
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I have been battling for almost an hour to put the words together on how to describe the celebration of the life of Ms. Celia Brown and what an inspiration she is to so many. I felt such a deep heartache once I heard the news of her passing, but as I reflect, I am reminded of my profound gratitude for having the opportunity to get to know who she truly was and what she stood for. Celia was a pioneer and what we call a Mother of The Movement.
Celia was not only a driving force in OMH as the first peer advocate, but I often reflect that her work outside the organization was her true heart and soul. Celia was the voice for the voiceless and offered resiliency and strength for the people; as one of the founding members of Surviving Race: The Intersection of Injustice, Disability, and Human Rights, her work stemmed from addressing the trauma of systematic racism, police brutality, and inequalities within communities of color and the mental health system.
I have such wonderful memories with my dear friend. Celia and I would share stories of adventures in Ghana, her love for family, and her passion for changing the World. Celia once told me, “We all have a place here, and our voices can never be silenced!”
She is a true inspiration, and to honor her legacy in advocacy; I will carry the lessons Celia taught me of the past that hold a tremendous amount of value, harness those lessons, and build on that foundation for future advocacy.
She will forever be missed.
Taina Laing, CEO, Baltic Street AEH
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For Celia on Her Way Home Tonight
Celia Brown died tonight. The stillness of my memories are filled with the strength and power of Celia’s enormous heart. So many times she wordlessly anchored a space, making it feel safe because she was there. I admired the way she let us into her world, sharing her joy, anger, sadness, and love with tremendous grace and courage.
Celia Brown was a pioneer of peer support, an ardent advocate for people re-claiming power and speaking for themselves. Her global accomplishments could fill many pages but she most often spoke about the importance of relationships in her life; how proud she was of her son, how much she valued family, being a mother, daughter, a sister and friend. And of course, she remarked on being from the Bronx in an unmistakable accent that became thicker with every word. Celia regularly made communities bigger by reaching out to diverse groups of people and welcoming them into discussions and activities. She believed in possibilities, in the goodness of people, in their ability to work out differences and find a common ground. In this way, Celia instilled hope and encouraged others to do the same. Despite the setbacks, she kept moving forward, with grace and a conviction that it would “be ok.”
I’ve known Celia almost half my life and it doesn’t feel possible that she is gone. Despite the enormous sadness, I am also grateful for the powerful legacy she leaves behind, of profound generosity, abiding belief in others to build connections rather than increase the divides. To me she will always be an example of what can happen when we dare to live with our hearts full and open. Celia Brown is finally free. I went outside this evening to gaze at the stars, to see if I could find her leaving trails across the sky before escaping into the inky night on her way home.
Laura Prescott, President, Sister Witness International
From Institute for the Development of Human Arts
Dear Friend,
This week, we lost a friend, mentor, teacher, pioneer, and elder in Celia Brown. A Mother of the Movement, and a fierce advocate for the rights of all of us who identify as mad, mentally ill, disabled, neurodivergent, and survivors.
Alongside our heartache, we feel profound gratitude for the opportunity to have known Celia and to have learned from her. As a founding IDHA member, Celia held the history of the consumer/survivor/ex-patient and peer movements, reminding us where we come from, the hard fought battles we have won, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Celia taught us so much about how to transform oppressive systems from the inside, while staying connected to social movements on the outside. As the first peer specialist in not only NY State but the country, she blazed a trail for peer support, bringing its power to the masses. Celia implicitly understood and always amplified the connections between the traumas of systematic racism and police brutality, and inequalities within communities of color and the mental health system.
Celia taught us that in order to navigate the disagreement and conflict that accompany movement organizing, respect and mutuality are critical. In our efforts to dream and build transformative futures, we will not always agree. Celia built bridges with everyone, and saw our differences not as a barrier, but an opportunity for cohesion and power.
Celia’s life and memory are proof that we can transform harmful, oppressive mental health systems. Our individual actions are connected to a wider vision for liberation. We are bigger than ourselves. We are collective action across geographies; we are connected to lineages across generations. We stand on her shoulders as we continue to fight.
Rest in power, Celia. May your memory be a revolution.
On December 4, Celia participated in a movement lineages panel as part of our Healing as Homecoming festival. She was joined by Sascha DuBrul and Stefanie Lyn Kaufman-Mthimkhulu in a conversation moderated by Vesper Moore to pay homage to the activists and survivors that came before us, and take stock of where we are today in movement organizing efforts for mad liberation, disability justice, and transformative mental health.
This conversation was a powerful opportunity to reflect on how radical mental health organizing has shifted and evolved over the past several decades, and share key lessons to inform future work. We are heartbroken and shocked to learn that this was the final time we would hear from and share space with Celia.
We share this recording in Celia’s honor. As we grieve her loss and celebrate her memory, may we also commit to transmit these lineages and histories to those entering the movement today, and those who will join the fight in generations to come.
