A Publication of the

Thomas M Wernert Center (TMWC)

For Mental Health Recovery and Support

March-April 2018

TMWC BUILDING EXPANSION AND

RECOVERY CAMPUS PROJECT CONTINUES By Kelly Skinner TMWC Executive Director

Although wersquove had snow sleet and freezing temperatures contractors made headway on our project prior

to the worst of it hitting Like the photos below demonstrate the following has been completed the basement

including its ceiling which is the floor for the memberrsquos lounge the serenityquiet room an office and a small

area of the rec room the foundation walls which have been filled with dirt and concrete installation of the

white pipes coming out of the ground that are the restrooms plumbing and all of the sewer lines have been in-

stalled and connected to the city sewer

Also completed are the reinforced bars that are coming out of the ground which is for the computer lab that

also will double as a safety room for tornados or other threats There will be no windows in there but rather ce-

ment block which is on site waiting to be installed Drains have been installed for overall site drainage Electri-

cal contractors have prepped areas and put wires in place so when warmer weather arrives concrete will be

poured for the remainder of the flooring in the expansion

Recently contractors installed ceiling sprinklers for the existing building So a lot has been accomplished in

spite of the weather TMWC Project Manager Dave Wilson is confident any lost time will be made up and the

estimated time of completion will be late July Come by and check out all of the action

February 16 2018 completed basement in foreground February 16 2018 restrooms are above left amp the computer lab

is to the right with a white tarp covering the area

ILSErsquoS CAFEacute ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS WILL NOT RESUME

DURING CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Usually the start of spring at TMWC means resuming Wednesday Evening hours for Ilsersquos Cafeacute

TMWC Building Committee and Project Manager has determined it is necessary to keep hours of opera-

tions as it stands currently Monday through Friday 9am-4pm Contractors will need to enter our exist-

ing building to access mechanical and heating and air conditioning units in our attic as well as for the

eventual renovating of the existing building The wait for TMWC beautiful Building Expansion and Re-

covery Campus will be worth it Imagine the fitness center where the current club room is a larger kitchen

an art studio where both classrooms are currently a rec room with a pool table and ping pong table and the

recovery campus will include gardens for members to tend to pavilions next to the gardens to hold support

meetings and much more Everyonersquos patience is truly appreciated

Page 2

Ziarsquos 6th Annual Celebrity Wait Night for Heart amp Soul a Big Success 190 supporters of Heart amp Soul Caring for Our Community filled Ziarsquos ldquoat The Docksrdquo on February 5 for an evening of fun and good food This event raises funds for TMWC and the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital Thanks to founders of Heart amp Soul Tony Rasczyk and Sally Binard for their dedication to the cause of mental health Thanks to members TMWC team of staff Board of Trustees and all who attended and for your support Thanks to Mark Urrutia for the photos

Activities with Amy by Amy Yarnell

Hello everyone I would like to take this time to introduce myself I just began working at the

Thomas M Wernert Center at the end of January Everyone has been so kind and welcoming I

am a Recreation Therapist and so my background consists of creating and facilitating therapeutic

groups programs and activities I also enjoy incorporating creative arts (or expressive arts as I

like to call it) in our journey of wellness and recovery

As we move forward you may notice some changes in activities For instance Coffee Connections which

was previously held on the first Monday of the month will now be held on the first Tuesday of the month at

1100am

On Friday March 30 at 1200pm there will be an Easter Egg Hunt Join us hopefully outside weather permit-

ting for some fun

For our Toledo Zoo trip on Monday April 30 if you signed up to attend TMWC will be providing transporta-

tion to the Zoo and back to TMWC You will need to be at TMWC by 1015am Members are welcome to meet

us at the Zoo at the Broadway Entrance at 1100am Please bring a packed lunch that does not need to be heated

in a microwave TMWC will bring along a cooler with water If you have an Ohio state ID please bring it with

you If you have any questions feel free to call me at 419-242-3000 ext 109 about this or any of the activities in

the March or April calendar I hope to see you all soon

Save the Date for Thomas M Wernert Centerrsquos

Mental Health Community Open House

Monday March 12 2018 bull 830-1030am

208 W Woodruff bull Toledo OH 43604

Please RSVP to Neil Powell at 419-242-3000 ext 108

Come meet our team enjoy light morning refreshments hear about our future and work together to dis-cover how our organizations can better utilize each other as resources in our mental health community

npowellwernertcenterorg

Lt-Rt Peers having fun Donna

Kathleen Georgia and Tracy Lt-Rt James Curtis and Donyell Johnathon looking

dapper for the event Lt-Rt Mary and Grace

Aaron Keil SOTA from Owens Com-munity College

Good Luck Aaron

Amy Yarnell

Farewell but not Goodbye from Aaron Keil SOTA During my time at TMWC I have had the pleasure of getting to meet and know many people

who will and have undoubtedly changed the course of my life for the better as a practitioner

and even more so as a person I had the opportunity to witness the true meaning of recovery and

have learned even more the importance of socialization and participation One thing I will take

away aside from learning about the many faces of mental health is we have more in common

than we do thatrsquos different The beautiful thing about the TMWC is no matter how different we

are people can come here and totally be themselves in a completely judgment free zone Re-

cently the staff and many members have said they enjoyed my company but I have equally en-

joyed theirs as well In closing I can honestly say that although this is a field work site for

school I really donrsquot feel like a student but rather a person who just simply belongs here A special thanks to Lisa

Stewart who has guided me along my way and thank you to everyone elseI am forever grateful

Page 3

T

There were seven graduates from the Understanding Mental Health course

they are pictured at right Please congratulate them when you see them It is recom-

mended that members who have graduated from previous PEP courses such as Peer

Support WMR amp WRAP 101 take Leadership which starts Wednesday April 4

from 11a-1p Leadership is necessary for members considering serving on the

TMWC Board of Trustees Understanding Mental Health starts Monday April 9

from 1-3p Peer Support starts Tuesday April 17 from 12-2pm Please join us for

these classes We look forward to learning and growing with you

NOTE Members who are attending PEP classes and support clubs are

asked to please inform Garry Wright Van Driver when they schedule transportation

that they are participating in PEP programing and what time their program meets PEP includes any of our classes

Peer Support New-R WRAP 101 or any other WRAP WHAM WMR Leadership and Understanding Mental

Health The Support Clubs include Menrsquos and Womenrsquos Peer Support Anger Awareness Stress Busters Get Fit

Club WRAP Support Living Well Diabetes Support Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Schizo-

phrenics Anonymous (SA) and Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Come for the recovery support and stay for

some fun Rides are set up the day before by calling 419-242-3000 ext101 and speaking to Garry or leaving a

message for him You must also let Garry know if you only need a ride home the day before Doing this will help

transportation run smoothly (Get it Run Smoothly)

Katiersquos Korner by Katie Phillips PS-MH PEP Coordinator

Upcoming Forums by Lisa Stewart COTA PS-MH

Part of the mission of TMWC is to provide Educational Opportunities to our members One way that we do

this is by inviting people from the community to come and present us with information that they specialize in

March is National Nutrition Month Coming to talk to us about nutrition on Friday March 9th at 11a is

Kate Cook MSN RN from the Chamberlain College of nursing Kate has more than 10 yearsrsquo experience as a

Nurse Educator and is committed to helping people live a healthy lifestyle

March is also Womenrsquos Health Month We are glad to welcome back Cynthia Brown-Chery from the

Mental Health amp Recovery Services Board of Lucas County on March 23rd at 11a She will be presenting us infor-

mation about women throughout history that have spoken up about mental illness to help break the stigma and to

show that Recovery IS Possible She will also be delighting with music by female artists by singing and playing

her guitar

We are pleased to welcome Rosie Best Artistic Director at Issue Box Theatre to do an interactive presenta-

tion on Resiliency on Friday April 19th at 11a Encarta Dictionary defines resilience as ldquothe ability to recover

quickly from setbacksrdquo Throughout life we face many challenges both big and small Having resiliency helps us

to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward Please join us after each presenter for Dual Recovery Anonymous

at 12p on those dates followed by Supper Club at 1p We look forward to you joining us

Upcoming Events for Mental Health Month in May Save the Dates

Tuesday May 7 2018 - Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas Countyrsquos 5th Annual Recognition

Ceremony from 800 am - 1030 am at The Toledo Club 235 14th Street Toledo OH 43604 Please stop by to

see categories and get nomination forms at TMWC front desk Nominations are due by April 13 2018 Please reg-

ister as soon as you can at httpsmhrsbrecognitioneventbritecom

Saturday May 12 2018 - NAMIWalks Greater Toledo 15k (just shy of a mile) at University of Toledo Health

Education Center registration begins at 830 am and Walk begins at 1000am Please contact Walk Manager Mary

Finch at 419-243-1119 or mfinchnamitoledoorg TMWC members can talk with Peer Enrichment and Outreach

Specialist Neil Powel to get involved

Friday May 18 2018 - TMWC 22nd Annual Health amp Wellness Fair 208 W Woodruff Toledo OH 43604

from 1000 am - 200pm We will have health care provider vendors to check blood pressure blood sugar and cho-

lesterol levels and much much more We will enjoy a healthy lunch and fun raffles for those who participate in the

health fair

Understanding Mental Health gradu-ates left-right Ron Toth Garry Wright Claretha Johnson Dorcas Stephens Bonnie Bell Ericka Hay and in front

Theresa Black

Page 2

Ziarsquos 6th Annual Celebrity Wait Night for Heart amp Soul a Big Success 190 supporters of Heart amp Soul Caring for Our Community filled Ziarsquos ldquoat The Docksrdquo on February 5 for an evening of fun and good food This event raises funds for TMWC and the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital Thanks to founders of Heart amp Soul Tony Rasczyk and Sally Binard for their dedication to the cause of mental health Thanks to members TMWC team of staff Board of Trustees and all who attended and for your support Thanks to Mark Urrutia for the photos

Activities with Amy by Amy Yarnell

Hello everyone I would like to take this time to introduce myself I just began working at the

Thomas M Wernert Center at the end of January Everyone has been so kind and welcoming I

am a Recreation Therapist and so my background consists of creating and facilitating therapeutic

groups programs and activities I also enjoy incorporating creative arts (or expressive arts as I

like to call it) in our journey of wellness and recovery

As we move forward you may notice some changes in activities For instance Coffee Connections which

was previously held on the first Monday of the month will now be held on the first Tuesday of the month at

1100am

On Friday March 30 at 1200pm there will be an Easter Egg Hunt Join us hopefully outside weather permit-

ting for some fun

For our Toledo Zoo trip on Monday April 30 if you signed up to attend TMWC will be providing transporta-

tion to the Zoo and back to TMWC You will need to be at TMWC by 1015am Members are welcome to meet

us at the Zoo at the Broadway Entrance at 1100am Please bring a packed lunch that does not need to be heated

in a microwave TMWC will bring along a cooler with water If you have an Ohio state ID please bring it with

you If you have any questions feel free to call me at 419-242-3000 ext 109 about this or any of the activities in

the March or April calendar I hope to see you all soon

Save the Date for Thomas M Wernert Centerrsquos

Mental Health Community Open House

Monday March 12 2018 bull 830-1030am

208 W Woodruff bull Toledo OH 43604

Please RSVP to Neil Powell at 419-242-3000 ext 108

Come meet our team enjoy light morning refreshments hear about our future and work together to dis-cover how our organizations can better utilize each other as resources in our mental health community

npowellwernertcenterorg

Lt-Rt Peers having fun Donna

Kathleen Georgia and Tracy Lt-Rt James Curtis and Donyell Johnathon looking

dapper for the event Lt-Rt Mary and Grace

Aaron Keil SOTA from Owens Com-munity College

Good Luck Aaron

Amy Yarnell

Farewell but not Goodbye from Aaron Keil SOTA During my time at TMWC I have had the pleasure of getting to meet and know many people

who will and have undoubtedly changed the course of my life for the better as a practitioner

and even more so as a person I had the opportunity to witness the true meaning of recovery and

have learned even more the importance of socialization and participation One thing I will take

away aside from learning about the many faces of mental health is we have more in common

than we do thatrsquos different The beautiful thing about the TMWC is no matter how different we

are people can come here and totally be themselves in a completely judgment free zone Re-

cently the staff and many members have said they enjoyed my company but I have equally en-

joyed theirs as well In closing I can honestly say that although this is a field work site for

school I really donrsquot feel like a student but rather a person who just simply belongs here A special thanks to Lisa

Stewart who has guided me along my way and thank you to everyone elseI am forever grateful

Page 3

T

There were seven graduates from the Understanding Mental Health course

they are pictured at right Please congratulate them when you see them It is recom-

mended that members who have graduated from previous PEP courses such as Peer

Support WMR amp WRAP 101 take Leadership which starts Wednesday April 4

from 11a-1p Leadership is necessary for members considering serving on the

TMWC Board of Trustees Understanding Mental Health starts Monday April 9

from 1-3p Peer Support starts Tuesday April 17 from 12-2pm Please join us for

these classes We look forward to learning and growing with you

NOTE Members who are attending PEP classes and support clubs are

asked to please inform Garry Wright Van Driver when they schedule transportation

that they are participating in PEP programing and what time their program meets PEP includes any of our classes

Peer Support New-R WRAP 101 or any other WRAP WHAM WMR Leadership and Understanding Mental

Health The Support Clubs include Menrsquos and Womenrsquos Peer Support Anger Awareness Stress Busters Get Fit

Club WRAP Support Living Well Diabetes Support Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Schizo-

phrenics Anonymous (SA) and Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Come for the recovery support and stay for

some fun Rides are set up the day before by calling 419-242-3000 ext101 and speaking to Garry or leaving a

message for him You must also let Garry know if you only need a ride home the day before Doing this will help

transportation run smoothly (Get it Run Smoothly)

Katiersquos Korner by Katie Phillips PS-MH PEP Coordinator

Upcoming Forums by Lisa Stewart COTA PS-MH

Part of the mission of TMWC is to provide Educational Opportunities to our members One way that we do

this is by inviting people from the community to come and present us with information that they specialize in

March is National Nutrition Month Coming to talk to us about nutrition on Friday March 9th at 11a is

Kate Cook MSN RN from the Chamberlain College of nursing Kate has more than 10 yearsrsquo experience as a

Nurse Educator and is committed to helping people live a healthy lifestyle

March is also Womenrsquos Health Month We are glad to welcome back Cynthia Brown-Chery from the

Mental Health amp Recovery Services Board of Lucas County on March 23rd at 11a She will be presenting us infor-

mation about women throughout history that have spoken up about mental illness to help break the stigma and to

show that Recovery IS Possible She will also be delighting with music by female artists by singing and playing

her guitar

We are pleased to welcome Rosie Best Artistic Director at Issue Box Theatre to do an interactive presenta-

tion on Resiliency on Friday April 19th at 11a Encarta Dictionary defines resilience as ldquothe ability to recover

quickly from setbacksrdquo Throughout life we face many challenges both big and small Having resiliency helps us

to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward Please join us after each presenter for Dual Recovery Anonymous

at 12p on those dates followed by Supper Club at 1p We look forward to you joining us

Upcoming Events for Mental Health Month in May Save the Dates

Tuesday May 7 2018 - Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas Countyrsquos 5th Annual Recognition

Ceremony from 800 am - 1030 am at The Toledo Club 235 14th Street Toledo OH 43604 Please stop by to

see categories and get nomination forms at TMWC front desk Nominations are due by April 13 2018 Please reg-

ister as soon as you can at httpsmhrsbrecognitioneventbritecom

Saturday May 12 2018 - NAMIWalks Greater Toledo 15k (just shy of a mile) at University of Toledo Health

Education Center registration begins at 830 am and Walk begins at 1000am Please contact Walk Manager Mary

Finch at 419-243-1119 or mfinchnamitoledoorg TMWC members can talk with Peer Enrichment and Outreach

Specialist Neil Powel to get involved

Friday May 18 2018 - TMWC 22nd Annual Health amp Wellness Fair 208 W Woodruff Toledo OH 43604

from 1000 am - 200pm We will have health care provider vendors to check blood pressure blood sugar and cho-

lesterol levels and much much more We will enjoy a healthy lunch and fun raffles for those who participate in the

health fair

Understanding Mental Health gradu-ates left-right Ron Toth Garry Wright Claretha Johnson Dorcas Stephens Bonnie Bell Ericka Hay and in front

Theresa Black

Page 3

T

There were seven graduates from the Understanding Mental Health course

they are pictured at right Please congratulate them when you see them It is recom-

mended that members who have graduated from previous PEP courses such as Peer

Support WMR amp WRAP 101 take Leadership which starts Wednesday April 4

from 11a-1p Leadership is necessary for members considering serving on the

TMWC Board of Trustees Understanding Mental Health starts Monday April 9

from 1-3p Peer Support starts Tuesday April 17 from 12-2pm Please join us for

these classes We look forward to learning and growing with you

NOTE Members who are attending PEP classes and support clubs are

asked to please inform Garry Wright Van Driver when they schedule transportation

that they are participating in PEP programing and what time their program meets PEP includes any of our classes

Peer Support New-R WRAP 101 or any other WRAP WHAM WMR Leadership and Understanding Mental

Health The Support Clubs include Menrsquos and Womenrsquos Peer Support Anger Awareness Stress Busters Get Fit

Club WRAP Support Living Well Diabetes Support Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Schizo-

phrenics Anonymous (SA) and Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Come for the recovery support and stay for

some fun Rides are set up the day before by calling 419-242-3000 ext101 and speaking to Garry or leaving a

message for him You must also let Garry know if you only need a ride home the day before Doing this will help

transportation run smoothly (Get it Run Smoothly)

Katiersquos Korner by Katie Phillips PS-MH PEP Coordinator

Upcoming Forums by Lisa Stewart COTA PS-MH

Part of the mission of TMWC is to provide Educational Opportunities to our members One way that we do

this is by inviting people from the community to come and present us with information that they specialize in

March is National Nutrition Month Coming to talk to us about nutrition on Friday March 9th at 11a is

Kate Cook MSN RN from the Chamberlain College of nursing Kate has more than 10 yearsrsquo experience as a

Nurse Educator and is committed to helping people live a healthy lifestyle

March is also Womenrsquos Health Month We are glad to welcome back Cynthia Brown-Chery from the

Mental Health amp Recovery Services Board of Lucas County on March 23rd at 11a She will be presenting us infor-

mation about women throughout history that have spoken up about mental illness to help break the stigma and to

show that Recovery IS Possible She will also be delighting with music by female artists by singing and playing

her guitar

We are pleased to welcome Rosie Best Artistic Director at Issue Box Theatre to do an interactive presenta-

tion on Resiliency on Friday April 19th at 11a Encarta Dictionary defines resilience as ldquothe ability to recover

quickly from setbacksrdquo Throughout life we face many challenges both big and small Having resiliency helps us

to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward Please join us after each presenter for Dual Recovery Anonymous

at 12p on those dates followed by Supper Club at 1p We look forward to you joining us

Upcoming Events for Mental Health Month in May Save the Dates

Tuesday May 7 2018 - Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas Countyrsquos 5th Annual Recognition

Ceremony from 800 am - 1030 am at The Toledo Club 235 14th Street Toledo OH 43604 Please stop by to

see categories and get nomination forms at TMWC front desk Nominations are due by April 13 2018 Please reg-

ister as soon as you can at httpsmhrsbrecognitioneventbritecom

Saturday May 12 2018 - NAMIWalks Greater Toledo 15k (just shy of a mile) at University of Toledo Health

Education Center registration begins at 830 am and Walk begins at 1000am Please contact Walk Manager Mary

Finch at 419-243-1119 or mfinchnamitoledoorg TMWC members can talk with Peer Enrichment and Outreach

Specialist Neil Powel to get involved

Friday May 18 2018 - TMWC 22nd Annual Health amp Wellness Fair 208 W Woodruff Toledo OH 43604

from 1000 am - 200pm We will have health care provider vendors to check blood pressure blood sugar and cho-

lesterol levels and much much more We will enjoy a healthy lunch and fun raffles for those who participate in the

health fair

Understanding Mental Health gradu-ates left-right Ron Toth Garry Wright Claretha Johnson Dorcas Stephens Bonnie Bell Ericka Hay and in front

Theresa Black

Tho mas M Wernert Center

For Menta l Health Recovery amp

Support 208 W Woodruff

Toledo OH 43604

Main Ph 419 2423000

Fax 419 242 0750

Web s i te wwwwernertcenter org

Emai l kskinnerwernertcenter org

THE MISSION

ldquoTo improve the quality of life for persons

living with mental illness through peer-

driven and focused programs which ad-

dress recovery through education peer

support and advocacyrdquo

VALUE STATEMENT

The Thomas M Wernert Center is dedicated

to fostering growth in our members living

with mental health challenges through peer

support and by enhancing recovery with op-

portunities for education and socialization

within a safe welcoming and diverse atmos-

phere of trust and mutual respect that leads to

a meaningful life

Non Profit Org

US Postage

PAID

Toledo OH

Permit No 175

Return Service Requested

SUPPORTED BY

YES I want to become a member of the Thomas M Wernert Center For Mental Health Recovery and Support an

Ohio Mental Health amp Addiction Services Certified Consumer Operated Service

___ I would like to be placed on the Thomas M Wernert Center mailing list to receive the Encounters newsletter

Name___________________________________________________________ Date______________

Address___________________________________________________________________________

City__________________________ State____________________ Zip_______________________

Send Payment to Thomas M Wernert Center 208 W Woodruff Toledo OH 43604

Thomas M Wernert Center is a 501 (c)(3) organization All membershipsdonations are tax deductible based upon

IRS guidelines

___ Receiver of Mental Health Services

Suggested membership feemdash$5

___ Provider - $10

___ Family- $15

___ Patron - $25

___ Sponsor- $50

___ Honorary- $100

___ Organization- $500

Thomas M Wernert Center Membership Application Board of Trustees Brian OrsquoConnor President

Community Volunteer Pete Cook Vice President

Community Volunteer George Monger CPA Treasurer William Vaughan Company Mary Beth Alberti Secretary Arrowhead Behavioral Health Carol Fingerhut Community Volunteer Chuck Thayer

Community Volunteer Darla Newhouse

Community Volunteer Lisa Urrutia Oswald Companies Reed Hauptman Shumaker Loop amp Kendrick LLP Warren Frary Community Volunteer Amanda Denniss

Community Volunteer TracyLynn Ish Community Volunteer Claretha Johnson

Community Volunteer

Encounters Editor in Chief

Katie Phillips PS-MH PEP Coordinator