Category: Hamilton Center, Inc. News

Sets date for next SOC meeting.

Terre Haute, IN- Hamilton Center has been awarded the School Based Systems of Care grant by the Department of Mental Health and Addictions (DMHA). The grant provides $7,672 to strengthen the relationship between the SOC, the community, and local schools. Funds will be used to purchase marketing items specific to Vigo County’s Systems of Care and create a SOC website open to the public, giving children and families additional access to available resources.

This month’s SOC meeting took place on August, 20 2019 at Sarah Scott Middle School. As always community members, specifically those involved in the “system of care”, were invited to attend and share their thoughts and experiences. This communication promotes cultural competency and affords the members of the SOC an opportunity to assess the system for gaps in services.

The next meeting will be held on September 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Valley Health Professionals, located at 1530 N 7th St. in Terre Haute, IN.

“Hamilton Center’s primary goals in seeking this grant were to decrease mental health stigma within the schools, strengthen referral pathways from schools to the SOC, and cultivate linkages between schools and mental health providers in the community” said Dwight Weaver, Grant Coordinator, and Wraparound Coordinator at Hamilton Center, Inc. “By attacking these three areas we can begin to address the gaps in services some families experience,” he added.

Systems of Care (SOC) is a network of community resources for youth and their families. Organizations, agencies, and groups meet once a month at varying locations with the purpose of collaborating on the issues of familial, social, economic, and behavioral health needs in the community. Organizations involved in an SOC work together to connect those in need to service providers, decrease barriers to treatment, and help families navigate the “system of care”., By incorporating a broad array of services and supports into a coordinated effort, the SOC creates meaningful community partnerships, promotes the highest standards of care, and seeks to improve the lives of youth and families.
If you are interested in attending the monthly meetings you can find more information about times and locations on Facebook at @Vigo Co System of Care or call Dwight Weaver, Wraparound Coordinator, Hamilton Center, Inc., at 812-231-8194.

Hamilton Center, Inc. welcomes psychiatric nurse practitioner Kendall Coniglio, BSN, MSN, PMHNP, to the Parke and Vermillion satellite offices.
Ms. Coniglio completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1998 at Lakeview College of Nursing and went on to complete a Master of Science in Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University. She is now a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Ms. Coniglio has experienced the nursing field from many levels, including through medical and psychiatric direct patient care, as a patient care coordinator and as director of nursing. After 20 years in the field she is experienced in direct patient care, de-escalation techniques, and consumer advocacy. She has served many populations including those with terminal illnesses as well as those who are incarcerated, while specializing in treatment for those with mental illness.
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.
For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center, Inc. recognizes Rhoda Lamb for her 40 years of service to the organization and the community.

Ms. Lamb started with the organization in 1979 and has since served as a program assistant for several departments in the organization including community support services, group homes, and currently, 24-hour services and outpatient services. In forty years she has often been the first Hamilton Center staff to engage with consumers, taking great care to deliver quality, compassionate, and comprehensive care to those in need of services. In 1988 she was recognized by the organization as an outstanding staff member for her commitment to consumers and the communities mental and behavioral health needs.

“Ms. Lamb is a matriarch of the Hamilton Center organization with great empathy for those in need,” said Melvin Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center. “Hamilton Center, Inc. staff, leadership, and the board of directors thanks Ms. Lamb for her unwavering commitment to consumers, the organization, and the community” he added.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

“We Live!” event provides 500 school supplies.

Terre Haute, IN- Saturday July 27, 2019 Hamilton Center, Inc. hosted the 3rd annual “We Live!” back-to-school bash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Herz-Rose Park, located at 1515 Locust St. in Terre Haute, IN.
The event offered free food, information on community resources, and other fun activities like games, music, giveaways, and bounce houses. In addition, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for kids ages 13 to 15 was included. Lastly, the event featured the Outstanding Community Member Awards, recognizing individuals for their strong community service.
Hamilton Center, with the support of community partners like First Farmers Bank and Trust, provided free school supplies for over 500 kids including folders, pencils, tissues, erasers, and much more.
“The focus of this event is to let the youth of our community know that they matter and that their life has great value,” said Melvin L. Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center, Inc. “Hamilton Center appreciates the continued support of all our community partners who help us provide this fun and educational day for the Rose Park neighborhood.”
Dr. Frank Draper was recognized as one of the event’s 2019 Outstanding Community Member recipients. Originally from South Bend, Dr. Draper moved to Terre Haute to attend Indiana State University where he completed a bachelors, two masters, and a doctorate in education in 1976. He was a professor at the College of Health and Human Services at ISU from 1969 to 2005, and head coach of the cross country team from 1973 to 1979. As a public servant he has lead organizations like the Indiana State Civil Rights Commission and the Board of the Indiana Black Expo where he advocated for social justice and equality.
Sheriff John Plasse was also recognized as one of the 2019 Outstanding Community Member recipients. As a member of the 38th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard he has acquired several awards in recognition of his bravery, service achievements, and marksmanship. After 10 years as a lieutenant with the Terre Haute Police Department, Sheriff Plasse was elected in 2018 to the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Plasse currently serves on the board of several community organizations including Hamilton Center, Inc., The Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, and The Happiness Bag.
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses. For more information about Hamilton Center, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org or call 812-231-8323.

Event features former NFL Standout, Tony McGee

July 19, 2019, Terre Haute, IN- Hamilton Center, Inc. hosted its annual Employee Kick-off on Friday July 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Tilson Auditorium on the campus of Indiana State University. The event, in its 8th consecutive year, celebrated Hamilton Center staff and the start of a new fiscal year, all while showing support to local businesses. Special guest speaker Tony McGee, a Terre Haute native and former NFL football player, was present to deliver a message of community service, leadership, and being the best you can be.
Hamilton Center, Inc. staff were out in force to take over downtown Terre Haute and eight area restaurants by wearing bright orange shirts. Downtown looked like a “sea of orange”, said an observer.
After enjoying fellowship and a hearty breakfast a “sea of orange” converged on Tilson Auditorium. Mr. Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO was the MC for the event; prizes were handed out to well-deserved staff.
“The Employee Kick-off is meant to show appreciation to all Hamilton Center staff and the board of directors, by acknowledging their hard work in serving our consumers” said Melvin L. Burks. “Our staff put their heart and soul into our communities and this event is just one way to show them how grateful I am for their efforts,” he added.
Guest speaker Tony McGee attended Terre Haute South Vigo High School and was a standout athlete in both basketball and football. He later played football as a tight end at the University of Michigan, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Dallas Cowboys. After retiring from the NFL he started a career as an entrepreneur and began to give back to the communities from which he came. He was invited to the event to share his story of struggle, success, and leadership. He offered sentiments of appreciation to over 500 Hamilton Center employees in attendance for their unwavering service and commitment to their communities.
“I am proud of the Hamilton Center and all of their efforts to serve communities across west central Indiana,” said McGee. “Their unique programs, like the Mentor Program, work to serve underprivileged populations by offering guidance and mentorship- something which I was fortunate enough to have benefitted from in my youth.”
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses. For more information about Hamilton Center, visit www.hamiltoncenter.org or call 812-231-8323.

Mini grant program funds a diverse group of programs

Hamilton Center Foundation Inc. is pleased to announce the distribution of $14, 574 to 15 programs reaching a ten county area. The distribution was made during a reception and media event July 15, 2019. Hamilton Center staff and Foundation Board members were present. Programs funded included:
o Healthy Families (Vigo, Sullivan and Greene counties): $1,000 for safety products and educational materials for parents of infants
o Vigo County Child & Adolescent Services (including West Terre Haute): $1,000 for summer activities for children in services
o Vigo County Adult Services: $1000 for implementation of an evidenced based psychotherapy treatment for those who have experienced trauma
o Vigo County Addiction Services: $1000 for educational materials and supplies for a parenting group
o Vigo County Primary Care Services: $1000 for appointment fees for those without an ability to pay
o Hendricks County: $1458 for summer activities for under served youth
o Clay County: $750 for materials to support Matrix (substance use disorder) groups
o Greene County/Linton: $1000 support for critical basic needs
o Sullivan County: $1000 support for critical basic needs
o Parke & Vermillion county (and entire service area): $1000 for hiking/outdoor equipment to start a hiking group two times per month
o Putnam County: $750 for materials to support Matrix (substance use disorder) groups
o Greene County/Bloomfield: $812 for materials to begin a relapse prevention substance abuse group
o Owen County: $804 for play equipment for play therapy
o All counties/Central and West Central Indiana: $1000 to assist clients in paying the initial fees required to secure health insurance, $1000 for a community wide campaign/event focused at suicide prevention, and $1000 hiking/outdoor equipment to start a hiking groups
“We are grateful to the financial support the Foundation has given our organization,” said Melvin L. Burks, CEO of Hamilton Center. “ The money will enhance several of our services, “ he said.
“This is exactly the kind of funding that the Foundation is well positioned to distribute,” said Margie Anshutz, President of Hamilton Center Foundation and Chief Development Officer at Hamilton Center. “Hamilton Center has been successful in obtaining grants, but those grants can be very prescriptive in focus. Foundation funds can be allocated to areas of need identified by the organization,” she said.
“A relatively small amount of money can have great impact on these programs,” said Bob Rhodes, Foundation Chair. “The Foundation is grateful for the impact these services make in our community,” he said.
The mission of the Foundation is to strengthen the community by providing consistent and lasting support to Hamilton Center, as it provides the highest quality behavioral healthcare and wellness services in Indiana. People are encouraged to give to the Foundation to ensure a strong mental health system is available in central and west central Indiana in perpetuity. To give, go to www.hamiltoncenterfoundation.org or call (812) 231-8416.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in central and west central Indiana. The organization provides behavioral health, addiction and other support services to 13,000 consumers a year in a 10 county area. Hamilton Center employs 550 staff including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, case managers among others.

Starts “The Life Project” to Serve Transitioned Aged Youth

Hamilton Center has been awarded a 2-year, $220,000 grant by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) to provide a new program for transitioned aged youth. The program entitled “The Life Project” will teach daily living skills to youth ages 14 to 26 years who reside in Vigo, Clay, and Sullivan counties. These group-based services will support the growth of independent living skills, employment, and interpersonal skills.
According to the Indiana Youth Institute’s Kids Count in Indiana 2019 Data Book, one in three high school students have reported feeling sad or hopeless in the past year. Adolescents with mental illness are at higher risk of participating in substance abuse, unprotected sex, and other high-risk behaviors. Additionally, Indiana has the highest rate in the nation of teens who have considered suicide in the past year- 19.8 percent or 1 in 5. Furthermore, Vigo, Clay, and Sullivan counties exhibit higher percentages in the following areas than the state average: unemployment, children in poverty, single-parent household, and Children In Need of Services (CHINS).
Sabrina Harroll, will serve as the Grant Facilitator for The Life Project. Overseeing the program will be Stacie Amerman, Program Manager, and Anastasia Godsey, LMHC, Director of Child and Adolescent Services at Hamilton Center. Daily living skills groups will be provided and cover a variety of topics including budgeting, home maintenance, hygiene, and cooking. Hamilton Center is expected to begin accepting referrals for The Life Project in July 2019. Any youth, ages 14-26 years old, are eligible to apply. Groups for The Life Project are anticipated to begin late summer 2019.
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.
For questions regarding the The Life Project please contact, Grant Facilitator, Sabrina Harroll at (812)-231-8328, or email her at sharrol@hamiltoncenter.org.

Hamilton Center, Inc. recognizes Virgil Macke, LCSW, for his 40 years of service to the organization and the community.
Mr. Macke graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor of arts in psychology and later went on to complete a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. Today, as a licensed clinical social worker he provides individual and group therapy, as well as crisis intervention, for adults with a serious mental illness.
Since 1999, Mr. Macke has developed and implemented several programs designed specifically to combat recidivism in our community and increase the delivery of behavioral health services to individuals involved in the court systems. Several diversion programs have been developed through his work. The Misdemeanor Psychiatric Assertive Identification and Referral (P.A.I.R.) program works with local officials to divert those with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders who have been arrested for a misdemeanor from jail to treatment programs. Similar programs were developed for those with adults with felonies and for those juveniles involved in the court system. Hamilton Center, Inc. staff, leadership, and the board of directors thanks Mr. Macke for his tireless efforts to combat recidivism and serve the communities behavioral health needs.
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.
For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.