On Friday, September 27th, COMHAR hosted a Mural Arts dedication in partnership with the Porch Light program. The mural artist, Marisol de la Garza worked with COMHAR program members to create the mural entitled “The Path Through Connection”.  Jane Golden, Executive Director of the Mural Arts Program, mural artist Marisol de la Garza, Trapeta B. Mayson, COMHAR’s Interim CEO, and Malik Gray from DBHIDS all spoke about the importance of Art in the Recovery process. Their words were brought to life when members who participated in the creation of the mural shared how art has become a valued element of their personal recovery journeys.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed the presentations. The mural is located on the Lehigh Ave. wall of COMHAR’s administration building at 100 W. Lehigh Ave.

Intellectual Disabilities Services Points of Transformation Awards

Pamela Fludd Wins Award of Excellence 

Trauma-informed care is all-the-rage in today’s human service landscape, but often times agencies miss the mark. Pamela Fludd, however, is a sharpshooter in this regard, as she has developed a keen understanding of what really goes into trauma-informed services. She has supported a particular member for the last six years, during which time she has forged a remarkable relationship. The person she supports has suffered myriad traumas that have resulted from her experience with the mental health system and her own lived experience. As a result, she has a history of being untrusting, difficult to support, and, at times, violent. Pamela was not deterred by this history, knowing that there was more to this incredible woman that had to be understood.

Pamela embarked on a journey of patience, consistency, and understanding to develop a relationship with this individual. Additionally, she provided an environment of respect and fairness, something that the resident could come to rely upon and trust. It was upon these tenants of safety that their relationship began to flourish. In fact, it has been so successful that the individual has been able to generalize these relational skills with others and is now living a much more satisfying and enriched life, full of meaningful people and activities. Pamela has helped this individual move beyond trusting their relationship to the point that she can trust herself, which has led to increased independence and self-actualization.

The growth that this individual has experienced is nothing short of remarkable and can be directly attributed to the caring and understanding relationship that was developed with Pamela, and then with others. Pamela has given this person an irrevocable gift – the ability to live a life of fulfillment.

Honorable Mention Awards

 September is National Suicide Prevention Month

All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.  If you know someone is at risk, #BeThe1To spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide.

Ask – Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Be There – Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

Keep Them Safe – A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.

Help Them Stay Connected – Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Follow Up – Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

Join us for an unforgettable event as we unveil COMHAR’s breathtaking new mural created through the Mural Arts Porch Light Project. This project has been a labor of love, focusing on resilience, mental health, and community.

Over the last year, under the instruction and direction of artist Marisol De La Garza, members of COMHAR’s Community Integrated Recovery Centers (CIRC) developed the concept and design of the mural. During our Community Paint Day, community members, artists, COMHAR staff, and members donned large sections of the mural with vibrant colors, prepping it for the big reveal!

Be a part of this special moment at the Mural Dedication on Friday, September 27th at 11 am at COMHAR’s Administrative Building, 100 W. Lehigh Avenue. Don’t miss out on being a part of something truly inspiring.

Welcome to Volume 11 of PEOPLE FIRST, COMHAR’s Agency Newsletter!

If you are interested in receiving the newsletter electronically, please email a request to info@comhar.org.