Cultivating Wellness Workshop: A Great Success!
The September 17th program in partnership with the Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago, "Cultivating Wellness: Helping you Help Your Children" was attended by over 65 women. Mental health and Educational specialists presented ways to cultivate mental wellness. "There is an old saying, 'Health is Wealth'. Now more than ever this statement, Health is Wealth rings true. We are not only referring to Physical Health, we must include Mental Health, as each are important to creating the life we want," said Dr. Nancy Curotto, Executive Director of The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute.
Minister Geraldine Peacock, Lay Director of the service ministries at Apostolic Faith Church began the program with her personal story of hope. Dr. Kenneth Cole, psychologist and author of "No Bad News", addressed the importance of recognizing the inherent strength in each of us. Dr. Denise Ross, Principal of Garfield Park Preparatory Academy, offered information about educational wellness and how to help children help themselves to succeed. Dr. Traci E. Powell, Clinical Director of Hartgrove Hospital, brought to light the issues of stigma within the psychiatric community and offered suggestions to help family togetherness and communication.
The last speaker, Jesse Teverbaugh, Student Service Director of the Cara Program talked about his personal journey with mental wellness and the positive impact professionals, friends and family had in his success in cultivating wellness. Dr. Grant White, Associate Professor at The Chicago School, was the closing speaker and eloquently described the importance of community, open communication and wellness.
The workshop feedback has been wonderful. The Apostolic Faith Church leaders have requested additional workshops on specific topics including "Cope with the Holiday Blues". For further information call 312-467-2552 or email nrcinstitute@thechicagoschool.edu
Mental Health Conferences
The Institute annually plans, promotes and underwrites a conference addressing critical mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and depression. In it's tenth year, the 2011 conference focused on Bi-Polar Disorder. Past conferences have addressed the mental health issues of addiction, males, females, adult with depression, and supporting loved ones suffering from mental illness.
Programs for the African American Community
The Institute sponsors mental health programs in the African-American community, partnering with clergy and community leaders to present programs on depression.
Programs for the Latino Community
The Institute also sponsors mental health conferences for the Latino community.
Teen Essay Contest
The Institute underwrites an Annual Teen Essay Contest conducted by the Mental Health Association of the North Shore. Now in its sixth year, the contest addresses the mental health needs of adolescents.
Institute Fellowship
Each year we give a significant fellowship to an advanced full time Clinical Psychology student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology who intends to work to combat mental health stigma.