Sunday, April 3, 2011
Family Values
What are your family values? Are they any different than your neighbors? Are they rooted in your religion, culture or family? In order for families to move forward in a positive, progressive manner, it's important these values are identified and used as a guide in family decision making. First, have a family discussion. It doesn't matter who you identify as "family". You do however want those persons to be loving, nurturing, supportive and positive influences in your life. The discussion can center around you family's top 5 values. Values are things like respect, trust, loyalty, communication, education, discipline, religion, spirituality and many more. These are things you hold very near and dear to your heart. Next, talk about how you will use your values. For the adults it may include using them at work, in parenting, with friends, in your intimate relationships, with other family members, at the grocery store etc. Making a commitment to use these values will help when people are watching your behaviors or describing you as a person. Although we don't have any control over how people identify us; but, it sure is nice when people can say "I know, Suzie and she is very trust worthy". For kids, you want to use your values at school, with friends, when you're hanging out and even with your body. It's easy to think everyone is doing "whatever" and it's no big deal. Well, your body is a big deal. If your body value is respect and you demonstrate that, people will know your body is not for their pleasure, abuse or anything else. Stand out in a crowd and be different! Being loyal to yourself and your body is great way to do that. Lastly, take every opportunity you can as individuals and families to demonstrate how these values are important to you. If communication is one of the values your family identified, be gentle in the language you use. Talking loud, cursing and calling people out of their name isn't a good way to demonstrate that you value communication. For example, you may have a rule that "We never call anyone any name unless it's something nice". So, you won't have to worry about the people who love you calling you big head or fatty, because those names aren't sweet. In some homes it will be easy to identify your values and for others, not so much. It doesn't matter where you are, what matters is that you are willing to take a look at how you identify your values. Talk about it often, remind each other and be willing to let your behaviors show your value system. Very soon, you will see how you, your family and those around you will see how important these things are too you!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Too Big to Fail
http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2166:too-big-to-fail-what-about-us&catid=40:opinion&Itemid=54
Too big to fail...what about us?
Written by Bernadette Turner Wednesday, 26 May 2010 10:26 “Too big to fail.”
Lately, those words refer to financial institutions in the corporate industry receiving lifelines. People are perplexed when they think about large businesses (with many resources) continuing to receive additional resources. What about Main Street? What about the heartbeat of America, the mom and pop businesses that keep the fuel pumping in this country? Well, this way of thinking isn’t isolated to the crash of Wall Street and the corporate industry. Smaller, community-based nonprofits would venture to say, business as usual.
For smaller nonprofits without any national ties or political connections, the fight to be recognized as a valuable player is an uphill battle. Often accused of having a shaky infrastructure or lack of capacity, grass roots organizations are frequently overlooked for their unwavering dedication and skill, rather expected to do more with less. Increasingly, more with the mantra of impact and outcomes, the big guys get the bailouts while the little guys chug along. This, however, does not diminish the quality and efforts put forth.Community-based organizations, particularly African-American organizations, fight the hard fight day-to-day to improve the conditions of local neighborhoods. Born and bred in the communities they serve, these agencies are not only the first line of defense; but familiar, comfortable faces that are sensitive to the culture of those seeking assistance. These organizations hire people from the community and create an atmosphere that is welcoming and comforting. Because they are community- based, does not mean they can’t have the capacity to provide the necessary services with the necessary supports. You would think with their expertise and ingenuity, these organizations would be at the forefront of receiving the support needed to effectively impact lives.
Like the corporate sector, big names, long histories and developed relationships (usually with people that look like each other) weigh heavily in decisions for resource allocation. This is not to take anything away from the magnificent work done by bigger agencies, they do a tremendous job. They should. Their histories date back to previous centuries. But is that any reason to dismiss the work of the smaller agencies? Is that a reason to treat the smaller agencies different? Often, the seasoned leadership has had the privilege of working years alongside the decision- makers. This notion of “previously working together” or “long-term relationships” further complicate the process because there is a direct correlation to age.
As a younger executive with fewer gray hairs, the implied references to lack of experience or credibility present itself often. Statements like, “You don’t know anything about that, it was before your time” or “You look so young” are spoken frequently. Individuals take themselves with them wherever they go and in whatever they do. So if these same seasoned people in position are making the decisions about allocation of resources, the sentiments of “You don’t know anything about that” will directly impact the verdict, thus putting the community-based organization behind the eight ball, once again. This is just one more factor out of the control of the agency needing the resources. How can small nonprofits, led by younger executives compete?
Give us (the smaller nonprofits) the resources, too! Provide the dollars that really create change. Give technical assistance that speaks to the business model of leading a nonprofit. Decision- makers, include fresh, different perspectives to generate new ideas, leading to new outcomes. Help cultivate the necessary relationships needed to move forward. Collaborations and mergers are not the only solutions. If the agency is failing, sure those are clear options. But if there are populations needing services and community-based organizations are available to provide the expertise, skills and heart to serve, encourage growth, don’t just ask for written materials that have no feelings or faces. Visit our sites. Talk to the people we serve and talk to the people who serve them. The expertise is not always connected to the BIG name. Goldman Sachs and Bernie Madoff demonstrated that.We’ve always had to work harder, show more and do more for less. How can that continue? We have proven to be contender just by getting into the fight. Frankly, how else would the tireless, heavy work get done? What sector outside of non-profits would do the work? As the cliché goes, it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up. Don’t be swayed by the youth or ethnicity of the director, nor the size and years in existence. Make a note, when too big to fail, fails (like Wall Street) it will be the small, familiar faces that pick up the pieces. Will we get a lifeline?
(Bernadette Turner is executive director of Addison Behavioral Care, a nonprofit organization providing culturally sensitive services to families and individuals, helping them improve their quality of life, specializing in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Learn more about Addison at www.abcpgh.org.)
Too big to fail...what about us?
Written by Bernadette Turner Wednesday, 26 May 2010 10:26 “Too big to fail.”
Lately, those words refer to financial institutions in the corporate industry receiving lifelines. People are perplexed when they think about large businesses (with many resources) continuing to receive additional resources. What about Main Street? What about the heartbeat of America, the mom and pop businesses that keep the fuel pumping in this country? Well, this way of thinking isn’t isolated to the crash of Wall Street and the corporate industry. Smaller, community-based nonprofits would venture to say, business as usual.
For smaller nonprofits without any national ties or political connections, the fight to be recognized as a valuable player is an uphill battle. Often accused of having a shaky infrastructure or lack of capacity, grass roots organizations are frequently overlooked for their unwavering dedication and skill, rather expected to do more with less. Increasingly, more with the mantra of impact and outcomes, the big guys get the bailouts while the little guys chug along. This, however, does not diminish the quality and efforts put forth.Community-based organizations, particularly African-American organizations, fight the hard fight day-to-day to improve the conditions of local neighborhoods. Born and bred in the communities they serve, these agencies are not only the first line of defense; but familiar, comfortable faces that are sensitive to the culture of those seeking assistance. These organizations hire people from the community and create an atmosphere that is welcoming and comforting. Because they are community- based, does not mean they can’t have the capacity to provide the necessary services with the necessary supports. You would think with their expertise and ingenuity, these organizations would be at the forefront of receiving the support needed to effectively impact lives.
Like the corporate sector, big names, long histories and developed relationships (usually with people that look like each other) weigh heavily in decisions for resource allocation. This is not to take anything away from the magnificent work done by bigger agencies, they do a tremendous job. They should. Their histories date back to previous centuries. But is that any reason to dismiss the work of the smaller agencies? Is that a reason to treat the smaller agencies different? Often, the seasoned leadership has had the privilege of working years alongside the decision- makers. This notion of “previously working together” or “long-term relationships” further complicate the process because there is a direct correlation to age.
As a younger executive with fewer gray hairs, the implied references to lack of experience or credibility present itself often. Statements like, “You don’t know anything about that, it was before your time” or “You look so young” are spoken frequently. Individuals take themselves with them wherever they go and in whatever they do. So if these same seasoned people in position are making the decisions about allocation of resources, the sentiments of “You don’t know anything about that” will directly impact the verdict, thus putting the community-based organization behind the eight ball, once again. This is just one more factor out of the control of the agency needing the resources. How can small nonprofits, led by younger executives compete?
Give us (the smaller nonprofits) the resources, too! Provide the dollars that really create change. Give technical assistance that speaks to the business model of leading a nonprofit. Decision- makers, include fresh, different perspectives to generate new ideas, leading to new outcomes. Help cultivate the necessary relationships needed to move forward. Collaborations and mergers are not the only solutions. If the agency is failing, sure those are clear options. But if there are populations needing services and community-based organizations are available to provide the expertise, skills and heart to serve, encourage growth, don’t just ask for written materials that have no feelings or faces. Visit our sites. Talk to the people we serve and talk to the people who serve them. The expertise is not always connected to the BIG name. Goldman Sachs and Bernie Madoff demonstrated that.We’ve always had to work harder, show more and do more for less. How can that continue? We have proven to be contender just by getting into the fight. Frankly, how else would the tireless, heavy work get done? What sector outside of non-profits would do the work? As the cliché goes, it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up. Don’t be swayed by the youth or ethnicity of the director, nor the size and years in existence. Make a note, when too big to fail, fails (like Wall Street) it will be the small, familiar faces that pick up the pieces. Will we get a lifeline?
(Bernadette Turner is executive director of Addison Behavioral Care, a nonprofit organization providing culturally sensitive services to families and individuals, helping them improve their quality of life, specializing in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Learn more about Addison at www.abcpgh.org.)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ecstasy May Feel Good...
Don't believe the hype. Ecstasy is not some hippie-taking-suburia drug. It has made its way into the hands inner city youth in a big way. When you take into consideration the amount of money you can make (it can cost $5 dollar to purchase a pill and $25 to sell it) and the combination of drinking beer & alcohol, smoking marijuana and ecstasy, the results are deadly-literally.
A young man previously involved in treatment left because of the shame associated with relapsing and being addicted to drugs. When he returned, he was wanted for a murder that no one knew he committed. Why would they think of him, it was his best friend that he killed.
After going to jail for the alledged killing, a 4 page letter was sent to the drug and alcohol agency where he recieved treatment. Although it included many more details, what we share here are portions of the letter including the connection to the drug and alcohol counselor as someone they looked to for support.
How can I begin this letter? I will begin by saying how remorseful I am for what I did. The person I killed was a good friend of mine. Every day since it happened I asked myself why? I don’t know exactly how it ended up in such a way, but I know my drug problem was a big part of it. I can’t blame drugs, but I know that if I didn’t mess with pills or alcohol…..none of this would of happened
……….I still consider myself a part of the Wednesday drug group. I wish to tell XXXX, XXXX and all the other members to keep up the good work. I ask myself about ecstasy. How can something that makes you feel so good ruin everything? The love I had for its use has now become the utmost hate….I’ve never been a gangsta or a hustler. I’ve just been a drunk, pill poppin, weedhead, and now look where it has landed me. That help I sought from you….was real if you only knew.
You’re the first person I shared this information with…..I want you to share this letter with the group because I ‘m still a part of it….My experience should be a wakeup call for the group, especially the younger people….I was persuaded by Lucifer to intoxicate myself with his elixir of evil. As my sober self I am not Evil. Drugs truly caused me to be evil.
This person is now housed with the justice system. Names have been omitted as well as all identifying information. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the victim’s family. As indicated in the letter, maybe sharing this information will help someone else or even better-save a life.
There are many stories told about young people getting high off of ecstasy and waking up the next day not knowing what they involved themselves in under the influence. Without educating the youth on the outcomes, how will they ever know.
Take the time to ask a young person what do they know about ecstasy. You may actually learn more than you thought. We we all know is, what may feel good to you, may not be good for you.
A young man previously involved in treatment left because of the shame associated with relapsing and being addicted to drugs. When he returned, he was wanted for a murder that no one knew he committed. Why would they think of him, it was his best friend that he killed.
After going to jail for the alledged killing, a 4 page letter was sent to the drug and alcohol agency where he recieved treatment. Although it included many more details, what we share here are portions of the letter including the connection to the drug and alcohol counselor as someone they looked to for support.
How can I begin this letter? I will begin by saying how remorseful I am for what I did. The person I killed was a good friend of mine. Every day since it happened I asked myself why? I don’t know exactly how it ended up in such a way, but I know my drug problem was a big part of it. I can’t blame drugs, but I know that if I didn’t mess with pills or alcohol…..none of this would of happened
……….I still consider myself a part of the Wednesday drug group. I wish to tell XXXX, XXXX and all the other members to keep up the good work. I ask myself about ecstasy. How can something that makes you feel so good ruin everything? The love I had for its use has now become the utmost hate….I’ve never been a gangsta or a hustler. I’ve just been a drunk, pill poppin, weedhead, and now look where it has landed me. That help I sought from you….was real if you only knew.
You’re the first person I shared this information with…..I want you to share this letter with the group because I ‘m still a part of it….My experience should be a wakeup call for the group, especially the younger people….I was persuaded by Lucifer to intoxicate myself with his elixir of evil. As my sober self I am not Evil. Drugs truly caused me to be evil.
This person is now housed with the justice system. Names have been omitted as well as all identifying information. We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the victim’s family. As indicated in the letter, maybe sharing this information will help someone else or even better-save a life.
There are many stories told about young people getting high off of ecstasy and waking up the next day not knowing what they involved themselves in under the influence. Without educating the youth on the outcomes, how will they ever know.
Take the time to ask a young person what do they know about ecstasy. You may actually learn more than you thought. We we all know is, what may feel good to you, may not be good for you.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Yes, we LOVE a "Come Through"
Many people had written off Ms. Whitney Houston. That magical voice, equal to any instrument in a symphony, ever so pitch perfect, made everyone tell that special someone "I would always love you". Who didn't try to hit that high note after the dramatical pause.
Unfortunately, money, fame, power, family and fans was no match for drug addiction. How can someone so beautiful, with everything life had to offer, make such choices? Her story is a great example of it isn't a choice, rather a disease. And if you don't take care of yourself, like some other diseases, it will effect you.
Well, what about those in society that have just the opposite. Poor, no family, no fame , no self esteem-all the odds against them. Why do we triumph the come back of Ms. Whitney, yet walk past and call names to the crack user down the street. They are the ones who have a greater impact on YOUR life.
Sure, we are happy for ANYONE that found their way to recovery. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor as long as you are recovering. The question then becomes are you really recovering, and from what? Ms. Whitney made a clear, nose turned up distinction between her use of crack in a marijuana joint as oppposed to using crack cocaine in a pipe. Let me ask you this....if you sit on a chair on the porch, or sit on a chair in a house, isn't it still a chair? If you sit on it front ways or if you wrap your legs around the back, isn't it still a chair? For those remaining in active addiction and those using a gateway drug such as marijuana, it is important to clarify that crack is crack. If you smoke it out of a pipe or if you smoke it in marijuana, it is still crack.
It is also important to clarify that for someone in recovery, it is important to understand the entire spectrum of active addiction. Regardless of your drug of choice, if you continue to use substances, your risk of ABUSING subtances or returning to "your drug of choice" are higher. Thus, it is not advisable to have a drink and think you are in recovery.
All that said, Ms. Whitney Houston is larger than life. With her ability to make everyone dance, curl up on the couch waiting to exhale or wiping your tears thinking about loving someone forever, she is quite influential. Her words can have a major influence, so clarity is very important. Her words during her interview with Oprah can lead one to think there is a difference between crack because of the tools you use, or if you are in recovery you can use other mood altering drugs as long as it's not your drug of choice.
Addison treat people everyday for addiction. We work with those youngsters who use marijuana and are at very influential place in their lives. We serve to be a voice of reason and distinction with this horrific disease. Please know that using crack cocaine anyway or continuing to use mood altering substances, including alcohol, while recovering can lead to disaster.
*Clapping loudly* We applaud your efforts, Ms. Houston. Your ability to pull back from the brink, repair your family relationships and so bravely tell your story is beyond commendable. Sharing your gift with the world once again, all while standing deep in your faith and spirituality are key components to recovery. What we want for you is continued success and your testimony that will bring others back from the brink.
Addison appreciated when Ms. Houston told Oprah it wasn't a come back but a come through. Yes, it is a continual process of coming through. Let's stay well informed everyone so people recovering can come through successfully.
Unfortunately, money, fame, power, family and fans was no match for drug addiction. How can someone so beautiful, with everything life had to offer, make such choices? Her story is a great example of it isn't a choice, rather a disease. And if you don't take care of yourself, like some other diseases, it will effect you.
Well, what about those in society that have just the opposite. Poor, no family, no fame , no self esteem-all the odds against them. Why do we triumph the come back of Ms. Whitney, yet walk past and call names to the crack user down the street. They are the ones who have a greater impact on YOUR life.
Sure, we are happy for ANYONE that found their way to recovery. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor as long as you are recovering. The question then becomes are you really recovering, and from what? Ms. Whitney made a clear, nose turned up distinction between her use of crack in a marijuana joint as oppposed to using crack cocaine in a pipe. Let me ask you this....if you sit on a chair on the porch, or sit on a chair in a house, isn't it still a chair? If you sit on it front ways or if you wrap your legs around the back, isn't it still a chair? For those remaining in active addiction and those using a gateway drug such as marijuana, it is important to clarify that crack is crack. If you smoke it out of a pipe or if you smoke it in marijuana, it is still crack.
It is also important to clarify that for someone in recovery, it is important to understand the entire spectrum of active addiction. Regardless of your drug of choice, if you continue to use substances, your risk of ABUSING subtances or returning to "your drug of choice" are higher. Thus, it is not advisable to have a drink and think you are in recovery.
All that said, Ms. Whitney Houston is larger than life. With her ability to make everyone dance, curl up on the couch waiting to exhale or wiping your tears thinking about loving someone forever, she is quite influential. Her words can have a major influence, so clarity is very important. Her words during her interview with Oprah can lead one to think there is a difference between crack because of the tools you use, or if you are in recovery you can use other mood altering drugs as long as it's not your drug of choice.
Addison treat people everyday for addiction. We work with those youngsters who use marijuana and are at very influential place in their lives. We serve to be a voice of reason and distinction with this horrific disease. Please know that using crack cocaine anyway or continuing to use mood altering substances, including alcohol, while recovering can lead to disaster.
*Clapping loudly* We applaud your efforts, Ms. Houston. Your ability to pull back from the brink, repair your family relationships and so bravely tell your story is beyond commendable. Sharing your gift with the world once again, all while standing deep in your faith and spirituality are key components to recovery. What we want for you is continued success and your testimony that will bring others back from the brink.
Addison appreciated when Ms. Houston told Oprah it wasn't a come back but a come through. Yes, it is a continual process of coming through. Let's stay well informed everyone so people recovering can come through successfully.
Friday, September 4, 2009
State Budget Impasse
Non profits, let's talk about the budget impasse. Can you believe that we are into day 64 of a PA State Budget Impasse! Certainly this is not an issue for everyone, particularly the state representatives that are responsible for the fiscal management of PA. But let me tell you who it is an issue for, EVERYONE. If you never received a state dollar in your life, please know that you have interfaced with someone who has. Know that in some aspect of your life, you interface with someone who will be impacted by the lack of services the state is responsible. Even if you are wealthy beyond years, service may lack at your favorite restaurant because that friendly young lady you tip so graciously, will not be there because she no longer has child care.
More importantly than the revenue needed to continue operating agencies, it is the service delivery interuppted. Addison Behavioral Care go into the homes of parents that have indications of abusing or neglecting their children. When Addison reaches the point that our counselors can not go into those homes to alleviate those potentially deadly situations, the community is at risk. Addison also provide drug and alcohol treatment to individuals. If those citizens are not afforded their treatment, crime will rise because often, the population we serve do not have the money necessary to feed their disease of addiction. Thus, they rob and steal from the wealthy (who they believe don't care and have disposable income) to satisfy their disease. Children will suffer because parents become unavailable to their children.
Addison can not conceive why this isn't important to the masses. Addison is a small sample of the larger picture of people not receiving services. Elderly, babies, children, very vulnerable populations left out in the cold. The same people that voted for the politicians. Marc Cherna stated yesterday that the department of Human Services see over 233, 000 people in Allegheny county. That is over 200, 000 votes.
Votes. Hmmmmmm, votes. votes votes votes votes votes. Legislators, next election you will need votes. You will need people communicating how wonderful you were to your constituents and how you did everything in your power to make sure your constituents where taken care of. Elections have been called on a mere 100 votes. The social service community has access to 200,000 votes, not to mention the reach of the not profit world.
NON PROFIT COMMUNITY, LET'S TALK ABOUT VOTES!
More importantly than the revenue needed to continue operating agencies, it is the service delivery interuppted. Addison Behavioral Care go into the homes of parents that have indications of abusing or neglecting their children. When Addison reaches the point that our counselors can not go into those homes to alleviate those potentially deadly situations, the community is at risk. Addison also provide drug and alcohol treatment to individuals. If those citizens are not afforded their treatment, crime will rise because often, the population we serve do not have the money necessary to feed their disease of addiction. Thus, they rob and steal from the wealthy (who they believe don't care and have disposable income) to satisfy their disease. Children will suffer because parents become unavailable to their children.
Addison can not conceive why this isn't important to the masses. Addison is a small sample of the larger picture of people not receiving services. Elderly, babies, children, very vulnerable populations left out in the cold. The same people that voted for the politicians. Marc Cherna stated yesterday that the department of Human Services see over 233, 000 people in Allegheny county. That is over 200, 000 votes.
Votes. Hmmmmmm, votes. votes votes votes votes votes. Legislators, next election you will need votes. You will need people communicating how wonderful you were to your constituents and how you did everything in your power to make sure your constituents where taken care of. Elections have been called on a mere 100 votes. The social service community has access to 200,000 votes, not to mention the reach of the not profit world.
NON PROFIT COMMUNITY, LET'S TALK ABOUT VOTES!
Friday, August 28, 2009
In the beginning....
Hello All,
Addison Behavioral Care is very excited about providing an opportunity for the community to join us on our journey in removing barriers to success. We want to hear from any and everyone that has the same interest. Whether you are battling addiction, helping someone in their fight or want to talk about ways to prevent youth from participating in drug use/abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and deliquency, we want to learn with and from you.
Addison is proud of its ability to provide culturally sensitive services to individuals and families, helping them to focus on their quality of life; specializing in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Our vision is to one day live in a world where all individuals, families and communities are healthy, safe and prosperous. To learn more, visit us at www.abcpgh.org.
Happy blogging
Addison Behavioral Care is very excited about providing an opportunity for the community to join us on our journey in removing barriers to success. We want to hear from any and everyone that has the same interest. Whether you are battling addiction, helping someone in their fight or want to talk about ways to prevent youth from participating in drug use/abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and deliquency, we want to learn with and from you.
Addison is proud of its ability to provide culturally sensitive services to individuals and families, helping them to focus on their quality of life; specializing in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Our vision is to one day live in a world where all individuals, families and communities are healthy, safe and prosperous. To learn more, visit us at www.abcpgh.org.
Happy blogging
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