The Year of - Independence Center

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Individual
Programs
continued
Residential
Independence Center believes that everyone has a
right to live in a decent, safe and affordable home. Our
housing program includes: four center-owned apartment
buildings with HUD rental subsidies and private onebedroom
efficiency apartments; assistance with locating
apartments throughout the community via a network
of landlords supportive of the needs of our members,
help with general living skills and daily tasks such as
grocery shopping and cleaning and regular apartment
visits by Independence Center staff. Staff also assist
members in managing doctor’s appointments and
medications if needed. One of the residential program’s
strengths is that it encourages residents to meet their
personal goals towards independence. In 2008, 93%
participated in a structured activity, 20% were able to
work and 88% of residents were involved in wellness
activities.
Midwest Psychiatry
Established in 1989, Midwest Psychiatry was created to
meet the special needs of individuals with severe and
persistent mental illnesses. The physicians and staff
have made a commitment to provide the highest quality
care using an integrated team approach. The clinical
team consists of experienced board certified psychiatrists,
nurse practitioners, and social workers. In 2008, 547
people received psychiatric services through Midwest
Psychiatry, up 8% from the previous year. A total of
81.6% of participants kept their appointments at
Midwest Psychiatry. There are many myths that still
surround mental illness, including the misconception
that mental illness is related to mental retardation.
Mental illness is an illness of the brain, just like
Leukemia is a biological disease of the blood.
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression are
biological chemical diseases of the brain that can be
treated with proper medication and psychiatric
support. Between 70 and 90 percent of individuals
with mental illnesses have significant reduction of
symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination
of medication and psychosocial treatment.
FIRST
FIRST time living independently in many years!
Justin Idleburg is living independently at
Independence Center’s apartments in Maplewood
for the first time in many years. Justin loves the
freedom of living on his own, "Living on my own
has helped me remain a responsible adult and it
helps break the stigma that adults with mental
illness can't live alone."
FIRST
FIRST partnership with Barnes and TALX
Independence Center's Employment Program
couldn't thrive without the support of the 14
different employers supplying 48 individual
positions to our members so they can go back
to work. This year we started new partnerships
with TALX Corporation and Barnes - Jewish Hospital.
Pictured is Dorothea Ellis who loves working
in housekeeping at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.