Tag: Relationships

Categories
Disability

Mental Health and Abuse Resources

Age Friendly Baltimore County shared the following mental health resource with us on April 8th – Shepperd Pratt’s Virtual Walk In Crisis Clinic

Here is a list of mental health and abuse resources we’ve compiled:

Maryland Health Connection opened an emergency enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders through June 15, 2020. More information is available here: https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/

For Coronavirus phone support:
Call 2-1-1, then press 2 to connect with a helpline representative immediately to get additional information and resources.

Crisis Connect Tri-fold 211MD Business Card

Mental Health Association of Maryland

800-422-0009
https://www.mhamd.org/immediate-help/

General Statewide Coronavirus information: https://www.mhamd.org/coronavirus/

The Senior Call Check participants receive an automated call every day. These calls will take place within a time frame chosen by the participant. If the participant does not answer their first call, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified. This alternate could be an adult child, a neighbor, or anyone designated as a reliable contact. The alternate will then be asked to check on the participant. For those who do not have an alternate or whose alternate is unresponsive, the state will call local law enforcement to conduct a wellness check.

For more information on this program and to register, call 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-4325) or visit aging.maryland.gov. Please help spread the word to seniors living alone at home.

This next information courtesy of NAMI Maryland

In the coming days and weeks, NAMI Maryland will be rolling out additional support and education to help our community process the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s job loss, isolation, caring for a loved one, or fractures in critical behavioral health services, we want to know how the abrupt changes in society and our day-to-day lives are impacting you.

Please take our brief survey to help us target the best way to help you. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KMLWJDH

Ways to Avoid Headline Anxiety and to Cope:

  • Avoid triggering topics in the news.
  • Limit your news consumption.
  • Be cognizant of your social media use.
  • Practice good stress management
  • Understand that it is normal to be somewhat concerned by this, but try not to let fear drive your anxiety to an unhealthy level.

To put this new and concerning situation into perspective:

  • Understand that it will be life-disrupting for awhile.
  • Settle in.
  • We’re ALL working as hard and as quickly as we can.
  • Grace is helpful. Anger is not.
  • Stay calm.
  • Keep your germs to yourself.
  • Limit large gatherings.
  • It’s going to be ok, but it’s going to be bumpy for awhile-

Please stay safe and protect your mental health! We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to email us at info@namimd.org or call the NAMI Maryland office at (410) 884-8691 if you have any questions.

Mike Finkle of On Our Own of Maryland provided several useful pamphlet resources that can be printed.

A comprehensive list of Warm Line Numbers can be found via their website in Google Docs.

Maryland Association of Behavioral Health Authorities – a list of behavioral health authorities from around the state of Maryland. MABHA DirectoryMABHAMay2019 (1)

Maryland Dept. of Health -Recovery and Wellness Support Resources for the COVID-19 Outbreak Fact Sheet – Wellness and Recovery Resources 4.1.2020

211 Maryland Crisis Connect Crisis Connect Tri-fold 211MD Business Card

Baltimore Crisis Response and National Suicide Hotline BCRI and National Suicide Hotline

Baltimore City

Behavioral Health System Baltimore, Inc.

Crisis: BCRI – https://bcresponse.org/
410-433-5175 (24 hour line for help and crisis)

General: Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore – https://www.bhsbaltimore.org/
410-433-5175 (staffed by BCRI)

Baltimore County

Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health

Crisis: Baltimore County Crisis (run by Affiliated Sante) – https://www.thesantegroup.org/baltimore-county-crisis-services
410-931-2214

General: Baltimore County Bureau of Behavioral Health – https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/health/healthservices/mental/
410-887-3828

 

Harford County

Office on Mental Health of Harford County

410-803-8726

Local Addictions Authority

Harford County Health Department

410.803.8726

410-273-5681 Fax: 410-273-5556

Harford Crisis Center

800-NEXT-STEP
410-889-7884

Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Hotline
(800) 656-HOPE (4673)

Maryland Health Care Coalition Against Domestic Violence

https://healthanddv.org/resources/links-to-other-resources/

Baltimore County Family Violence resources

https://baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/community/family.html

PSA from the Police Chief with some resources for getting help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoo2u5DVmKQ

Turn Around, Inc.

House of Ruth

Domestic Violence
informational video by Baltimore County Police Department https://foxbaltimore.com/news/coronavirus/balt-co-police-shares-resources-for-survivors-of-domestic-violence-during-the-pandemic

iwatch@baltimorecounty.gov
410-887-2223 (special victims unit)
Greater Baltimore Medical Center – ask for safe nurse

Elder & Medical Abuse Resources

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/community/elderabuse.html

https://chanabaltimore.org/find-help/elder-abuse/

Baltimore City Domestic Violence Resources:  https://mocj.baltimorecity.gov/domestic-violence-resources/links

Harford County resource list: http://harfordcountymd.gov/2255/For-Victims-of-Domestic-Violence-and-Sta

Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center

https://www.sarc-maryland.org/about/

Harford County Department of Aging

https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/651/Office-on-Aging

Special thanks to Mike Finkle of On Our Own Maryland, Kari Gorkos of MHAMD, and NAMIMD for the resources and information!

Support the IMAGE Center’s LIFELINE IMPACT Fund! Your donation will help us continue to serve our community!

Categories
Disability

IMAGE Center LIVE CHAT Monday, March 30, 2020 – Food Resources

Update, May 21

Maryland Department of Human Services Secures USDA Approval to Expedite Expansion of SNAP Program to Online Grocery Purchases, Curbside Pickup, and Delivery, Starting May 27, 2020

http://news.dhr.maryland.gov/reports/that/maryland-department-human-services-secures-usda-approval-expedite-expansion-snap-program-online-grocery-purchases-curbside-pickup-delivery-starting-may-27-2020/

List of Food Resources by County: Food Resources by County

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Frequently Asked Questions: P-EBT Flyer

Update, May 7

Food Resources for Seniors in Baltimore County

resources update

FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR OLDER ADULTS

 

 

Update from April 27th

Also the Rotary Club is offering free grocery delivery services. It doesn’t look like they have a specific geographical area, however I would imagine that they are working with folks that live in Baltimore County. Read below for more information:

Rotary International Volunteer Shoppers

Rotary members are available to shop for and delivery groceries, medications and other essential items to those at risk for COVID 19 or unable to leave their homes on a volunteer basis.  Volunteers do not have background checks.  They are Rotary members.

Call 240-781-6586 any day from 9:00am – 6:00pm to request assistance.  It takes between 24 and 72 hours to fill a request.

No charge for the shopping services. Payment for goods purchased at the store is through credit cards only.  Volunteers pay for the food with their own credit card. Once an amount is known, the recipient gives their credit card number to Rotary International to be charged the amount spent. Volunteers will shop with SNAP EBT cards too.

Towson University offered delivered meals: ToGoMeals_4-20-20

Update from April 8th

Maryland Hunger Solutions at 866-821-5552.  https://www.mdhungersolutions.org/

Can assist with completing the online application for SNAP Benefits.

Meals on Wheels in Baltimore County does have Grocery Assist Program that can accept their SNAP benefits

https://www.mealsonwheelsmd.org/programs-partnerships/  Go to the bottom for more information and the application link for Grocery Assist

A list of resources regarding legal rights during COVID-19 related to housing, rent, utilities is available from the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel

http://www.opc.maryland.gov/Consumer-Corner/Publications#COVID-19%20Fact%20Sheets

Update from April 6, 2020:

FYI- The state of Maryland was recently approved by the US Department of Agriculture to temporarily increase everyone’s SNAP benefit to their household maximum monthly amount, regardless of income and earnings. This will go into effects for the months of April and May. Also people are getting automatically re-certified for their SNAP as well.

https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/

Also customer service # is 1 800 332-6347 which will connect you to local office staff.

Here is a transcription of the the chat notes from the LIVE CHAT on Monday, March 30 where we discussed the various food resources available.

During the current COVID-19 crisis, join us every Monday for a LIVE CHAT via Zoom. If you’d like to register for our next one on Monday, April 6th at 2:00 p.m. where we’ll be discussing Mental Health Resources – please register here!

IMAGE Center LIVE CHAT
Monday, March 30, 2020
This is a transcript from the Chat session to try to capture phone numbers and addresses for resources that came up during the conversation.

Hi everyone! Just checking in! If you would also like to check in, please type your name and email address in the chat. Thank you!
I am: Amanda Taylor. Email: ataylor@imagemd.org
Heather Comstock: hcomstock@imagemd.org
Maryland Food Bank 410-737-8282
Baltimore City for Delivered meals 410-396-2273
It does include weekends
Thank you! Rebecca.Mark@baltimorecity.gov
Maryland Access Point for the City 410-396-2273
Thank you! Allie Post, Family Crisis Center.
From Rebecca Mark to Everyone: Are there updates on the issue of grocery delivery for people on food stamps? (There was no consensus on how this was working but some brief discussion on looking for answers).
You can also dial 211
Kathy Shulman noted that the familyleague.org website has a food access list and all can be found on the mayor’s website as well. https://www.bmorechildren.com/freemeals
Anyone have any updates on folks using food stamps for grocery delivery? Rebecca Mark wanted to get an update
From Jaanine Smith to Everyone: Hi this is Jaanine Smith from the One Voice Recovery Community Center in Baltimore County. I wanted to know what the options are for food pick-up and delivery for folks that DO NOT drive?
Michelle Mills Maryland Access Point triage for all food questions. There’s a webpage with locations for stores and food pantries. 410-887-2594 Maryland Access Point Baltimore County
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/foodresources.html
From Jill Hall to Everyone: Yes, they can pick up 3 meals plus 2 snacks at Baltimore County Schools 11-1 p.m.
From Jill Hall to Everyone: Police Athletic League (PAL) centers are doing 4-6 pm
From Heather Comstock to Everyone:
https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/BaltimoreCountyNow/baltimore-county-expands-grocery-drive-and-go-distribution-during-covid-19-pandemic
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: Image Board Member Bong Delrosario noted that Taxi Access is still operating.
Mike noted that he’s seen offers on Next Door from neighbors offering to pick up groceries or other supplies
From Jaanine Smith to Everyone: what is taxi access?
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: http://mdod.maryland.gov/transport/Pages/Taxi-Services.aspx
Taxi Access
From Amanda Taylor to Everyone: Taxi Access is a service connected to MTA Mobility, which is similar to a taxi cab but connected to the ride share program for people with disabilities.
From Le to Everyone: To my understanding the Baltimore Co- Grab and Go sites are open to all. I went to the Stembridge PAL center on Saturday inquiring about their requirements to share with families.
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: Different sites have different requirements for identification. The schools are requiring information about the child and some are collecting vehicle information to verify eligibility, but it’s a constantly changing situation.
From Le to Everyone: Also the MFB (Maryland Food Bank) is currently working with school pantries to see if schools are willing to open their school pantries- under the discretion of the school principals.
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: 410-685-1212 for Yellow Cab if you have a Taxi Access Card. Bong noted that If you are in a wheelchair, you have to call 24 hours in advance. Call Center is not open on the weekends so if you need to schedule, call Monday through Friday
From kathyshulman to Everyone: The reason that meal programs for children changing quite frequently is that the regulations from USDA keep changing. related to how children can get meals. A regulation just got passed to have parents pick up meals for children.
From Antoine MedStar Health to Everyone: Thanks for the resource
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: IMAGE Board Member Janice Jackson noted that If you’re already on a meal delivery service, please contact them about the possibility of having more meals delivered
There are a variety of programs, so be sure to check in with them if you need more meal delivery service.
From Randi Ames to Everyone: I lost my connection and missed the discussion on resources in Harford County, can someone please post? Thank you.
From Image Staff Member, Crystal Brockington to Everyone: I have spoken with several home health providers and that will continue to provide services and have assured that they are considered Essential. They have implemented mandates that staff will wear more protective equipment during visits. As this continues they will also ensure that their workers are able to travel. If you have direct care workers that are direct hire and do not work for an agency, you should review their travel practices and personal protection habits with them. They are recommended to wash hands and wear mask and gloves to decrease the likelihood of infecting their clients.
If people in Harford Co. are looking for food resources they should contact the Harford Community Action Agency at 410-612-9899
MAP 410-887-2594
From Randi Ames to Everyone: Thank you!
From Michelle Mills to Everyone: Baltimore County MAP 410-887-2594
From Crystal to Everyone: Many Harford County Churches are also doing the drive thru Food Pick Up. There is a list at https://harfordcaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-food-resources.pdf
Kathy Shulman noted that 20-30 Baltimore city neighborhoods have a quarantine support network as a resource to share information.
From Michelle Mills to Everyone: Thanks Kathy!
District 11 Delegate Lisa Belcastro provided updates on resources in her district.
From Jaanine Smith to Everyone: please advise what is district 11?
From Me to Everyone: District 11 includes Pikesville, Owings Mills, Lutherville, Parts of Cockeysville.
District 11 residents who are volunteering to go to the grocery stores for neighbors. They’re organizing via Facebook. Delegate Lisa Belcastro said that they might be willing to cross some of the district boundaries to help out too.
From Antoine MedStar Health to Everyone: Any link or information on Baltimore City’s Quarantine Support Network?
From Jaanine Smith to Everyone: is this city only
From Jay Doyle to Everyone: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/coronavirus.html
From Jay Doyle to Everyone: Above is the main county COVID-19 info page
From lbelcastro to Everyone
Need A Hand, Lend A Hand – District 11
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1060156311021617/
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: https://www.facebook.com/Del.LisaBelcastro/
Thank you, Delegate Belcastro!
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: Amigos of Baltimore County forming to work specifically with immigrant community
https://www.facebook.com/AmigosBaltimoreCounty/
From lbelcastro to Everyone: District 11 includes Pikesville, Owings Mills, Lutherville, Parts of Cockeysville.
From Heather Comstock to Everyone: If you need information, please contact Mike at mbullis@imagemd.org
From Heather Comstock to Everyone:
Cheryl Gottlieb
Cheryl.gottlieb@maryland.gov

We plan to continue to do these resource calls weekly. Join us next Monday at 2 p.m.!
Please visit the IMAGE Center website at:
www.imagemd.org or call our main line at 410-982-6311.

During these extraordinary times, the IMAGE Center continues to serve our consumers and our community! Partner with us as we do our best to find new ways to be present in the community by supporting our LIFELINE IMPACT Fund! 

Section 2204 of the $2 trillion Federal emergency relief CARES Act provides incentives for charitable donations during 2020 regardless of whether you itemize deductions. The primary benefit allows individuals to get an “above-the-line” deduction for up to $300

IMAGE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A copy of the current financial statement is available by writing 300 E. Joppa Rd. Ste 312 Towson, MD 21286 or calling 410-982-6311. Documents & Information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage & copies from the MD Sec. of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Categories
Personal Experience

Managing Expectations for Relationships

By: Meredith Ritchie

It is February, the month of love, romance and sexy fun.  For people who are not in relationships, but want to be, February is a month of frustration.

Relationships are seen as the solution to lots of problems; people think that if they were only in a relationship everything would be wonderful.  This is a myth that our media culture loves to perpetuate.  Now nearly everyone, at one point or another has these feelings; people with disabilities can find themselves at a stronger disadvantage.  Part of the issue is isolation, not going or not being able to go out to meet people.  Once you get out of house and start meeting people then what do you do; what are some of the guidelines for relationships.

You have to manage your expectations for (and in) relationships.  This does not mean you have to lower your standards or give up your dreams.  What it means is there is huge advantage in being realistic.    So here are some suggestions for those looking for relationships and those trying to maintain the ones they are in currently.

“Getting a date”

1.) Don’t think that a relationship will solve all (or even some) of your problems.  We are bombarded with the message that all you need to be happy is someone else.  How many movies are there with unhappy people until they meet the “One” and their world turns around.  How many songs, books, plays etc. are there about how “love conquers all” and  “being empty till meeting you”?  Too many to count, and if you think that a relationship will fix every sadness, loneliness, whatever-ness inside of you; you are in for a shock.

2.) No matter what people like to claim, we are all products of the society we are raised in.  No one is completely immune to the influence of those around them.  So think about where your idea of what a relationship is and is not comes from.  Think about real world examples, family, and friends.  Don’t base everything on what you see on television.  I am not saying that you can’t use them as good reference points or to get ideas.   Just keep in mind that what you are seeing is not real, not even reality T.V. (especially reality T.V.)

3.) Don’t go out hunting for a date.  If you go out with a goal of “I am going to meet someone and we are going get together” it is highly unlikely that you will meet someone.  What is likely to happen is you will get discouraged and saddened.  This is counter-productive to building relationships.  The old wisdom about finding something as soon as you stop looking is somewhat true.

4.) Keep in mind what is important to you.  What are your values?  Look for people who share similar values.  Don’t feel that you have to change who you because “it is the only way you will get someone”.   If someone wants you to give up your values so that they feel better being with you, look for someone else.

5.) Don’t discount the idea of finding someone in an unlikely place.  You don’t have to limit your relationship seeking to bars, dating websites, singles cruises, or whatever other place people traditionally look for relationships.  If you discount an entire group of people you may miss out on a truly awesome person.  This is something the disability community knows all too well.  “I would never date a sighted person,” says a blind guy, not knowing if the next sighted person could be the love of his life.  “I don’t ever want to date another person with a disability,” says the woman using a wheelchair, automatically shutting out some awesome people.   The same principle applies to a lot of groups.  The “I will never date . . .fat, Black, White, tall, disabled people, gamers, nerds, jocks, atheists, people on the internet, people who don’t use cell phones . . . whatever.”  Only limits you and you never know someone until you start to talk to them.  If you won’t get to that first step, then you will never know.

heart

So there are five pieces of advice for those of you who want to be in a relationship.    Feel free to use them, or feel free to ignore them.  Some of them may not work for you; some of them may not apply to you.  However they won’t hurt to try.