Zonta Hosts Amethyst Cooking Class

On Wednesday, November 17, 2010 the women from Zonta hosted the Second Annual “Cooking Class” for over 20 Amethyst women in one of Amethyst apartment buildings.

Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Over time they have shown their support of Amethyst through financial and in-kind donations as well as volunteering their time.

In 2009, the Zonta cooking class at Amethyst was a huge success. The women asked for the group to return and they did, enthusiastically. This year the menu consisted of a delicious meal consisting of homemade lasagna, salad, rolls and dessert.  During the meal they had fun games with prizes which incorporated educational facts. The women were taught to cook a homemade nutritious meal from scratch.

Thanks to all the women of Zonta. Women everywhere (and definitely here at Amethyst) appreciate the amazing work you do!

If you are part of a group that would like to host an event or class for Amethyst women, contact Nanon Morrison, Development Director.

Make a Holiday Wish Come True!

It is hard to believe the holidays are right around the corner! This year you have an opportunity to make the season extra special for the women and children of Amethyst, by getting involved in Holiday Wishes, a program that allows volunteers to "adopt" a family for the holidays.

Getting involved is easy!

1. Contact Lauren at Amethyst


2. Ask to "adopt" either a single woman or a family.


3. You will receive a list of items the family would like.


4. Shop!!!


5. Wrap the presents


6. Drop them off at Amethyst at your convenience


7. Give an Amethyst family an amazing holiday!

Contact Lauren for more information! 614.221.7331, lnickell@amethyst-inc.org

1 Year Anniversary of Amethyst's Supportive Employment Program

October 19th marked the one year anniversary of the Supportive Employment program at Amethyst, Inc. The goal of the program program, which is funded by The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and the Wohlgemuth-Herschede Foundation, is to enhance the educational and socio-economic skill development of Amethyst women. The program assists Amethyst clients with finding jobs, furthering educations and school loan assistance. Kelley Breidigan is the supportive employment specialist for the program. She currently serves 72 women with the program, each woman referred to her with a counselor’s approval.

Breidigan has noticed since the development of the program that women have greater hope that they will get their lives on track both personally and in their career path. Breidigan has contact with majority of the women in the lower level programs after they have identified a need to return to the workforce or school.

Customer service is the work environment where the ladies find themselves most after meeting with Breidigan. Customer service is the best option because “it is a nice entry level to grow from” Breidigan said. More women have chosen to attend school rather than enter the work force because of the economy and acquiring a trade skill makes a person more marketable to employers.

Women often experience barriers once entering into the workforce after the program. The problems that most often occur when entering into the workforce for the clients is they “are not sure how to advocate for themselves,” Breidigan said “ women also encounter trauma issues and triggers because workforces are not always drug and alcohol free.”

Breidigan and the staff here at Amethyst train clients with the Job Readiness program. The required program consists of 21 women who work their way through three cycles. The program includes mock interviews, how to be an ambassador for their employer and how to answer questions in a professional way. The skills that Breidigan has instilled in the women are tools that clients will have for life.

The hard work of Kelley and the women in program is demonstrated by:

• 70 referred clients have engaged in employment services to address goals identified during initial meetings
• 17 referred ladies left treatment or graduated from the STAR program during the implementation of this program
• Of the 70 referred clients
o 17 clients are in the process of obtaining a GED
o 32 clients are currently volunteering or in the process of securing a volunteer placement
o 8 clients are negotiating student loan repayment
o 32 clients have completed resumes and are working on interviewing skills
o 7 clients are currently employed part-time
o 35 clients are pursuing various educational programs

• 1 client has accepted a full-time position, which is a program first!
“There are many barriers but there are seven women employed and that is evidence that barriers can be broken through with experience and education,” Breidigan said.

Amethyst Women Advocate in D.C.

Kris Young was one of two Amethyst clients who got the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for the Rebecca Project for Human Rights Fall Forum in September, to advocate on behalf of family based treatment centers.

Joined by representatives from 13 states, Kris and her peers had the opportunity to share their stories and lobby for increased funding for family-based treatment centers, like Amethyst. She sat in the offices of goverment officials and took place in panel discussions. Kris additionally underwent two days of training to learn about how to effectively tell her own story of how both addiction and treatment services have affected her and her family. "I never really thought they would listen to me-- or that my one voice could make a difference. But they did. They listened," Kris shared.

Kris, who has been with Amethyst for over two years, is currently enrolled in nursing school. While she defies much of the stigma that surrounds women in recovery, she is now committed to teaching her peers how to do the same. She will attend two more days of training as part of the Sacred Authority-- a national leadership network of parent advocates established by the Rebecca Project. Kris is excited to come back and teach her peers the new techniques she learns and about the importance of advocacy. "One voice can make a difference. And I may be one voice now, but I can teach my peers about advocacy and come back with their letters and their voices," Kris explained. She plans to turn her voice into many and create change.

Click here learn more about the Rebecca Project

Please use the comment section below to share encouragement for Kris the women of Amethyst who are brave enough to share their stories to help the good of women everywhere!

1st Annual Report to the Community

On September 28, 2010, Amethyst, Inc. hosted the first Annual Report to the Community event at Grange Insurance, Haaf Hall. The event was themed, Looking Beneath the Surface of Addiction, and concentrated on providing a transparent look at addiction treatment, Amethyst and providing a honest look at the recovering woman and the disease of addiction.

The event began at 8 a.m. with breakfast and speaker including (click on speakers name to watch a video of their remarks):

• Judge Paul Herbert, Franklin County Municipal Court Judge and founder of CATCH docket.

• Kelly Budros, Director of Programs for the Women's Fund of Central Ohio

• Sue Wolford, Volunteer Coordinator at the Columbus Metropolitan Library

• Dr. Melissa Beers of the Strategic Research Group

• Kanika Elder, an Amethyst client.

These speakers, who were composed of various community members who have witnessed Amethyst’s work first hand, focused on two key programs from 2009: The launch of a supported employment program and the expansion of family services.


Other 2009 highlights include:

•The opening of The Jefferson Avenue Apartments in collaboration with The Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts and Community Housing Network ;
•Our first time acceptance as a United Way Member through the award of three competitive grants to support services to families and children and trauma-informed health and wellness services;
•Winning The Alfred P. Sloan Award for Workplace Flexibility;
•Receiving the 2009 Exemplary Prevention Award from the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Addiction Directors; and
•Receiving a three-year grant from the Administration of Children and Families to expand family services and produce evidence of the effectiveness of our service and housing model.

Amethyst Inc. would like to thank everyone who attended and assisted with the Annual Report to the Community. Special thanks to:

Grange Insurance
Megan McKay
Quetina Sims
Stacia Kock

Please view our annual report by clicking here.

http://www.amethyst-inc.org/index.php/Events

Lori Criss one of 18 to recieve honors

Congratulations to our very own Lori Criss, Amethyst Chief Operating Officer. Lori has been accepted to SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Association) Women's Addiction Services Leadership Institute (WASLI). Lori is one of 18 in the U.S. to receive the honor in 2010.

She will be participating in the 6-month program that includes individualized leadership assessments, a 5-day immersion training, coaching, training and action learning. Upon the completion of WASLI, Lori will participate in a Graduation Webinar where each graduate can share their leadership projects and receive their certificate.

After graduation, Lori will get the chance to participate in the WASLI network for coaches and alumni which will allow her to keep a loosely knit association with fellow leaders in the field of women’s treatment.
The goal of WASLI is to strengthen the capacity of treatment organizations to meet the substance abuse treatment needs of women by:
• Developing and improving leadership skills of participants
• Creating a network of the next generation of leaders in women’s services
• Establishing a model of women’s leadership training
If you would like to continue to read about SAMHSA or WASLI, feel free to follow this link to the WASLI flyer.
http://womenandchildren.treatment.org/documents/WASLI-Flyer.pdf

Congratulations again Lori!

Community Care Day 2010

On September 14th the United Way of Central Ohio hosted Community Care Day 2010. The goal of Community Care Day is to help local non-profit organizations by enlisting volunteer services from local companies.

Amethyst, Inc. was happy to welcome volunteers from the NBC 4 news team. The volunteers assisted with painting the dining area at one of Amethyst’s apartment complexes, as well as building and painting picnic tables for outside of Amethyst’s offices and treatment facility.

Our own Kathleen Gallant explained the impact that United Way has on Amethyst, Inc. to NBC 4, “The United Way has really come through for us. Those are some of our most important programs. They really help keep us afloat. We know that we're dedicated to it but to know that the rest of the community cares just as much makes you feel nice."

It was a rewarding day for volunteers and Amethyst clients residing in the housing units. We would like to thank everyone who helped at Community Care Day. Our volunteers included Janna Buckey, Colleen Marshall, Cabot Rea, Ike Walker, Reema Karmi, Kathy Lawson, Deborah Grivois, Jennifer Clement Kiser, Dan Bradley and Traci Hogue. Special thanks as well to Amethyst staff who supported the endeavor and United Way for organizing the event.

Here is a link to NBC 4 coverage of Community Care Day 2010. http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2010/sep/14/5/volunteers-help-united-way-struggles-down-economy-ar-231869/

If you would like to get involved in the future contact The United Way of Central Ohio for more information!

Girls beginning to drink at a younger age

STAR outpatient counselor, Jessica Trickett, was featured in a story on ABC 6 news about the increase in girls drinking at a younger age. The video states that the percent of high school girls drinking has gone up 11 percent in the last year, while the percent of boys drinking has stayed the same. Jessica talks about her struggle with alcohol from a young age and how she believes girls need to work on their self-esteem instead of drinking. Studies have shown that girls drink to escape the stresses of home and school, and boys drink to have more fun at parties or to be adventurous. Ohio is currently fourth in the country for injuries and deaths related to underage drinking, and 21 percent of all alcohol sold in Ohio is to teens.


To see Jessica's interview and the full video visit ABC 6 news.

Self-medication leading to substance abuse in teenage girls

A survey by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America found that teenage girls are more susceptible to substance abuse then teenage boys. The survey shows that girls believe that alcohol and drugs can provide benefits through self-medication. An analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study shows that girls use alcohol and drugs to deal with problems in their lives. 68% of girls polled said, "using drugs helps kids deal with problems at home." The analysis also found that teenage boys are finding benefits to using drugs and alcohol. 52% of boys said, "drugs help you relax socially."
Parents should pay attention to their daughters' moods and mental health and if they suspect drug-use address it immediately.

To learn more check out "Teenage Girls: Increasingly vulnerable to alcohol and drug use."

Taking a holistic approach to recovery

Molly Hastings works with clients at Amethyst who are recovering from addiction as well as many different hardships. Hastings runs the wellness program at Amethyst taking a holistic approach to treatment. According to the Homelessness Resource Center her holistic approach includes working with the physical, emotional, relational, mental, vocational and spiritual aspects of life.

Hastings said, "We understand that women with trauma histories need wellness programs to help soothe and calm them in order to be able to go through trauma therapy with resiliency," according to the Homelessness Resource Center. Before women entering treatment can examine areas in their lives that can be changed, they first have to look at what they are doing well.

Hastings' wellness program is something she also participates in herself. She was first introduced when she wanted to become sober and well. Hastings had read about and later interviewed Dr. Isaac Vogelsanger, a Canadian vascular surgeon. Dr. Vogelsanger became Hastings mentor through recovery and helped her to continue to learn about the mind and body throughout the next few years. From studying with Dr. Vogelsanger about wellness and recovery and their connection Hastings built the wellness program she uses at Amethyst today.

To view the entire article check out the Homelessness Resource Center.

Ohio liquor sales continue to climb

The amount of hard liquor sold in the state was up again last year, extending a trend begun a decade ago. 10.7 million gallons of "spirituous liquor"-defined as having more than 21 percent alcohol, or 42 proof- was reportedly sold by Ohio's 442 licensed liquor outlets in 2009. The total amount sold was nearly 2 percent more than 2008 and an increase of 26 percent since 1999. After declining throughout the 1980s and 1990s, hard liquor sales in Ohio have increased steadily since 1999, according to state records.

David Ozgo, an economist for the Distilled Spirits Council in Washington, D.C., said the trend toward more liquor sales has weakened along with the overall economy, noting that sales increased at a much faster rate before the recession, which officially began in December 2007. "While not recession-proof, the liquor industry is 'recession resilient,'"Ozgo said.

Ohio officials agree the recession is having an effect. While retail sales-those at liquor stores- are up, sales to restaurants and bars are down, said Matt Mullins, a spokesman for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

The trend of drinkers seeking more bang for their booze buck also can be seen in the breakdown of sales and brands. Inexpensive Kamchatka vodka was the top seller, with 400,787 gallons purchased last year-an increase of more than 5 percent from the previous year. Among the top-selling 30 brands, vodka was by far the best seller, accounting for a third of the total gallons sold in 2009.

More liquor sold means more money for the financially strapped state, said Kimberly Zurz, who directs the state's Department of Commerce, which includes the liquor control division. Liquor sales and taxes generated $299 million for the state in fiscal year 2009.

National Drug Control Strategy Unveiled

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy unveiled its first National Drug Control Strategy. The strategy puts emphasis on moving from"get tough on drugs" to prevention, intervention and treatment. Two primary goals were set out for the strategy. The first goal looks to curtail illicit drug consumption in America while the second goal wants to improve the public health and safety of the American people by reducing the consequences of drug abuse. They are starting to bring the conversation about drug use into the public health arena and away from the criminal justice arena. The new policy document also stresses the importance of increased intervention by the medical community and integration of addiction treatment into the traditional medical establishment. The drug control office's budget has increased but the allocation of funds is following a historic pattern. They plan to spend roughly twice as much on supply reduction (law enforcement) as on demand reduction (prevention & treatment).

The Treatment Episode Data Set report by SAMHSA shows that between 1998 and 2008 there have been some shifts in admissions to treatment. Although the simultaneous use of both alcohol and drugs has remained widespread the proportion of treatment admissions for the co-abuse of these substances has declined gradually yet significantly during this period, from 44 percent to 38 percent. At this time there has also been a steady rise in the proportion of treatment admissions attributed to drug use alone, while admissions for alcohol abuse alone fell. Some other important trends seen in the report over the past decade involving people age 12 and older include: A rise in opiate admissions, a decline in cocaine admissions and an increase in stimulant admissions as well as marijuana admissions. Overall, 61 percent of all treatment admissions reported alcohol as a substance of abuse, and 27 percent of all admissions involved opiate abuse. Finally, in 2000 only 24 percent of those 16 and older in treatment were unemployed-in 2008 37 percent of people in this treatment age group were unemployed.

Ginny Receives Leadership Award

Amethyst CEO, Ginny O'Keeffe, was awarded the Women's Leadership Award and the Ohio Women's Symposium 2010 in May. Her work on the state and national level has been recognized by many, and the OWN recognized her contributions to the field of women's gender-specific programming. She exemplifies a strong committment to empower women, continually working to change lives through building a community of support and connection.

Margo Spence was recognized for her leadership of the Ohio Women's Network. She remained President of OWN for a number of years, seeing it through its middle period of development, achieving both programming noteriety, expanding its membership and the development and completion of its tax-exempt status.

Giny and Margo are members of the Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers.

Congratulations, Ginny and Margo

Mandy McGlone of Amethyst is Forty Under 40 Nominee

Mandy McGlone, Director of Administrative Services for Amethyst, Inc. named one of Business First's Forty Under 40.

Mandy began working for Amethyst in 1997 as Client Services Director. Her long list of impressive accomplishments includes the development and implementation of SummerQuest (an intervention summer camp for kids), she serves MOMM board of directors and fund raises for Franconia Anemia. If that wasn't enough, she balances a successful family life with her husband and three children.

Congratulations Mandy!

Read the Business First interview with Mandy McGlone or check out other nominees!

Amethyst Client discusses "New Drug" with 10TV News!

Check out the video above of Amethyst client, Chanyta, interviewed by 10TV News!

WOCC Beautifies Amethyst Apartments

The women of the WOCC, Women of Color Connection at Chase, truly understand the importance of having a place to live that you can be proud of-- they understand how to make a house a home.

Previously, these ladies took it upon themselves to furnish and decorate an entire apartment for a family at Amethyst. The ladies worked hard to secure some additional funding and then asked Amethyst, "How else can we help?" The women were asked to roll up their sleeves and help plant, mulch and beautify one of the apartment buildings that was in need of some care. They took on the challenge with energy and smiles, realizing how important it is to have a home you can be proud of and care about. The women gave up hours and hours of free time to plan and design the new courtyard of the apartments. They met at 8:00 a.m on a Saturday morning to lay mulch, plant and pull weeds.

Thanks to the ladies of the WOCC the women of Amethyst have a more beautiful space to come home to! Click here to see a slideshow of pictures from the project!

Special thanks to:

Linda Alexander
Aureus Griffith
Kristie Hollinger

Join the Mission! SummerQuest 2010

Operating June-August, SummerQuest is a nationally acclaimed 12-week intervention day camp for children ages 6-14, whose mothers are involved in the long-term treatment program at Amethyst, Inc.

This year, the fund raising goal for SummerQuest is $20,000. We still have a long way to go and need your help to reach the goal and secure a summer of fun and learning for the children of Amethyst.

If everyone who receives Amethyst Connections donates just $5 to SummerQuest-- we would have more than enough to send one kid to camp for the whole summer!!! You can make a difference in the lives of children in Columbus.

• Just $50 sends one kid to camp for one day
• $250 can send one child to camp for one week
• $1000 can send one child to camp for one month
• $3000 can send one child to camp for the entire summer!

Special Thanks!

This year Zonta, an international women's service group, contributed over $250 worth of new supplies for camp. Thanks to these generous ladies the kids had new water toys, balls and toys to play with at camp this year. Thanks to all the ladies of Zonta for their contribution!

To get involved with SummerQuest, this year or in the future, contact Development. Or visit http://www.ilovesummerquest.org/ to make a donation today and learn more about SummerQuest programming and impact.

Jefferson Open House

Cindy Tondee, walked to the podium Monday, June 21 at the 50 Jefferson apartments open house to a standing ovation. Tondee who is a resident of the new apartments, spoke about what this apartment means to her and her daughters and how much Amethyst has done for her.

Amethyst, The Community Housing Network, and The Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts worked together to build 39 new apartments for clients of Amethyst and their children.

Amethyst CEO, Ginny O'Keeffe, spoke at the open house about the beautiful new apartments and how they will benefit the women and families living in them. The program also featured speeches from partnering companies and organizations as well as Franklin County Commissioner, John O'Grady.

Before the program there was a children's fair with games and prizes for the kids who have mother's going through treatment. There was also a community fair for organizations located around the new Jefferson apartments that could offer the women services throughout their recovery, such as Columbus State Community College.

After the program there was an opportunity for guests to tour the new apartments. The tour consisted of seeing several different apartments as well as the communal spaces for all of the women and children living in them. The basement area of the building provided two different rooms for the kids to play and study along with a laundry room and computer lab.

To read more about the Jefferson apartments open house visit The Columbus Dispatch at www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/06/22/addicts-find-homes-filled-with-hope.html?sid=101

Awards All around at Amethyst

The Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) hosted close to 600 affordable housing partners at its annual Partner Luncheon May 27th at the Columbus Renaissance Hotel.

The Partner Luncheon recognizes the many investors, developers, leaders, management companies, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government entities that partner with OCCH in the development of and commitment to affordable housing in Ohio.

Amethyst was honored for Excellence in Permanent Supportive Housing to Jefferson Apartments in Columbus, Ohio. Partners recognized in the project include Community Housing Network, Inc.; Amethyst, Incorporated; Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts; MCR Services; and Urban Order Architects, Inc.

This honor came for the 39 new, beautiful apartment units. To read more about this collaboration, click here.

Other way Amethyst has been recognized this year:

• Mandy McGlone, Director of Administrative Services receives Business First Forty Under 40.



• CEO, Ginny O'Keeffe, was awarded the Women's Leadership Award.



• Amethyst was CARF accredited.



• Amethyst case managers Tina Newsome and Adele Moore were honored at 2009 ADAMH meeting. Tina won the Randall M. Dana Award and Adele received the William B. George Memorial Award.

Columbus OB/GYN Host Event That Benefits Amethyst

Special thank you to Dr. Erin Olah and all of the physicians, nurses, and staff of Columbus OB/GYN! The silent auction proceeds from their annual event will help many women and families in recovery at Amethyst.

If you would like to get your organization, club, group, or corporation together to help our women and families in need, we would love to have you! Please contact the Amethyst Development Office at (614) 242-1284, ext. 115 or lnickell@amethyst-inc.org.

Soroptimists Honor Amethyst's Mission

"Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by: advocating for equity and equality; creating safe and healthy environments; increasing access to education; developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future."

This statement came to life when a group of dedicated volunteers put together "Welcome Baskets" containing household supplies and personal items. Each basket thoughtfully filled with everything a woman would need for a fresh start (literally and figuratively!), these baskets show Amethyst women that the community is supporting and encouraging their recovery.

This May, to raise funds for service projects like this, the Soroptimist International hosted a Lunch at Tiffany's & Style Show. Amethyst was invited to sit a "Table of Honor" during this fabulous luncheon event. Each organization honored had the opportunity to share more about their program and personally thank the Soroptimist for their commitment to the women and families in recovery. The event was a huge success and wonderful opportunity to share Amethyst's mission!

If you would like to get your organization, club, group, or corporation together to help our women and families in need, we would love to have you! Please contact the Amethyst Development Office at (614) 242-1284, ext. 115 or lnickell@amethyst-inc.org.

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational will seek to make an impact on Central Ohio and charities, including Amethyst, again this year at The Ohio Univeristy Golf Club, Scarlet Course on July 22-25. This year will be the Invitational's fourth season and will include many up-and-coming golf professionals and exceptional collegiate talent.

For every ticket purchased, 100% of the ticket price will go back to a non-profit organization.

If you would like to purchase a ticket to benefit Amethyst, call Lisa Johnson at 614.339.1043, e-mail lnickell@amethyst-inc.org for a ticket order form or visit http://www.nchigolf.com/ to order online. An all-week access pass costs only $30 and a single day entry is $10. Don't forget to designate Amethyst as your non-profit.

For more information about the Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational visit http://www.nchigolf.com/.