2015 State Organization Service Award
DBSA Oklahoma
DBSA Oklahoma’s 2015 focus was awareness and funding of their organization to allow them to achieve their mission of expanding and assisting the Oklahoma chapter network and representing DBSA in their state. They worked diligently to spotlight and advocate for the needs of those with mental health issues. Thanks to regular presentations in hospitals, the state capitol, and peer specialist certification courses, DBSA Oklahoma became a sought-after organization to provide the peer voice.
Particularly noteworthy are their consistent efforts to bring more funds to DBSA Oklahoma to allow them to expand their services. They hosted their first annual Gala Dinner, a huge success hosted by the local sheriff. Over 100 people attended and enjoyed a silent auction and speakers including the deputy commissioner from the Oklahoma Department of Health and peer and bestselling author Marya Hornbacher. Other events such as the annual picnic and fundraiser in conjunction with the Oklahoma Memorial Marathon provided a chance for peers to socialize as well as help raise the capacity of the state organization to improve the lives of people with mood disorders.
All these outstanding accomplishments are in addition to the great work DBSA Oklahoma has done in supporting the chapters in the state. State organization leaders meet regularly with chapter leaders to provide assistance, training, and more which results in stronger chapters. They are eager participants in all state organization calls, Leadership Forum, and other events where they share their experience to benefit the DBSA network as a whole.
2015 State Organization Service Award
DBSA Tennessee
DBSA Tennessee dedicated itself to leadership development, educational initiatives, and advocacy, all while expanding the visibility of DBSA. Tennessee is home to a strong chapter network which includes support, socialization, and enhanced wellness opportunities for participants. There is a high degree of chapter engagement in state organization activities. With that kind of solid participation in place, DBSA Tennessee focused on assisting in starting new chapters and further developing existing leaders. Through fundraising efforts they assisted eleven chapter leaders to attend the DBSA conference and bring knowledge and enthusiasm back to their groups.
For educational initiatives, they focused on shaping the training of future health care professionals and reducing stigma by speaking to community groups. Leaders met with the Dean of Education at Vanderbilt Medical School to discuss the education physicians receive about mood disorders. They met with social workers to brainstorm on how to improve therapy sessions and gave panels or all-day trainings at five nursing schools.
In the advocacy realm the state organization created a DBSA Grassroots Organization (GO) to organize and educate on legislative issues in Tennessee. The GO focuses on access for health care to the uninsured and empowering peers to take responsibility for their rights. Initiatives include monthly phone meetings, collaborating with the Tennessee Justice Coalition, and assisting chapter participants with voter registration.
2015 Large Chapter Service Award
DBSA Overland Park (KS)
DBSA Overland Park experienced tremendous growth in 2015. Through a new website, partnerships with organizations, and word of mouth, their support groups have grown 50% since 2013. Participants benefit from a support group and a variety of special events such as game nights, holiday parties, guest speakers on wellness topics, and a group trip to the DBSA I to We Weekend. A variety of leadership opportunities are available such as facilitator training, resulting in dedicated volunteers who are excited to give back.
Their awareness efforts resulted in partnerships with a variety of health organizations to assure individuals find the appropriate services to meet their needs. They have quarterly meetings with partner organizations to see how they can better serve the community. They also have a community presence through sharing literature and information at events such as Bike for the Brain, a bicycle racing event for mental health.
Expanding their digital presence was also a priority in 2015. Their new website serves as a welcoming clearinghouse with an event calendar, wellness resources, articles, and detailed information about the group. Participants began writing Yelp reviews for the group to help spread the word. Their private Facebook group provides support outside meetings and grew 25% in 2015. While the chapter is happy to have grown their local group to the level it is currently, they are constantly looking for ways to increase awareness, decrease stigma, provide support, and educate individuals.
2015 Small Chapter Service Award
DBSA Arlington Heights (IL)
DBSA Arlington Heights celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2015 by looking to the future to create a strategic plan and empowering participants to join in making their vision a reality. With help from an outside consultant, they determined their vision and plan for the next ten years, expanded their board of directors, and formed committees tasked with developing leadership and facilitators, community outreach, and fundraising.
The chapter operates four support groups including special offerings for teens, young adults, parents, and people with dual diagnosis. Outside group, participants socialize together, support one another by phone and email, and join together for holiday events, celebrations, and potlucks. Because Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday for many, they hosted a dinner attended by 20 participants.
Their phenomenal outreach efforts include participants speaking on advocacy at a symposium, sharing their experience on an International Society of Bipolar Disorders panel about suicide prevention, and being trained as facilitators of DBSA’s Living Successfully with a Mood Disorder course.
DBSA Arlington Heights is the driving advocacy force in the DBSA Illinois Grassroots Organization, rallying at the state capitol and sharing their stories with legislators to educate them on the needs of peers. Two participants were selected for a trip to DC for National Hill Day. They also hosted a chapter education meeting about insurance information and mental health parity.
2015 Rookie Chapter Service Award
DBSA Solon (OH)
DBSA Solon had a very successful rookie year establishing themselves as a welcoming community of support, hope, and education. Their twice-monthly support group expanded to an average of 15 participants, a mix of peers and their loved ones.
Their successful fundraising campaign raised more than $400 to cover affiliation, refreshments, literature, and bulk subscriptions to bp and esperanza magazines. The chapter’s first public speaker event drew 40 people to learn from Dr. Joseph Calabrese of University Hospitals of Cleveland Mood Disorders Program.
Through local advertisements, social media, and presence at events such as the Tolerance Fair, the chapter reached a number of people with the message that they are not alone, and DBSA Solon is available to help and support.
2015 Outstanding Leadership Award
Nancy Bollinger of DBSA Self Help Center (MO)
Nancy Bollinger is executive director of DBSA Self Help Center (MO), a certified peer specialist and supervisor, QPR Suicide Intervention Instructor, Licensed Procovery Facilitator, wellness coach, and much more. Nancy is passionate about education and sharing her personal experience; throughout 2015 she spoke at conferences across the state of Missouri and at the DBSA I to We Weekend on topics such as trauma, DBSA chapter finances, and wellness. She is a valuable resource to fellow chapters and an active participant in the DBSA Chapters Facebook group, where she answers questions, stokes discussion, and shares ideas with other leaders.
Each week, nursing students attend half-day sessions at the Self Help Center during their psychiatric rotations and Nancy engages them in conversation about recovery, the peer experience of hospitalization, and positive recognition for those who have helped others during times of need. Students share that these sessions are critical in influencing how they interact with people experiencing mental health issues and assists in the elimination of stigma.
Within her chapter, Nancy’s effective listening skills allow peers to feel heard, setting up a more productive group or one-on-one interaction. Nancy forms a bond with most she encounters, which builds trust and enhances the support experience. Nancy also conducts open facilitator trainings where peers learn skills including instilling hope, empowerment, crisis prevention and intervention, telling your story, and much more. These trainings allow anyone to gain the confidence and empowerment associated with facilitation.
2015 Outstanding Leadership Award
Cheryl Molyneaux of DBSA Central Florida
Cheryl Molyneaux started DBSA Central Florida in February 2015 and the chapter has blossomed in just a year thanks to her hard work and dedication. Cheryl contacted DBSA, put together a board, led the incorporation and affiliation processes, and started the weekly support group meetings. With her background in nonprofit leadership and dedication to DBSA’s mission, Cheryl continues to develop the board and volunteers, direct chapter quality, and cultivate funders. Support groups have expanded to three counties with even more meetings to come.
Cheryl is passionate about providing support groups for men and women in correctional facilities. In addition to sharing personal feelings, support, and information with each other, participants in these groups work on creating wellness plans using information from FacingUs.org. Cheryl also created a lending library of wellness materials. The chapter is collaborating with the correctional facility to set up additional meetings at the county’s mental health facility for participants to access continued support after release, and looks forward to replicating this program in other counties.
Cheryl is a Living Successfully with a Mood Disorder trainer, delivering the course along with WRAP classes in the Osceola County Jail and working to empower others to spread the programs to additional facilities. Cheryl is a tireless advocate for the chapter and has forged many collaborations in the community, making her an excellent source of resources for people calling the chapter.
