Compassionate Care Seminar

In recognition of Mental Health Month

Brook Lane Health Serivces, Inc., REACH of Washington County & Turning Point, a Program of Way Station, Inc. present:

Understanding & Appropriately Responding to the Homeless Individual with Mental Health Needs

Tuesday, May 2, 2017     12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Event is FREE & Open to the Public

This  is an excellent educational opportunity for pastors, church members, parish nurses, business operators, educators, community  volunteers, law enforcement and other community members.

To help us prepare we ask that you make a reservation to attend using the "Register Now!" button below.

Some homeless individuals in our community may be struggling with a mental health or emotional disorder. We can be caught off guard and unprepared to manage interactions with these individuals without any kind of training. This complimentary seminar is designed to help attendees understand the mental health concerns that the homeless population may be facing. Attendees will learn to recognize potentially disruptive situations and how to respond appropriately to individuals who are uncooperative, confused or agitated. Local agencies providing services to the homeless in our community will share their insights and experience in working with this population to help churches, businesses and public servants be better prepared to help individuals in concerning situations.

Seminar will cover:

• The face of homelessness in our region
• Overcoming your fears about homeless individuals
• Common mental illnesses found in the homeless population
• Symptoms of various mental illnesses
• How to recognize possible problem behaviors
• How to handle situations in a non-confrontational way
• How to maintain safety
• Responding with compassion

The event will also feature exhibits by local service providers who will share information about resources available to help homeless individuals and those who may need mental health assistance or services.

Featured Presenters:

• Jodie Ostoich, Executive Director, REACH of Washington County
• Mindy Morgan, Director, Turning Point, a Program of Way Station, Inc.
• Billy Brick, Mental Health First Aid Educator
• Pastor Gregg Meserole, Christ's Reformed Church
• Pastor Ron Shank, Brook Lane Health Services, Inc.
• Clarence Horst, Celebration Ministries 
• Paul Ostoich, Executive Director, Hub NETwork