Spotlight on Brain Injury Alliance, CICS Transportation and a Profile on HIRTA Public Transit along with Events and Stats.
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What's Happening?

 



Did you know CICS operates a crisis text line in addition to its traditional 24-hour crisis phone line? If you'd rather text than talk, we have staff ready to help you through any crisis you may be experiencing. One-on-one conversations that could lead to helping you access the services you need are just a few taps of your touchscreen away. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, text 800-332-4224. You can also chat online at www.Foundation2CrisisChat.org.


 

Services Spotlight

 

 

Next month, our partners at NAMI begin an awesome educational series. NAMI Family-to-Family is a FREE, 12-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of adults living with mental illness. The course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well-being. This is an evidence-based program taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there. It not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you will also find out that you are not alone. Please contact NAMI Central Iowa to register by September 1 — 515.292.9400 or NAMIofCI@gmail.com

 

Calendar of Events


August 17

CICS Governing Board Meeting
Story County Administration Building
Nevada | 1:00 p.m.
 

August 19

CICS and Partners Present: Carnival in the Park
Aurora Heights Park
Newton

 

August 28

CICS Workgroup Meeting
Story County Administration Building
Nevada | 9:00 a.m.

 

September 12

Hardin County Families Supporting Families
Dr. Carver Nebbe, M.D.: Bipolar Disorder Presentation

First United Methodist Church
619 Main Street, Iowa Falls | 6:00 p.m.
Complimentary supper served at 6:00 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m.

 

By the Numbers


20 Percent

of youth ages 13–18 who live with a mental health condition

50 Percent

of students age 14 and older with a mental illness who drop out of high school

Suicide is the

3rd Leading Cause of Death

in youth ages 10–24

*Statistics from NAMI

 


 
 

CICS in the Real World


Friendship Ark Homes and Community Services

 

Those battling a mental illness or developmental or intellectual disability will tell you that oftentimes the toughest part of the fight is doing it alone. That’s why CICS and its providers work to ensure no one feels alone, and Friendship Club in Hardin County works toward that mission every day. Check out this testimonial from one of Friendship Club’s participants, T.R.:

 

“As a participant of the Friendship Club, I think we have the best drop-in center around. The club has so much material to offer, but more importantly, it’s the people that make the club so special. Over time, the staff and my fellow participants have become a family. There is so much to say about the fun and educational activities that are offered and the volunteers and professional support that make it happen. Now to get more personal: The Friendship Club is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. The club is structured and organized, and that stability helps with my mental illness. Every day is a challenge, and I have to admit, the Friendship Club has kept me out of the hospital. It is truly beneficial — I can just be me and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It’s a place to step away from the world — not to hide from the world, but to help manage it. I can attend and not be judged or subjected to stigma. I’m glad to be part of this community and be a resident of Hardin County.”

 
 

Provider Profile

Friendship Club


 

The Hardin County Friendship Club is a center for socialization and educational opportunities for individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities. The club has a variety of scheduled events and provides a friendly atmosphere for individualized activities. Club participants are involved in planning and operating the program with several volunteers who assist as needed.

 

Based in Iowa Falls, the club is open from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A lunch is served on Wednesday, and participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch on Monday and Friday.

 

Anyone wishing to participate may visit the Friendship Club or may contact staff at 641-648-7500 for additional information.

 
 
 

About CICS

Senate File 504 tasked each MHDS Region to convene a stakeholder workgroup with representatives from hospitals, the judicial system, law enforcement, managed care organizations, mental health providers, crisis service providers, substance abuse providers, NAMI and other entities as appropriate to create collaborative policies and processes relating to the delivery of, access to and continuity of services and support for individuals with mental health, disability and substance use disorder needs, particularly for individuals with complex mental health, disability and substance use disorder needs.  CICS will hold our meetings:

August 28 and September 25 at 9:00 a.m. at the Story County Administration Building in Nevada.