419 Magazine Draftv.1

FREE Issue No1

M A G A Z I N E THE 419 VOICE TM U M A D A O P L U C A S C O U N T Y

Educator and Coach Wakeso Peterson Teaches Students: ‘You Can’t Save Time, So Use it Wisely’

Pastor Timothy Pe ! away Reaches Beyond the Pulpit to Create Positive Community Impact

H&Dee Barbershop Builds Respect, Wisdom and Support for Youth & Community

An Oasis in the Food Dessert Serves Up 875,000 Nutritious Meals to Toledo Children

#iRockTheMask Campaign Launch

Pastor Rick Morris Walking in Faith: Initiating change one community, one house, one person at a time

in Toledo, Ohio USA.

Help Prevent COVID-19 Among African Americans in Toledo, Ohio USA.

Scan Me

Take the #iRockTheMask Safety Pledge Take the #iRockTheMask Safety Pledge iRockTheMask.org

Scan Me

iRockTheMask.org

COVID-19 Precautions Checklist Prevention is easy as 1-2-3 COVID-19 Precautions Checklist Prevention is easy as 1-2-3 1 2 3

UMADAOP Lucas County O ! ers These Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services for Adults: ! Diagnostic Assessments ! Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment ! Outpatient Treatment ! Medication Assisted Treatment ! Group and Individual Counseling ! Case Management and Relapse Prevention ! Telehealth for Clients " (419) 255-4444 # info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org % 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607 " (419) 255-4444 # info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org % 2447 Nebraska Ave UMADAOP Lucas County O ! ers These Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services for Adults: ! Diagnostic Assessments ! Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment ! Outpatient Treatment ! Medication Assisted Treatment Group and Individual Counseling Case Management and R lapse Prevention ! Telehealth for Clients

Wear A Mask Wash My Hands Social Distance

I will wear a Face Mask to protect myself, my family and others from spreading and catching COVID-19. I will wear a Face Mask to protect myself, my family and others from spreading and c tching COVID-19.

I will wash my hands for at least 20-seconds, multiple times each day and use hand sanitizer at home and in public. I will wash my hands for at least 20-seconds, multiple times each day and use hand s nitizer at home and in public.

I will keep a safe social distance of 6 feet or more from others and avoid large groups and crowds at all times. I will keep a safe social distance of 6 feet or more from others and avoid l rge groups and crowds at all times.

Wear A Mask Wash My Hands Social Distance

F !"# M !$% C !&# G '()# : Wash hands before placing a newmask on face. Wash new clothmasks before wearing and a ! er each use. Make sure nose andmouth are covered.

04 Addressing Mental Health Among Black Women 06 Necessary Growth 10 Direct Steps to Recovery 14 In His Words: Walking Through the Past 18 Creating Conversation Through Change 22 Shantel Thomas Finding Victory in Mental Health 26 Feeding A Need 28 Reaching Beyond the Pulpit 32 Starting Early MentoringToledo’sYoungest 34 Back In The Gym A Profile with CoachWakeso Peterson

CONTENTS

INTERESTED IN MORE FROM Choices Behavioral Health Care? To learn more about our resources for living a healthy lifestyle, contact us! 0000 Street City, ST 00000 555.555.5555 www.choicesbhc.com

Magazine is published by web.org 0000 Street City, ST 00000

re about ouUndios rerum remposam ipsandi pidesen ducipsandia nullese dicipsam endele re about ouUndios rerum remposam ipsandi pidesen ducipsandia nullese dicipsam endele re about ouUndios rerum remposam ipsandi pidesen ducipsandia nullese dicipsam endele

Copyright 2021 Secum, expe illes et aut officiumqui dolupta testion sequos maiosa qui optatur, cus es aute dolorporum quam aut pligent qui veliqui sinveni modist rest, sa volorum re nos dolore invendebist essimol upiendanis eici natio que ne nessitam, totas rem ates vella quod magnisc ipiendus et laborepedi conse plant, consedi ipsunte mpernam facea dolor sum untur? Us exeribus eatiis velecat empeliqui dis est pedis.

Addressing Mental Health Among Black Women

“My vision is to have a world where Black women are living trauma-free and Black families are staying together.” As the co-founder of an organization focusing on mental health within the Black community, Chavaughn Gibson believes there is a stigma attached to mental health services and a gap between mental health awareness and solutions. “There are some negative norms in the Black community,” she said. “You often hear the sayings of, ‘What happens in this house stays in this house.’” These phrases create mentalities that inhibit constructive expression or discussion of these situations to licensed professionals who can assist in working through those issues.

The Daughters’ Den

Gibson is the chief executive of ! cer of The Daughters’ Den, a nonpro ! t that seeks to address intergenerational emotional healing, speci ! cally among Black women. “There’s just too much going on in this community for us not to be considering the impacts our environment has on our outlook and the way we can prosper.” She cited recent events surrounding racial discrimination and violence within the communities the organization serves as signi ! cant factors that weigh on the condition of one’s mental health. “Black people already needed a community to freely talk about those things. Then the pandemic brought along isolation, worry, and anxiety.” With high rates of heart disease and high blood pressure among people of color, the onset of the pandemic brought an additional burden of concern.

“My vision is to have a world

where Black women areliving trauma-free andBlack families are staying together.”

- Chavaughn Gibson, CEO of The Daughters’ Den

“By addressing some of the issues that begin within the home, mothers will know how to foster deeper and more genuine conversations with their daughters.” no woman feels like she has to turn to harmful substances or anything that can plague her health. We want to help them heal and access the resources they need to do that,” Gibson said. Since the organization’s ! rst event in early November 2020, its small staff has worked with therapists and other professionals around the state to create an innovative and creative space for Black women to access mental and emotional healing through virtual sessions. “We see traumas and issues in our communities. While they may be hard to grasp, they all start from somewhere. We want to help ensure that

- Chavaughn Gibson, CEO of The Daughters’ Den

She believes group practices like meditative journaling and art therapy are avenues to releasing stress. “Many Black women in these areas are heads of their households, so when it comes to dealing with stress or depression, those issues are more likely to grow than if they’re able to overcome stigmas and focus on bettering their mental health. By addressing some of the issues that begin within the home, mothers will know how to foster deeper and more genuine conversations with their daughters. These girls will then be able to better connect with their mothers so they’re not looking for the ful ! llment of those connections in other places that aren’t productive for them.” To provide the resources for these discussions, the organization works with doctors,

practitioners, and therapists its founders believe are culturally competent to create a space that fosters positive conversations around mental health. Gibson hopes to soon partner with the Lucas County UMADAOP, an organization she believes will add to the list of accessible resources for participants in the Daughters’ Den. “Being Black in the U.S., there’s a long history of effects from slavery, redlining, and social constructs that has had systems historically built to be disadvantageous to Black people. The mental health system is one of those. We want to be able to help break those chains by connecting women with practices and professionals with this in mind.”

GROWTH Necessary

GROWING ISOLATION

In her six years working at the Lucas County Health Department, Mahjida Stef ! n has held numerous roles. She spent two years working in tobacco and nicotine prevention before transitioning to her most recent position as the opioid program prevention counselor. Her background has led her to work closely with people dealing with substance abuse and ! nd some of the underlying causes that often lead to years of addiction. “We’re pretty high up there,” she said. “Ohio has 88 counties, and we’re ranked in the top 20 of overdoses.” Stef ! n says there’s a mental health crisis that accounts heavily for these rates. The growing isolation caused by restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic and other recent events has only intensi ! ed this issue. “We’ve seen so many of these changes affecting the people in this community. Leading into the social unrest that was surrounded by George Floyd’s killing was also massively destructive on mental health. It really divided people. That happening at the same time as uncertainties surrounding a major pandemic was really detrimental.” While Stef ! n says the conversations around the protests for racial justice are important, people dealing with mental and behavioral challenges can often be triggered, fueled, and even overlooked, among these events. “Ultimately, all of these things are public health issues, which makes what my team and I do even more necessary.”

“Ultimately, all of these things are public health issues, which makes what my team and I do even more necessary.”

- Mahjida Stef ! n, Lucas County Health Department

- Mahjida Stef ! n, Lucas County Health Department “They need to know where they can get help and easily be able to ! nd the resources that are available to them.”

OVERLAPPING ISSUES

While her work deals mostly with opioid use prevention, Stef ! n recognizes other factors have direct ties to the crisis. “If I had to give a look at the high-risk areas in our community, I bet we would see issues overlapping with districts that have been red- lined and areas that have high rates of crime and gun violence. People in these areas are often stuck in cycles of prison, police, and repeating it all over again, so they’re not actually getting the help they need.” With these factors in mind, Stef ! n says the health department is constantly working to increase its response to the people most in need of its services. The department’s harm reduction program partners with the Lucas County UMADAOP and practices tailoring its services to the needs of those struggling with substance abuse. Staff and volunteers with the program distribute Narcan in some of the highest risk areas in the county. They’ve also been working with the ! re department to ensure ! rst responders have Narcan kits to assist people who refuse hospital care. “This way we can make sure people are getting the help they need, even if they’re wary about going in for professional care.” Stef ! n says one of the department’s next goals is to resume Narcan distribution throughout local jails and continue their education programs that were halted at the start of the pandemic. “We see so many people getting in trouble when they get out of prison. They need to know where they can get help and easily be able to ! nd the resources that are available to them.” She is also hoping to increase the program’s mobility through virtual conversations that encourage input from marginalized communities and by acquiring the resources for mobile fentanyl testing and care for injection sites.

HELPING YOU FIND THE THINGS IN YOURSELF YOU THOUGHT YOU LOST A LONG TIME AGO... 419.255.4444 WWW.UMADAOP.ORG 2447 Nebraska Ave. Toledo, OH 43607

DIRECT STEPS TO RECOVERY

For years, oxycodone, morphine, and hydromorphone seemed to be Kelland Wright’s direct steps to recovery. ! e traumatic brain injury he su " ered while serving in the military soon extended his troubles beyond physical ailments. After completing his contract, Wright found himself dealing with a dwindling support system and isolation. He started consuming large amounts of alcohol throughout the day and taking higher doses of his medication. “Really, the only time I would go out of the house was to get more medication, and I started going to people outside of my doctor to get them,” he said. Wright’s parents were able to o " er him support and help him continue attending his treatments. In 2014, he began

“I went from trying to learn about myself, who was someone given a diagnosis, to trying to help other veterans.”

- Kelland Wright

a social work program at the University of Toledo. “I went from trying to learn about myself, who was someone given a diagnosis, to trying to help other veterans,” he said. In 2019, Wright graduated with a degree in social work and later received his master’s degree. In 2020, he received a position as an employee of the Lucas County UMADAOP.

Wright’s career now involves counseling people in positions similar to his previous situation, so he sees the grip drugs have over many people in the community. As a clinical social worker, he performs mental health assessments and facilitates partnerships with other community agencies that specialize in mental health within the minority community. A large part of his work involves collecting data that mental health and addiction prevention specialists can use to better understand current issues within the Black Helping Through Social Work

community. Gathering these statistics has allowed him to see the widespread misuse of drugs and overdose from opioids. “ ! e growth is huge,” he said. “You hear rappers rapping about lean and other drugs, and that’s a big part of our community.” ! is culture helps promote detrimental lifestyles and habits. “You see rates of gun violence in this area. It’s not a singular issue. ! ere’s so much of that connected to problems in mental health, and drug use is a huge part of that.”

Closing The Gap

Recently, the problem has only worsened. “Before the pandemic, they were just passing out opioids like candy,”Wright says, referring to medical professionals trying to ease pain from physical ailments. Several months into the pandemic, Wright sees the isolation quarantine has caused and relates it to previous points in his life. “It’s a streamlined opportunity for addiction to progress.”

community just has fewer studies. Programs go to pull numbers for data and funding, but there’s a gap. My job is to ! nd those gaps and close them.” Wright says restrictions from the pandemic have caused an increase in the use of telehealth, a tool that is o " en more accessible than requiring patients to travel to brick and mortar facilities. “I believe solutions like this

can help us learn more about the underserved

parts of this community so we can get more of the data and resources distributed to those areas.” As he continues working to assist in these studies, Wright also o # ers counseling speci ! cally for veterans dealing with suicidal thoughts and addiction.

As a social worker, Wright aims to address some of the deepest rooted struggles of those dealing with substance abuse. He works to increase the amount of data within the Black community that is readily available for studies. “When you look at the numbers, the African- American

“I believe solutions like this can help us learn more about the underserved parts of this community so we can get more of the data and resources distributed to those areas.”

- Kelland Wright

PAIN IS REAL, BUT SO IS HOPE!

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH RECOVERY.

GET HELP! UMADAOP.ORG 419.255.4444

Rick Morris is a pastor and community activist. While he recently began his position as a Lucas County UMADAOP prevention specialist, Morris has partnered with the organization for several years. His past experiences combined with his community involvement have provided him speci ! c insight into areas that most trouble the community. WALKING THROUGH THE PAST IN HIS WORDS :

MY STORY

“I believe that all the speci ! c areas that UMADAOP is targeting are interrelated. " e pandemic has aggregated them due to frustrations, anxieties, and the lack of social integration. As someone who doesn’t come from a stellar background, I can understand how many people can ! nd the need to cope with the reality of life, whether it’s violence, drugs, or alcohol. I’ll go a little into my story for a bit. As a child, there was a lot of violence in my home. At the age of 15, I lost my mother and ended up on my own. I started selling joints in high school, and over the years it just progressed. I thought I needed to do drugs and alcohol to have the lifestyle I wanted. Eventually, I ended up committing a crime that changed the course of my life. I was forced to get the help that I needed and started talking to a psychologist about the issues that had ultimately led me to the position I was in. " at freed me from a lot of secrets. From the age of ! ve to about eight or nine I was molested. I was holding in anger after my mom died. I had to deal with those inner issues, and that helped me work through self-acceptance so I could actually be okay with myself. Along the way and through counseling I met people who helped me look at Scripture. ! at began to open up my eyes. I now believe God has given everyone a gi " , but I hadn’t realized my gi " at the time. When I was younger, I was the leader of a gang. I’ve always been a leader, but at that time I was using my abilities to lead in a di # erent way. I o " en doubted that God could use me. But as I started to grow, I began to open up my eyes more and more.

“I had to deal with those inner issues, and that helped me work through self-acceptance so I could actually be okay with myself.”

- Rick Morris, Lucas County UMADAOP Prevention Specialist

SIMILAR SITUATIONS

While each case has its di ! erences, I see a lot of similarities in the situations of this community today. Gun violence comes along because gangs or groups of individuals are often looking for prosperity. During the pandemic you see people losing their jobs. " e inner turmoils of depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety can lead to gun-play or drug use. So even though they’re individual topics, I believe they’re all related. You can’t address one without addressing the other. So part of my role with UMADAOP is to help get the message out about what helped change my life. A lot of times people aren’t aware of the services that are available to them to help them handle these life issues. For me, talking to a psychologist was one of the best

things I’ve ever done. I was able to address some of the issues from my early years that I’d held within and covered with violence, drugs, and alcohol. I want to help get the

message out that this organization is available and wants people to take advantage of it. It is now my job to help initiate that change one community, one house, one person at a time.”

“It is now my job to help initiate that change one community, one house, one person at a time.”

- Rick Morris, Lucas County UMADAOP Prevention Specialist

I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, i’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.

Creating Conversation Through Change

As the founding director of the African-American Legacy Project, Robert Smith works to forward the organization’s mission of “preserving the past and gifting the future.” ! e organization was founded on the principles of reaching out and positively impacting the community. Its most recent project has been to facilitate conversations between emerging African-American community leaders and law enforcement o " cers about topics surrounding police and community relations. Protests following the killing of George Floyd prompted the organization to advance the motivation for change beyond the conclusion of those events. Preserving the Past & Gifting the Future

Prevelant Issues

From his work throughout Lucas County, Smith says he is aware of other prevalent issues that plague the people of the community. Gun violence stands as one of the top areas of concern. “ ! is community is a # ected and impacted, and I know from my experience of having some background in the services that there is a $ nality to taking someone’s life. You wear that badge for the rest of your life.” Smith says the use and availability of guns in the area has changed the community’s dynamic, creating a narrative toward widespread violence. “It’s something that has to change, and that means $ nding realistic ways to move toward reasonable outcomes for young men and women who don’t understand what taking a life really means.”

“THE NARRATIVE HAS TO CHANGE.”

- Robert Smith, Founding Director of the African-American Legacy Project

Traumas of a Community

“ ! e narrative has to change,” he said. “Whether the answer arrives at any instant moment or not, it’s about moving towards that goal.”While the pandemic has postponed most of the organization’s events by at least a year, Smith says his team is still working to " nd approaches that allow them to better engage with the community. “We feel we are responsible for the community and the families connected to it. We need to work on behalf of the people represented in this area.” Smith and his team are meeting with leaders throughout Toledo and surrounding areas to continue fostering conversations around the most prevalent topics and issues within the community. “We believe this aids in redeveloping the community. At the end of the day, we’re committed. We have to take whatever the circumstances are and still be able to build. We have to be in it for the long haul.”

Heavy opioid use in the area is another area that requires more attention. “It doesn’t generate a healthy population, and this a # ects so many other areas. If there’s gun violence or drug abuse in one part of the community, that tends to a # ect all of the community, not just one speci " c area.” Smith likened the spread of drug misuse to the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. While the problem a # ects certain populations and communities di # erently, it still has impacts that a # ect the nation as a whole. “People are losing jobs. People have lost loved ones, and people are concerned about their families and their health.” Smith said dealing with the resulting loss from both a pandemic and the traumas of a community burdened with opioid misuse is further motivation to seek solutions across a multitude of platforms.

“PEOPLE ARE LOSING JOBS. PEOPLE HAVE LOST LOVED ONES, AND PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR FAMILIES AND THEIR HEALTH”

- Robert Smith, Founding Director of the African-American Legacy Project

Do I Have COVID-19 or The Flu? People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days a ! er exposure to the virus. Peoplewith these symptoms*may haveCOVID-19: ! Fever or chills ! Cough ! Shortness of breath or di ! culty breathing ! Fatigue ! Muscle or body aches ! Headache ! New loss of taste or smell ! Sore throat ! Congestion or runny nose ! Nausea or vomiting ! Diarrhea * This list does not include all possible symptoms. COVID-19 SYMPTOMS In " uenza ( " u) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is di # erent from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have ! u o " en feel some or all of these symptoms: ! Fever* or feeling feverish/chills ! Cough ! Sore throat ! Runny or stu " y nose ! Muscle or body aches ! Headaches ! Fatigue (tiredness) ! Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. * It’s important to note that not everyone with ! u will have a fever. FLU SYMPTOMS People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days a ! er exposure to the virus. Peoplewith these symptoms*may haveCOVID-19: ! Fever or chills ! C ugh ! Shortness of breath or di ! culty breathing ! Fatigue ! Muscle or body aches ! Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting ! Diarrhea * This list does not include all possible symptoms. COVID-19 SYMPTOMS In " uenza ( " u) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is di # erent from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have ! u o " en feel some or all of these symptoms: ! Fever* or feeling feverish/chills ! Cough ! Sore throat ! Runny or stu " y nose ! Muscle or body aches ! Headaches ! Fatigue (tiredness) ! Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in chil ren than adults. * It’s important to note that not everyone with ! u will have a fever. FLU SYMPTOMS SOURCE: h ! ps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html SOURCE: h ! ps://www.cdc.gov/ " u/symptoms/symptoms.htm

SOURCE: h ! ps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

SOURCE: h ! ps://www.cdc.gov/ " u/symptoms/symptoms.htm

COVID-19 Prevention Tips Follow these six steps to stay safe and protect others. 3 2 1 COVID-19 Prevention Tips Follow these six steps to stay safe and protect others. 3 2 1

UMADAOP Lucas County O ! ers These Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services for Adults: ! Diagnostic Assessments ! Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment ! Outpatient Treatment ! Medication Assisted Treatment ! Women's Recovery Housing ! Group and Individual Counseling ! Case Management and Relapse Prevention ! Telehealth for Clients " (419) 255-4444 # info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org % 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607 " (419) 255-4444 # info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org % 2447 Nebraska Ave UMADAOP Lucas County O ! ers These Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services for Adults: ! Diagnostic Assessments ! Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment ! Outpatient Treatment ! Medication Assisted Treatment Women's Recovery Housing Group and Individual Counseling ! Case Management and Relapse Prevention ! Telehealth for Clients

Social distance at least 6 feet or more from others

Wear a mask in public and indoors

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water

Social distance at least 6 feet or more from others

Wear a mask in public and indoors

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water

Stay home if you are sick or need to quarantine

Sneeze or cough into elbow to protect others

Disinfect all surfaces including mobile phones and keyboards

Finding Victory in Mental Health Shantel Thomas

When Shantel ! omas was in college, her track skills earned her a spot in the University of Toledo Hall of Fame. ! e seven-time Mid-American Conference champion was named “Female Athlete of the Year”

in 1990 and received the “Outstanding University Woman” award from UT in 1992. She traveled the world doing what she loved and competed at the World University Games in England. When she competed in Cuba at the Pan American Games, she was the only American to advance to the " nals and placed seventh in the 200 meters.

-Shantel ! omas “We need to get past the stigma and lie that seeing a therapist means you’re less than human.”

" ough she found much success through competitions, during class hours " omas was preparing for a career that would help others succeed in their own lives through counseling. “I told one of my professors I wanted to combine my therapy skills with my Christian beliefs. " ey advised against it.” But today Shantel is grateful she pursued her desires because the e ! ects of a global pandemic would place a greater demand on people in her position. As the founder and CEO of A Sound Mind counseling service, " omas sees clients dealing with all types of traumas, including workplace incidents and military deployments. “I tried to make this a one-stop shop for therapy,” she said. Now several months into the coronavirus pandemic, " omas and her therapists have running waitlists to address a number of mental health concerns. “Where we had openings all throughout the earlier parts of this year, we’re booked out a month and a half in advance now.” A Sound Mind

“ " ere’s just so much stress. Many people are taking on the roles of mother and father, school teacher and secretary. " ere’s also the stress from the pandemic itself. " ere’s grief and loss and people not being able to have traditional funerals to really process through that grief. " at can then cause depression and anxiety to linger.” " omas says the rate of domestic violence has also rapidly increased, along with cases of drug and alcohol misuse. “ " ere have been a lot of people nervous about how to feed their kids and not having jobs. Some of them turned to marijuana or alcohol to try and cope with everything.” " omas says the pandemic has also furthered economic disparities in the community, compounding with the already high rates of gun violence in inner-city areas. “For some people, the stress of not being able to provide for their families or themselves just weighs on them. And if that compiles into enough anxiety, now they may be dealing with thoughts of robbing another family to feed their own.” She says pre-existing mental health disorders can cause those situations to spiral.

With the escalation of these issues, there are ways to help combat these e ! ects and manage stress. " omas suggests that people who live alone schedule regular video calls with their families. Increasing physical # tness, starting home projects, and meditating are also options to o ! set feelings of isolation and stimulate positive mental energy. “ " ese are all great ways, but I think the most direct way would be to talk to a therapist or counselor. We need to get past the stigma and lie that seeing a therapist means you’re less than human. Talking to someone you don’t know who is nonjudgmental can do wonders.” As much of her time is consumed in her professional career, " omas still reserves time to invest in her mental health by staying physically active. While she’s retired from her years of running in track competitions, she’s miles into the race of bringing mental health counseling and training to people in her community. Her latest project has been opening a retreat house in Florida for women recovering from damaging relationships, allowing them to rebuild their mental health.

Sound The Alarm For Suicide Prevention Scan Me The Alarm For Suicide Prevention Scan Me

Suicide Warning Signs ! Increasing use of alcohol or drugs ! Wanting to be left alone ! Talking about suicide ! Withdrawing from social contact Suicide Warning Signs ! Increasing use of alcohol or drugs ! Wanting to be left alone ! Talking about suicide Withdrawing fr m social c ntact

! Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence ! Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation ! Giving away belongings Bei g pre ccupied with death, dying or violence Feeli trapped or hopeless about a situation Giving ay belongings

Suicide Prevention Resources ! Medical Emergency: Dial 911 ! Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Need Help Now? Call our 24- Hour Line: 419-255-3125 ! Suicide Prevention Hotline: Text “4Hope” to 741741 ! National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) ! American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222 ! UMADAOP Lucas County 419-255-4444 Call Now For Help ! (419) 255-4444 " 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607 # info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org ! UMADAOPLucas419 Suicide Prevention Resources ! Medical Emergency: Dial 911 ! Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Need Help Now? Call our 24- Hour Line: 419-255-3125 ! Suicide Prevention Hotline: Text “4 ope” to 741741 ! National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222 UMADAOP Lucas County 419-255-4444 Call Now For Help

UMADAOP.ORG

Wendi Huntley is in her ! fth year as president of Connecting Kids to Meals. " e organization provides accessible, nutritious meals to children living in low- income areas in and around Toledo. In 2020, Huntley and her team have served about 875,000 meals. a N eed What are some of your daily responsibilities as president of this organization? I provide vision and oversee the sta # and the board. I’m chie $ y responsible for fundraising, marketing, and branding. I deal a lot with community partners to make sure we’re building collaborations and sustainable relationships. What led to you getting involved in hunger relief ? I have friends who are teachers and administrators at other organizations, so I was constantly hearing about challenges the kids in the area were facing. I’ve never walked in these kids’ shoes, but I wanted to do everything I could to provide some support for them. I believed this line of work was the perfect ! t. I started working with a hunger relief organization in 2012 and was there for about ! ve years before I began working where I am now.

How do you believe the coronavirus pandemic has affected the rates of hunger in the Toledo area? Children have been at home more, meaning they’re in need of more meals. Right now, we’re averaging about 1,800 meals per day. Some of the local school districts are even struggling to keep up with the demand, so we try to make sure we’re stepping in to help with the later meals by serving at libraries, community centers, and other centrally located places. We see the need daily.

-Wendi Huntley, President of Connecting Kids to Meals “If that helps them graduate from high school and live better lives, then I’m honored to be a part of that work.” With the uncertainty of the pandemic, our goal is to continue growing " nancially as an organization to be able to ful " ll our mission. We want to get to the point where we can better reach grandparents caring for these children. Also, making our brand and our quality of work more widely-known will grow our funding. All of this directly helps us better serve these kids. If that helps them graduate from high school and live better lives, then I’m honored to be a part of that work. How has the pandemic affected your organization’s operations? We’re in a much slower process now. Prior to the pandemic, the kids would go and eat on site. We could directly transport all of the meals in bulk and serve them directly to the kids on plates. Now that we have to watch for social distancing, we can’t do that. We also haven’t been able to serve the hot meals that we typically do. Instead, we’re doing cold, pre-packaged meals. Our kitchen sta ! is on a hybrid schedule, so not as many cooks are on site at a time. Costs have increased with us having to purchase PPE, lunch bags, and totes to transport meals. But we have adapted. We’ve become a lot more mobile. We pack up our seven vans and have " gured out a process that allows us to quickly set up tents and tables to deliver the meals. How does the organization plan to expand and further its impact in the community?

Reaching Beyond the Pulpit

“A lot has changed,” the pastor said as he thought about his younger years. He cited differences in environments, household structures, and mentalities that have made distinctions between those years and the present. Timothy Pettaway pastors Walk the Word Ministry. He believes ministry is the pathway to changing the community, a calling that brings many challenges and unending work. “My main work is ministry in the church, but I’ve done quite the share of funerals for those who have died by gun violence,” Pettaway said. It’s an issue he sees entrenched in the community, with the rates of violence grounded in poverty, inadequate education, and fragmented family structures. “It’s a different culture we’re dealing with now.” Pettaway recalls growing up in Toledo and, for most of his childhood and teenage years, not hearing much about gang activity in the area. “Now you hear about it all the time,” he said. “Many of these kids don’t have consistent or healthy relationships with their parents, so they’re considering gangs as their families.” He believes the heavy presence of drug and alcohol use often aids in

initial acts of violence and instigates predispositions to related mentalities.

Walk the Word helping

the comminity

These thoughts coupled with the coronavirus pandemic have furied a new wave of behaviors, Pettaway says. “Covid has made it easier for youth to go wayward.” The accountability that comes from attending church in person doesn’t translate to online church services. “Because so many places and activities are closed down right now, there’s just not a way for the kids to express themselves. They don’t really have anywhere they can talk about what they’re going through.” While discussing his perspective on some of the most prevalent issues that plague the community, the pastor referenced the mission of his church. “We want to leave the community better than how we found it.” Pettaway said he strives to make his ministry more purposeful about speaking with the youth in the church. “We’re actively trying to educate them on how detrimental drugs are and teach them it’s not conducive to them leading a productive life. Instead, we want to promote the spiritual side of life.” The pastor often tries to make his messages more relevant to the younger individuals of his congregation. “We need to find a way to use the Gospel to excite people in different ways,” he said. “God’s word never changes, but the way we deliver it can.”

“God’s word never changes, but the way we deliver it can.” of them have the drive, but they may also have family issues they’re constantly around or other factors pulling their attention away from just school,” Pettaway said. The pastor also recently purchased 18 acres of land to build a community center and is also helping revitalize the Frederick Douglas Center by spearheading a fundraising campaign. “We don’t have all the answers for any of this, but hopefully this will be a gateway to hope and prosperity for this community.” In an effort to further the church’s reach outside its four walls, the Walk the Word congregation started the Total Purpose Scholarship Foundation that has raised more than $200,000 in the five years since its start. Pettaway says the scholarships are primarily for students with low GPAs to aid in their ability to pursue post-high school education. “Many

-Tim Pettaway

From dependence we found independence!

Sound The Alarm For Suicide Prevention Scan Me The Alarm For Suicide Prevention Scan Me

Suicide Prevention Resources ! Medical Emergency: Dial 911 ! Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Need Help Now? Call our 24- Hour Line: 419-255-3125 ! Suicide Prevention Hotline: Text “4Hope” to 741741 ! National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) ! American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222 ! UMADAOP Lucas County 419-255-4444 Call Now For Help ! (419) 255-4444 " 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607 # info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org ! UMADAOPLucas419 Suicide Prevention Resources ! Medical Emergency: Dial 911 ! Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Need Help Now? Call our 24- Hour Line: 419-255-3125 ! Suicide Prevention Hotline: Text “4 ope” to 741741 ! ational Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222 UMADAOP Lucas County 419-255-4444 Call Now For Help

- Tyrone Frielson, Local Barbershop Owner “You just see it everywhere, people constantly smoking and drinking. It’s normalized now.” Mentoring Toledo’s Youngest Starting Early

After moving from Charleston, West Virginia at the age of three, Toledo became his home. Since then, Tyrone Frielson’s work in the area has made him a source of advice, wisdom, and support, especially for the community’s younger population. Working at his barbershop allows for conversations with these customers that often lead to mentorships. Having these discussions means Frielson learns some of the issues that most trouble the area’s youth. “I hear about it all the time. So much. All of the violence they talk about a ! ects their mental health. People are holding in their feelings because they’re scared consequences could occur from their words. A lot of their peers are involved in this violence, and they’re just looking for an escape. A lot of times they’re lashing out. But when they go back to their neighborhoods, they’re dealing with the same situations.” " roughout their conversations, Frielson often speaks to teens on how to avoid these dangerous situations, teaching them how to act respectfully and about con # ict resolution. “It’s a shame we have to have these conversations, but they’re necessary. Just not long ago, one of the top basketball players in the community was killed. He was very popular, and many of the kids knew him. So not only do these kids have to worry about the discussions of just being Black in this climate, but they also have to look out for their peers and other people who are willing to take their lives. You sometimes wonder if when a child leaves the household they’ll return to you.”

Providing an Outlet

Frielson said much of the violent culture begins at home. “A lot of this starts in households where parents are doing drugs. # e kids learn about violence from an early age.” As the kids interact with their peers, the violent culture is spread. “It’s not to say that the kids are the only ones committing these crimes because they’re not. But when generation after generation is raised around these drugs and violence, it just keeps going, especially when it starts so young.” Frielson recalls seeing kids around the age of 12 come into his barbershop under the in $ uence of alcohol or marijuana. “You just see it everywhere, people constantly smoking and drinking.

behavior, Frielson has been checking in speci ! cally with this age group to ask about their mental health. “Once you keep it real with them, they’ll talk to you. I show them they have the space to talk to me. I’m not going to make jokes about anything they say. When they see that, they’re not afraid to talk to me about what’s going on with them.” Frielson says these conversations help give these kids an outlet for expression. He says his e " orts coupled with the work of local programs like the Lucas County UMADAOP create a structure of support for the community, especially for those without a positive family structure at home. of the day. “ # at peer pressure has increased,” Frielson said. “Now they have boredom and a lot of pent up stressors, because they’re cooped up and can’t unwind.” Knowing how these factors can a " ect child and young adult It’s normalized now.” Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Frielson believes the peer pressure surrounding alcohol and drug use has increased exponentially. Fewer available activities and more free time mean many children are unsupervised for more

- Tyrone Frielson, Local Barbershop Owner “Once you keep it real with them, they’ll talk to you.”

BACK

A Profile with Coach Wakeso Peterson IN THE GYM

It’s a 19-year high school career, and it could easily grow into another 10 years. # ey’re the same hallways, classrooms, even some of the same teachers. Many have come and gone, but he’s still here meeting new students arriving at the school and attending the repetitive calendar of annual school events. Wakeso Peterson is the athletic director at Toledo’s Scott High School. For the past seven years, he’s scheduled and planned athletic events, organized referee and team schedules, managed budgets, and strategized marketing plans. # ough he now serves on the administrative team, his time at the high school began as a student. Peterson attended Scott High School, where he played football and basketball. After graduating,

he moved to Columbus to study theatre and education at Ohio State University. He graduated in 1999 and decided to move back to Toledo. Peterson’s coursework in education soon a ! orded him an o ! er to teach " rst- grade students while also coaching at another elementary school. Less than a year later, these experiences led him to return to a familiar place. Peterson received the invitation to coach at Scott High, where his younger brothers were attending and playing tennis. He accepted the position, but his heart for the community drew him beyond the walls of the school. In 2005, Peterson began working with the Lucas County UMADAOP. His role with the program began as a teen pregnancy prevention coordinator with local schools. # roughout his 10 years at UMADAOP, Peterson also assisted in

“One of the biggest things I want to teach these students is that you can’t save time, sovspend it wisely.”

WA.(62 P(7(5621

developing a program for students who were suspended or expelled from school. “I would see teens standing on street corners during school hours, and I knew I wanted to get them to see their full potential,” he said. Peterson coached at Scott High, mentored students through UMADAOP and served as the dean of students at the Academy of Business and Technology for several years. While coaching at Scott High, Peterson became the school’s assistant athletic director. After the serving athletic director retired from his position, Peterson assumed the role that he’s now held for the past seven years. “I see what many of these students face every day, from challenges at home to ! nancial issues, and I want to pour into them. Our Black males especially, I try to make sure I’m helping lead

them so they can provide some of that support for their families,” Peterson said. While he’s an athletic director during school semesters, Peterson coaches volleyball and basketball at a local summer camp between school years. Working in Toledo allows him to frequently visit his parents and other family, whom he credits a large part of why he returned to Toledo after graduating college. His youngest son now attends Scott High School. “One of the biggest things I want to teach these students is that you can’t save time, so spend it wisely. With every second that passes, I can ! nd something to do that betters myself or the people around me,” Peterson said. " e 44-year-old coach, mentor and athletic director says the ful ! llment he ! nds in his work has him in no rush to retire.

“It is Easier to Pursue Your Recovery Instead of Continuing to Chase Your Addiction” of Continuing to Chase Your Addiction”

Scan Me

# info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org ! UMADAOPLucas419

! (419) 255-4444 " 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607

# info@umadaop.org $ UMADAOP.org ! UMADAOPLucas419

! (419) 255-4444 " 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607

UMADAOP Lucas County O ! ers These Substance Abuse andMental Health Services: ! Diagnostic Assessments ! Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment ! Outpatient Treatment ! Group and Individual Counseling ! Medication Assisted Treatment ! Case Management and Relapse Prevention ! Women’s Recovery Housing ! Telehealth for Clients UMADAOP Lucas County O ! ers These Substance Abuse andMental Health Services: ! Diagnostic Assessments ! Substance Abuse and Mental Heal h Treatment ! Outpatient Treatment ! Group and Individual Counseling ! Medication Assisted Treatment ! Case Management and Relapse Prevention ! Women’s Recovery Housing ! Telehealth for Clients

$ info@umadaop.org % UMADAOP.org ! UMADAOPLucas419

" (419) 255-4444 # 2447 Nebraska Ave Toledo, OH 43607

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online