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Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council Minutes P.O. Box 662, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662 Call To Order:The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC Co-President JoAnne Way. Opening Prayer: Sandy Lewis of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection provided the opening prayer. Self-Introductions
Minutes:
LLOYD VAN VACTOR UPDATE: EISCC Co-president Lloyd Van Vactor has been out with health problems but reports that his health is improving. He has been attending a cardiac rehabilitation program at Evergreen Hospital and will begin a new session there April 1st. He hopes to feel well enough to attend the April 13th EISCC meeting and credits his progress to "the good thoughts and prayers offered by friends." Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer's report and March Financial Statements will be sent via email to membership when they are ready. Congregations For The Homeless Report:
CFH is still in need of blankets. As men transition out of the shelter they are encouraged to take their blankets with them, resulting in an ongoing need. CFH recently added a 3rd leased house. (Each of CFH's houses is home to between 4 & 6 men, one of whom serves as the house manager.) A student from the International School helped with the decorating. An open house was held. The house is now truly a home. THE SOPHIA WAY:
PROGRAM: THERAPEUTIC HEALTH SERVICES: Therapeutic Health Services (THS): At THS, they believe in treatment that deals with the whole person and every aspect of his or her life. Their approach includes a full range of integrated support services such as information/referral, parenting education, vocational rehabilitation, acupuncture, childcare, and day treatment. THS operates seven locations in King and Snohomish counties. Their clinicians provide a complete range of primary and supplementary services including chemical dependency and mental health treatment, language and cultural expertise, family and community support, vocational services, crisis intervention, parenting and communications classes, nutritional education, alternative therapies, housing assistance, and community education. Their staff includes licensed Mental Health Counselors, Certified Social Workers, Children Specialists, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors, physicians, nurses/advanced RN practitioners, acupuncturists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. THE NEED FOR TREATMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES Substance Dependence and Abuse: In 2007, an estimated 22.3 million persons (9.0 percent of the population ages 12 or older) were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year based on criteria specified in the DSM-IV. Of those classified with substance dependence or abuse, 3.2 million were dependent on or abused both alcohol and drugs, 3.7 million were dependent on or abused illicit drugs but not alcohol, and 15.5 million were dependent upon our abuse alcohol but not illicit drugs. Mental Health: In 2007, there were an estimated 24.3 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States with Serious Psychological Distress (SPD) in the past year. This represents 10.9 percent of all adults in the U.S. In 2007, there were 2.0 million youths (8.2 percent of the population aged 12-17) who had Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) during the previous year. An estimated 1.4 million (5.5 percent) had MDE with severe impairment in one or more role domains (chores at home, school, or work; close relationships with family; or social life.) Rates of SPD in 2007 were highest for adults aged 18-25 (17.9 percent) and lowest for adults aged 50 or older (7.0 percent) Implications for general population in King County: With an estimated population of in 2008 of 1,875,519, over 187,500 (10 percent of the population) would benefit from treatment for alcohol and/or drug dependency or mental health issues. Implications for City of Bellevue: The estimated population of the City of Bellevue is 120.600. This means that over 12,060 individuals in Bellevue alone would benefit from treatment. HOW EFFECTIVE IS THS?: THS is a nonprofit organization that offers its services on a sliding price scale. If members of EISCC congregations know individuals who are struggling with alcohol, drug, or mental health issues, they are encouraged to contact THS at (425) 747-7892. Although the Eastside branch currently works only with adults, (youth are served out of the Central Youth & Family Services branch in Seattle), they are always happy to refer callers to their other branches when there are specific services not provided at that location. For more information about THS services and locations, please visit them on the web at http://www.ths-wa.org. EISCC EASTSIDE EMERGENCY SERVICES FUND REPORT Donations to the EISCC Emergency Services fund during this period totaled $8,419.92 and were received from the following EISCC Congregations:
Please note: These figures include only those donations specified for the EISCC Eastside Emergency Services Fund. Donations made to Hopelink''s other programs are not reflected here. Please contact Gerald Wright at (425) 943-7558 if your congregation intended to make donations to this fund. Services provided with the fund:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: THE SOPHIA WAY will hold its first training for people interested in becoming part of their Companioning program on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Sophia Way offices in downtown Bellevue. Sophia Way Companions spend 1-2 hours per week with their partner acting as advocates, supporters, and most of all, caring friends as they work to foster a safe, trustworthy relationship and help their partner build and participate in a supportive and sustaining community. Life companions should be willing to commit at least 6 months to the program. Companions will learn about issues related to homelessness and specifically homeless women and will also learn a variety of skills including listening, hospitality, boundary setting, and communication, and spiritual practices that support soulful relationships, mindfulness, and compassionate presence. Craig Rennenbohm of the Mental Health Chaplaincy and author of Soul in the Hands of a Tender God will also be on hand.
CROP WALK: The 2010 Bellevue CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, May 2, 1:00 pm. EISCC members are encouraged to join faith communities on the Eastside to raise money to help eradicate hunger and poverty. 75% of the funds raised go to the overseas work of Church World Service; 25% stays here in King County, shared by the EFP and Hopelink. The walk also reminds us of the walking most people in the world must do every day for food, water, and fuel and also shows downtown Bellevue that we churches and synagogues are here, and a big part of why we're here-to serve the neediest. When 100 or 200 people walk around downtown Bellevue carrying signs and balloons, they get people's attention and draw the focus to a bigger world beyond our own downtown. For more information, contact Nancy Bent ,(425) 957-4756 or go to www.BellevueCropWalk.org. PEACEMAKING THROUGH DIALOGUE: Working with Women & Girls: UUSC & its Partners in Afghanistan (Potluck & Program), Friday, May 7th, 6:00-8:30 p.m., East Shore Unitarian Church (12700 SE 32nd St., Bellevue). Please bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, email Laurie at lwick13@msn.com. BRIDGE DISABILITY MINISTRIES will hold a Sunday Evening Celebration for people living with disabilities and friends May 16th, 4-6pm, at Highland Covenant Church, 15022 Bel-Red Rd., Bellevue, WA 98007. Dinner will be served, and everyone is welcome. Call (425)885-1006 or email enrichs@bridgemin.org for more information. CLOSING PRAYER: Closing prayer was offered by Sally Wing, Grace Lutheran Church NEXT MEETING: |
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| Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council P.O. Box 662
Bellevue, WA 98009-0662 (206) 295-7803 contact us |
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