Residents Week - Day 3

CLICK HERE to watch the testimonial of Michelle, a former Guest House resident. The video is relatively short, but very impactful. Michelle helps to give a glimpse into the mindset of addicts going in and exiting incarceration.

Michelle spent years actively addicted to alcohol. Her addiction led her down many turbulent paths, and eventually she ended up in jail. She credits her arrest and subsequent incarceration as potentially saving her life.

Residents Week - Day 2

"It gets easier, this life of recovery. Not saying that you will not run into holes and brick walls, but if you can, just remember your reasons for change and live for yourself. YOU CAN DO IT!

I’m a resident at Guest House. Have been since April 27, 2011. I came to Guest House because I needed to transform. I needed positive role models. I need support. I know today I can’t walk this walk alone. Even being in a safety zone, when I walk out of the doors of Guest House temptation will always be there.

I had a test of temptation put forth towards me. I had just been at the Guest House for 2 weeks. After doing time in prison for 3 years and 10 months, I got to go out on my own. I went to Social Services to apply for food stamps, which was one of the things on my daily “to do” list. Just so happens there was no other resident of Guest House who could escort me that day. I went alone. Everything was fine, until on my way back when I was trying to catch the bus. I had just sat down at the bus stop and cracked open my soda can, when the nicest car I have ever seen drove by. The rims shining and the car was spotless. Not only was the car fine, but the fellow that was pushing them wheels was fine as well! He looked like money. He circled around and drove right up to me. This was truly a setup for a woman of my type! He pulled up to the bus stop and I started to smile. Boy was this the dream of any woman who just got out of prison! He rolled the window down and coolly said to me “You are fine!” and I couldn’t help but blush. He went on, “I circled the block about 3 times trying to find a way to introduce myself to you.” I was incredibly flattered and almost didn’t know what to say. Then, he asked the question that I have been running from, “Do you smoke?” My attitude instantly changed. “Smoke what?” I replied. “Crack” he responded, just as cool as before. “No, no I don’t. I’m in recovery and I’m a resident of the Guest House. I’m trying to live a clean and sober lifestyle!” I stood up, rolled my eyes, and began to walk off. He watched me walk all the way down the street, not moving his can an inch. When I got around the corner, I started to pray. Wanting to cry because I am a woman who has been an addict for 14 years – someone who had no desire to stand up for themselves and say no to drugs… alcohol… the whole lifestyle. That has been my LIFE. If there were no drugs then there was no me. Not today. Today I have a desire to say no, and mean it. I won’t stick around to be asked why or to try to be pressured, my life is too valuable to waste the time.

When you get tired of the lifestyle, the loss, the hurt, the consequences, and the lock-ups, your “no” will not even be a thought. It will flow. It may be scary because its new, but it gets easier. Practice. You are worth it. I’m not trying to say that any single instance will stop the temptation. But once you start saying “no,” it gets easier each time. You will feel in control of self. I did. I’m free. I’m clean and sober. I’m happy.

So stand up for yourself. Say no. And remember why you can do this. I know how it is. I did it. Enough is enough."

- - L.C. Resident of Guest House

Residents Week - Day 1

"Hello Again!
I wanted to thank all the people who responded to my previous blog entry. Today, I wanted to tell a little story about myself and how I see my life differently today.

Most of my life has been lived on a fast train to never ending pain, sorrow, and destruction. I never knew how to get off that train because I felt comfortable on that familiar seat I called life. Until one day that train came to a dead stop, and my everyday ride had come to an end. That is when I finally learned how to live. While I was locked up I learned that I wasn’t put on this earth to ride this misery train, I realized I deserve better.

My destructive lifestyle not only hurt me, but impacted the lives of my family – especially my children. My daughter was given up to my in-laws because I was too selfish to give up my seat on the fast train. My son, who I raised part-time, was robbed of a Mother. His Father was fully engulfed in a lifestyle that had no room for a child. This resulted in my son having to spend most of his life with his Granny. My parents loved and prayed for me so much and always believed that I would get it together soon. My Father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was put in a home for the elderly. He spent over two years there before he passed away. After he dedicated his life to spending his time and energy on me, I was too busy on my train ride to come spend time with him. My Mother passed away about 10 years after my Father, and I didn't even attended her funeral.

You may be wondering why I wanted to tell you all this. It’s because I want you to understand that each day I have to face the repercussions of my actions and behaviors. It is hard to learn how to accept the things I can’t change, but it does give me the strength to know I never want to get back on that fast train ride again. I will never jeopardize another moment of my life and risk missing all the things that are important. I would give my life to be able to go back in time and tell my parents I’m sorry and love them, to be there for my children and not have missed such important milestones in their lives.

Friends of Guest House has reinforced the tools I need to live a normal, sober life. Guest House gave me the courage to face and overcome the daily pains and regrets of my past behavior. It is comforting to see that there are people who really want to see you be what God put you on this earth to be – an honest, loving person who takes the good with the bad. The staff and volunteers in this program believe in you and the person you are becoming. I have the strength now to be myself and I don’t feel like I have to put on a mask to live my life.

I want the readers of this blog to know that today I have learned how to ride the bus! It’s slow and makes a lot of stops, but I don’t have to get off if it’s now where I want to be. I can enjoy all the people, trees, flowers, beautiful babies, and even just a nice smile from the bus driver. I have come a long way from the fast train. God and the Guest House are my support. Both really care and want to see me succeed, rather than help me fall. I am thankful today for all I have endured throughout my life because it brought me to this place. I am now able to help others who are fighting to get off that fast train and just don’t know how. I never expected to take that ride for 30 years, but I unfortunately did. It hurts every day I wake up, but through the Guest House program, I can smile and be thankful to be alive in such a beautiful world."

- D.H., Resident at Guest House

Volunteer Orientation

On June 8th there will be an orientation/training for individuals who want to volunteer at Friends of Guest House. Anyone who is interested in attending this orientation, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Audrey Stahl, to set up an interview before June 8th. Her email address is: aleestahl@mac.com. The orientation on the 8^th can only accommodate individuals who have met with Ms. Stahl and filled out a volunteer application. Those of you who want to volunteer, but either can't be interviewed before the 8th or can not make the orientation on the 8^th be sure to still contact Ms. Stahl. We are always in the market for more dedicated volunteers!

Volunteers at Friends of Guest House work with residents on a wide variety of areas, including: GED tutoring, yard work, computer skills, living healthy (exercise, proper diet, etc.), and legal aid. We like to assess where an individual would fit best by learning of interests and specialties. For example, we have a volunteer who is a high school math teacher so he works with our clients on GED preparation. We are always open to new ideas for how volunteers could contribute to Guest House, so feel free to bring your ideas to the table for discussion!

Thank you!

Join Us at a Fun Dog Wash Tomorrow!

On Thursday, June 2^nd, some of the staff and residents of Friends of Guest House will be helping out at a local dog wash, hosted by Your Dogs Best Friend. Join us from 5pm-9pm and have fun while your pup gets a bath! All donations and contributions go to Friends of Guest House.

Your Dogs Best Friend is a really great business that employees many of our clients. They are an award winning doggie daycare located at 2000 Jefferson Davis Hwy in Alexandria.

Announcing: Online Residents Week! June 6-12

Starting next Monday (June 6th) Guest House is going to do something a little different on the blog. We want to celebrate our clients, the women of Guest House, so we are having an online “Residents Week.” Each day during the week of June 6-12, we are going to post a story written by one of our clients and urge you to respond with some positive feedback.

When trying to transition and make positive changes in your life, even the simplest complement can brighten someone’s day. We are urging our clients to share their stories in a way that is comfortable and safe. We hope that you could help support them during this exciting and stressful period in their lives by posting comments of encouragement. Thank you in advance for your participation!

PLTI Jazz Concert

On Thursday, May 19, 2011, four Guest House residents and I were fortunate enough to be invited to the Parent Leadership Training Institutes (PLTI) benefit dinner and jazz concert!!

The event was to celebrate the fifth anniversary of PLTI Alexandria. PLTI offers free educational services to help parents learn how to navigate the system and advocate for their children, as well as their community. They believe that “democracy includes everyone” and individuals should be informed and active in their decision making.

The event was held at Convergence, a beautiful church off N. Quaker Lane in Alexandria. When we walked in Convergence, we were all blown away by the chic layout of a room, aptly called “The Sanctuary.” The “walls” of the room were almost entirely windows that looked out over the small green field outside. The Sanctuary was already filled with people socializing and eating together when we arrived, but it easy to find a place to sit and even easier to meet and mingle with a wide variety of people.

After about an hour of eating delicious finger-food and socializing, it was time to make our way into the adjacent room, the nave, where we would be treated to a performance by The W.E.S. Group. The W.E.S. Group is an awesome three man jazz band out of South Carolina. The nave, or as they called it “The Lab,” was almost entirely stained glass and when we entered the sun was setting, coloring the entire room.

As the band came on stage, we were all really anxious to hear some relaxing jazz. The saxophonist in the band, Will Smith, PhD, took the time to explained important concepts and techniques of jazz, helping the audience to feel involved in the music. Each song they performed was better than the last!

When the band was done and it was time to leave, the ladies and I were all smiles. We spent the rest of the evening talking about how much we truly enjoyed the entire experience. Just being able to sit with good company and listen to great music helped to relieve the daily stress of life and work.

We want to thank PLTI, namely Fay Slotnick, for inviting us and putting on such a fabulous event. It was really a perfect evening! THANK YOU!

Yesterday two Guest House residents, a member of our aftercare program, Kari (Executive Director), and myself went to speak with a group of middle school aged girls as part of the Guest House Speakers Bureau program. These girls were all participants in the SOHO (Space Of Her Own) program and are considered “at-risk youth.”

I was immediately amazed by the intelligence and energy these girls brought to the discussion! Before we arrived, the two Guest House residents that came were incredibly nervous to speak to a group about their experiences. They didn't know how they would be received and didn't know if the girls would be interested in what they had to say. Their fears were quelled about a minute after we walked in the building. All the girls were anticipating our arrival, and when we walked in they ran over to greet us.

The SOHO girls has so many questions and listened carefully to every response. After one speaker finished, at least 5 little hands shot up! It only took a couple of minutes for all of our speakers to loosen up and feel really comfortable in the space. After we finished speaking, the SOHO girls invited us to stay for a light dinner – which we were happy to agree to!

We went across the street to a park and enjoyed our meal by the water. The girls talked about what they wanted to be when they were older; one wanted to be a lawyer, another a police officer, and another wanted to be a model. We really encouraged them to always keep dreaming and to remember that education is the way to a successful life.

When it was time for us to leave, every single girl hugged and thanked us for coming to talk with them, They even invited us to their graduation on June 2nd! Which we plan on attending!

When we left, both of our residents (the ones who were terrified about speaking to a group mere hours before) asked when the next speakers engagement was – because they were going! Those girls at SOHO managed to eliminate fear and uncertainty with their beautiful smiles and heartwarming laughter. Truly amazing!

Thank you to everyone in the SOHO program for having us come in! We really enjoyed every moment of it.

If you want to volunteer and be a mentor for a girl in the SOHO program, check out their website

Issues that are Important to a Guest House Resident..

"My most important issue now is family. Through my addiction I was never there to support my children. I missed out on going to basketball games, family outings, and my daughter doesn't even know who I am. My life is changed now. I want to be successful. I WILL be successful. I want to be respected, to be honest, and true to the people I love. My long term goal is to have a home and rebuild my relationship with my family. I want to have a traditional Christmas, something I've never been able to have. I want to grow spiritually - I trust in God and he will help me go in the right direction."
- D.H. (Resident at Guest House)

Be an Action "She-ro"

Today is the LAST day of the Spring2ACTion fundraising event. Guest House needs your donations to help us meet our goal of raising $2,000. If we are able to reach our goal, we have a matching grant to DOUBLE our earnings! That means Guest House would receive $4,000! Image all of the wonderful services we would be able to provide for our residents!

Please don't delay and donate today!

Spring2ACTion Fundraising Event May 5, 6, and 7

Exciting news! Friends of Guest House has received TWO $1,000 matching grants for the Spring2ACTion fundraising event on May 5, 6, and 7. What does it mean to have TWO matching $1,000 grants? It means if we raise $2,000 in donations during those three days, we will receive $2,000 EXTRA – totaling $4,000 in donations to Guest House!!

We need your help to reach the $2,000 goal! Please visit http://www.razoo.com/story/Friends-Of-Guest-House and make a donation on May 5-7. The more money we raise, the more likely we are to win additional prizes and grants!

When you donate to Friends of Guest House your donation goes to women who are sincere in their recovery and dedicated to living a positive life. Make a lasting impact and donate!

Your donations are incredibly important! Here is a break down of how your contributions are used to help our clients:

$25 – Can pay for one month of public transportation for one resident

$50 – Can pay for one resident to get the tools she needs to attain her GED (GED practice book, calculator, pencils/pens, etc)

$75 – Can pay for one month of hygiene products for 10residents(paper towels, toilet paper, feminine products, etc.)

$100 – Can pay for one resident to go to the eye doctor and get a proper pair of glasses.

You can follow the live Leaderboard and track our progress throughout the 3 days. PLEASE forward this to your networks and help us win! The nonprofit with the most number of unique donors will win an additional $5,000!

Learn more about Spring2ACTion at

http://www.localkicks.com/article.jsp?ID=4692 and

http://www.washingtonlife.com/2011/04/18/get-out-and-give-back-alexandria-in-action/

The Guest House

THE GUEST HOUSE
-Jelaluddin Rumi, translation by Coleman Barks

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Leadership in Business and Career Development Award

On April 1, 2011 the Executive Director of Friends of Guest House, Kari Galloway, was recognized for her outstanding work and contribution to the community by the Alexandria Commission for Women. She was given the Leadership in Business and Career Development award for her hard work and innovative strategic planning. Congratulations Kari!

AlexandriaNews.org wrote:

"Leadership in Business and Career Development - Recipient: Kari Galloway

Kari Galloway is the Executive Director of Guest House, a benchmark program that helps transition women from imprisonment into meaningful, productive lives. She has been the Executive Director for 6 years now, and she is credited with saving the program. Galloway leads the staff in teaching several dozen residents every year life skills and common sense, to believe in themselves, to stop smoking and live clean and sober, to write a resume and obtain employment, to rekindle relationships with family and all the while to keep trying. She inspires young social work students, other employees and volunteers at the program. She goes out of her way to create innovative programs for the residents. She has created a Speaker’s Bureau, a Total Woman program and an expansion of the housing options for the residents after leaving Guest House.”

Read the full article HERE

Speakers Bureau Event - Haze

Several members of the Guest House Speakers Bureau will attend a viewing of Haze, the story of a freshman who tragically died after drinking four bottles of whiskey and six bottles of wine during an initiation process for a fraternity. This film is very powerful and moving – definitely a MUST SEE!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 28, from 6:30-9:00 at the Minnie Howard Auditorium, 3801 W. Braddock Rd.

The movie will be followed by a panel discussion, including youth, parents and persons in recovery. Guest House Speakers Bureau will take part in the panel discussion!

Click HERE for the flyer!

Or click HERE to watch the video online!

Friends of Gust House is relaunching our blog!

We are working to have monthly briefings about activities and events that Guest House is involved with and weekly updates from the ladies in a program.

We are expanding our presence in social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. We are looking forward to connecting with other organizations and people who have an interest in helping women recognize their potential and break from the cycle of incarceration.

Please follow us and keep up to date on what is going on at Guest House:

Twitter: @ReentryAdvocacy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Guest-House/122885674453360

More updates to follow shortly! Stay tuned!

Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act

This is a bill that has recently been put up to the House. Let's hope it makes it all the way to Obama so he can pass it!!

This Act may be cited as the `Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2009'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings- Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The right to vote is the most basic constitutive act of citizenship and regaining the right to vote reintegrates offenders into free society. The right to vote may not be abridged or denied by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, gender, or previous condition of servitude. Basic constitutional principles of fairness and equal protection require an equal opportunity for United States citizens to vote in Federal elections.

(2) Since the founding of the Nation, most States have enacted laws disenfranchising convicted felons and ex-felons. In the last 30 years, due to the dramatic expansion of the criminal justice system, these laws have significantly affected the political voice of many American communities. The momentum toward reform of these policies has been based on a reconsideration of their wisdom in meeting legitimate correctional objectives and the interests of full democratic participation. Forty-eight States and the District of Columbia prohibit inmates from voting while incarcerated for a felony offense.

(3) Congress has ultimate supervisory power over Federal elections, an authority that has repeatedly been upheld by the Supreme Court.

(4) Although State laws determine the qualifications for voting in Federal elections, Congress must ensure that those laws are in accordance with the Constitution. Currently, those laws vary throughout the Nation, resulting in discrepancies regarding which citizens may vote in Federal elections.

(5) Only two States (Maine and Vermont) permit inmates to vote. Thirty-five States prohibit felons from voting while they are on parole and 30 of these States exclude felony probationers as well. Two States deny the right to vote to all ex-offenders who have completed their sentences. Nine others disenfranchise certain categories of ex-offenders or permit application for restoration of rights for specified offenses after a waiting period (e.g., 5 years in Delaware and Wyoming, and 2 years in Nebraska). Each State has developed its own process of restoring voting rights to ex-offenders but most of these restoration processes are so cumbersome that few ex-offenders are able to take advantage of them.

(6) An estimated 5,300,000 million Americans, or one in 41 adults, have currently or permanently lost their voting rights as a result of a felony conviction.

(7) State disenfranchisement laws disproportionately impact ethnic minorities.

(8) Thirteen States disenfranchise some or all ex-offenders who have fully served their sentences, regardless of the nature or seriousness of the offense.

(9) In those States that disenfranchise ex-offenders who have fully served their sentences, the right to vote can be regained in theory, but in practice this possibility is often illusory.

(10) In eight States, a pardon or order from the Governor is required for an ex-offender to regain the right to vote. In two States, ex-offenders must obtain action by the parole or pardon board to regain that right.

(11) Offenders convicted of a Federal offense often have additional barriers to regaining voting rights. In at least 16 States, Federal ex-offenders cannot use the State procedure for restoring their voting rights. The only method provided by Federal law for restoring voting rights to ex-offenders is a Presidential pardon.

(12) Few persons who seek to have their right to vote restored have the financial and political resources needed to succeed.

(13) Thirteen percent of the African-American adult male population, or 1,400,000 African-American men, are disenfranchised. Given current rates of incarceration, 3 in 10 African-American men in the next generation will be disenfranchised at some point during their lifetimes. Hispanic citizens are also disproportionately disenfranchised, since those citizens are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system.

(14) An estimated 676,730 women are currently ineligible to vote as a result of a felony conviction. More than 2,000,000 White Americans (Hispanic and non-Hispanic) are disenfranchised as a result of a felony conviction. In five States that deny the vote to ex-offenders, one in four Black men are permanently disenfranchised.

(15) Given current rates of incarceration, 3 in 10 of the next generation of Black men can expect to be disenfranchised at some point in their lifetime. In States that disenfranchise ex-offenders, as many as 40 percent of Black men may permanently lose their right to vote. Two million one hundred thousand disenfranchised persons are ex-offenders who have completed their sentences.

(16) The discrepancies described in this subsection should be addressed by Congress, in the name of fundamental fairness and equal protection.

(b) Purpose- The purpose of this Act is to restore fairness in the Federal election process by ensuring that ex-offenders who have fully served their sentences are not denied the right to vote.

SEC. 3. RIGHTS OF CITIZENS.
(a) Protecting Right To Vote in Federal Elections- The right of an individual who is a citizen of the United States to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility.

SEC. 4. NOTIFYING INDIVIDUALS WHO REGAIN RIGHT TO VOTE.
(a) Requiring Notification-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Chief State correctional officer of each State shall ensure that, not later than 30 days after an individual who is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility in the State is released from the institution or facility, including an individual who is released on parole or probation, the individual is notified of the individual's right to vote in elections for Federal office and of the date of the next such election in which the individual may
vote.

(2) EXCEPTION FOR INDIVIDUALS CONTINUING TO SERVE SENTENCES- Paragraph (1) does not apply in the case of an individual who is released from a correctional institution or facility to serve a felony sentence in a different correctional institution or facility.

(3) DEFINITIONS- In this subsection--
(A) the term `parole' means parole (including mandatory parole) or conditional or supervised release (including mandatory supervised release) which is imposed by a Federal, State, or local court; and
(B) the term `probation' means probation imposed by a Federal, State, or local court with or without a condition on the individual involved concerning--
(i) the individual's freedom of movement,
(ii) the payment of damages by the individual,
(iii) periodic reporting by the individual to an officer of the court, or
(iv) supervision of the individual by an officer of the court.
(b) Application to Individuals Released From Federal Institutions or Facilities- Subsection (a) shall apply to the Director of the Bureau of Prisons with respect to individuals released from an institution or facility under the Director's jurisdiction in the same manner as such subsection applies to the Chief State correctional officer of a State with respect to individuals released from institutions or facilities in that State.

SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Attorney General- The Attorney General may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to remedy a violation of this Act.
(b) Private Right of Action-
(1) NOTICE- A person who is aggrieved by a violation of this Act may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the State involved.
(2) ACTION- Except as provided in paragraph (3), if the violation is not corrected within 90 days after receipt of a notice provided under paragraph (1), or within 20 days after receipt of the notice if the violation occurred within 120 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the aggrieved person may bring a civil action in such a court to obtain the declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation.
(3) ACTION FOR VIOLATION SHORTLY BEFORE A FEDERAL ELECTION- If the violation occurred within 30 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the aggrieved person shall not be required to provide notice to the chief election official of the State under paragraph (1) before bringing a civil action in such a court to obtain the declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation.

SEC. 6. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS.

(a) No Prohibition on Less Restrictive Laws- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a State from enacting any State law that affords the right to vote in any election for Federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act.
(b) No Limitation on Other Laws- The rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.) or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.).

May is Mental Health Month

With May being Mental Health month I thought it would be fitting to post an article about mental illness. Although the article is almost 10 years old, it is still very relevant today; strong stigmas are still associated with mental illness. With education and awareness, we can work to change people's misconceptions.

Understand the Weak Link Between Mental Illness and Violent Behavior
By Rohan Ganguli, M.D.
April 2000

A poll by a Columbia University researcher found that 80 percent of Americans believe that severely mentally ill individuals are more likely to commit violent crimes, that it is natural and appropriate to be afraid of someone who is mentally ill, or that former mental patients are dangerous.


Rohan Ganguli, M.D. is professor of psychiatry, pathology and health & community systems, and vice chairman & chief of clinical services, at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, UPMC. He is also president of the Allegheny County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board.



In fact, a large amount of carefully collected research data indicates a weak link between mental illness (even serious psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia) and violent behavior. These studies actually show that gender (male) and age (younger) are more strongly predictive of an individual's likelihood of becoming violent, than the presence of mental illness.
It was heartening to read Sally Kalson's March 7 Post-Gazette story in the aftermath of the tragic Wilkinsburg shootings ("Health Experts: Mental Illness Not a Valid Predictor of Violence"). The story pointed out that the constant mention of the alleged mental illness of the assailant, in the extensive news coverage of this tragedy, would only serve to fuel the public's exaggerated fears of the mentally ill.

Unfortunately, the public perception of the mentally ill as dangerous leads to stigmatization of those with these illnesses and contributes to increasing their disability and deprives them of participation in the life of the community. Ostracism, stigmatization and persecution of the mentally ill, including severe physical abuse and even extermination, unfortunately have a long history. Today, while there are few examples of physical abuse and neglect, the severely mentally ill still continue to live marginal socially isolated lives.

A number of research studies found that the majority of the public still have difficulty accepting mentally ill people as employees, tenants, spouses or neighbors. The misconception that most mentally ill people are dangerous is clearly one of the sources of these attitudes. Other factors which influence these common stereotypes include the belief that serious disorders like schizophrenia are untreatable and that mentally illness make an individual less intelligent and less capable of reasoning like an adult.

At least one research study found that knowledge of the treatability of schizophrenia positively changed participants' attitudes toward the mentally ill and even reduced the perception of the dangerousness. Unfortunately, insurance companies are still allowed to discriminate against the mentally ill by placing strict limits and exclusions on what treatments they pay for, reinforcing the notion that mental illnesses are not the same as other medical disorders, and are less treatable.

Research also shows that media depictions of mentally ill people as violent homicidal characters has a marked influence on public attitudes and contributes to stereotyping. This can be in the context of news reports of violent acts committed by mentally ill persons, as well as fictional accounts of psychotic criminals. Since the media do not emphasize the absence of mental illness in the perpetrators of 95 percent or more of violent acts, it is hardly surprising that the public has such an exaggerated impression of the risk of violence from the mentally ill.
Stigma places obstructions to social success for patients. In addition, the attitudes of the public toward them is often internalized and results in lowered self-esteem, hopelessness and despair for sufferers. Families also suffer from stigma, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has made eradication of stigma a major part of its national campaign.

A recent survey of the Pennsylvania's County Behavioral Health Directors also identified stigma as one of the biggest obstacles preventing the severely mentally ill from achieving the best quality of life possible for them. In 1989 the American Psychiatric Association dedicated their annual meeting to "Overcoming Stigma." Unfortunately all of these efforts suffer a setback when there is a media story which, rather than highlighting the rarity of violence by mentally ill people, suggests that the connection is common.

Discrimination against those with mental illness in health insurance also contributes to gaps between public perceptions and reality. A national coalition of mental health professionals, patients and families has recently come together to address alternatives to the present health insurance system to make it fairer, more compassionate and inclusive for all Americans.
The Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society has forged a coalition of professionals and consumers and will hold a public education and consciousness-raising event two weeks from today (April 1) at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health.

A civilized society must reject old stereotypes and biases and dismantle the discrimination and stigmatization that accompany them. The media also have a responsibility to report accurately and fairly, correcting misconceptions when necessary.

IF YOU LIVE IN THE DC METRO AREA:

Stand Up for Mental Health with comedian David Granirer at his show called "Im OK but You Need Professional Help: Using Humor to Fight Stigma!" David Granirer is an internationally recognized counselor, stand up comic, and author. This hilarious presentation is part comedy and part education. For this presentation David taught five local people to become stand up comics. Their acts look at the lighter side of taking meds, seeing counselors, and surviving the mental health system.

WHEN: Thursday May 21st @ 6:30 PM
WHERE: TC Williams High School Auditorium
3330 King St
Alexandria, VA 22302

www.standupformentalhealth.com

Domestic Violence Facts

As we have seen with recent reports about Chris Brown and Rihanna, domestic violence does not discriminate between income, occupation, fame, age, or anything. Here are some startling statistics on domestic violence:

-Each day in the U.S., between 5 and 11 women are killed by a male intimate partner, between 1800 and 4000 a year.

-In the U.S. women are more likely to be killed by their male intimate partners than all other homicide categories combined.

-Studies show that the vast majority of women who kill their abusers do so as a last resort in defense of their own lives or and/or the lives of their children.

-Battered women who defend themselves are being convicted or are accepting pleas at a rate of 75-83% nationwide.

-Between 2.1 and 8 million women are abused by their partners annually in the U.S. At least every 15 seconds, a woman is beaten by her husband or boyfriend.

-The Surgeon General has reported for at least 10 years that battering is the single largest cause of injury to U.S. women.

-In many U.S. cities, more than 50% of women and children seeking shelter are turned away due to lack of space.

-Only (an estimated) 10% of incidents of domestice violence are reported, often due to shame, and fear that the abuser will retaliate when reported.

-The injuries battered women recieve are at least as serious as injuries suffered in 90% of violent felony crimes, yet under state laws, they are almost always classified as misdomeanors.

-In some surveys, 90% of battered women who reported assault to the police actually did sign complaints, but fewer that 1% of the cases were ever prosecuted...

[Facts compiled by the National Clearinghouse in Defense of Battered Women, Washington, D.C. ]

-If you or someone you know is being abused, speak up!!! Call your local domestic abuse hotline, and the police.

Friends of Guest House has been selected as a 2009 Leadership Awardee by The Washington Area Women's Foundation (WAWF). This has made us eligible to compete in an online vote to win a $5,000 prize! Voting is FREE and open to the public. Please show us your support by visiting: www.TheWomensFoundation.org and click on the big Leadership Awards OnlineVote sign, scroll down to the bottom of the page and vote for Friends ofGuest House today!Voting is open March 17-30th and we need your vote. Please tell your friends, family, colleagues and help us win BIG!!Thanks for your support! Thanks!!

'The Guesthouse Women Poem'

This is a beautiful poem that the Guesthouse women wrote together, revealing what is on their hearts and minds.

I AM...
proud
somebody
motivated
woman
determined
a child of God

I FEEL...
sincere
focused
ready for the next step
important
loved
rejuvenated

I HOPE...
to be happy
to stay clean and sober
to proceed forward
to hold still
to succeed
to be successful

I AM...
loved
motivated
blessed
grateful
beautiful