Don’t Get Me Started…

Posted on May 16, 2012 by TeriN

“Don’t Get Me Started…”

Those words can strike fear in the hearts of those who know me.  You never know what will get me on my soapbox.  But in this case, the words are the slogan for an important publicity campaign across the state of Ohio to get us to understand the epidemic of prescription painkillers. 

This is a crisis across America.  Here are some dreadful stats:

  • In 2010, 12 million Americans (age 12 and older) reported nonmedical use of prescription painkillers in the past year.

And this has hit close to home. 

  • In 2010, over 776 million doses of opiates were prescribed in Ohio.  That equals 67 doses for every man, woman, and child in the state.
  • Since 2007, more Ohioans have died from drug overdoses than in motor vehicle crashes.

But it’s more than statistics. 

I have met three incredibly brave women over the past year who have tragically lost their young sons to their opiate addiction.  Their sons were athletes, popular, smart.  Each had a mom and a dad who loved them, good friends, and part time jobs- all the things we are told will keep our kids away from drugs.  And of course, these mothers never dreamed their sons would take prescription drugs much less heroin.  

These incredible women who have met through heartbreaking circumstances are taking action.  This year Casey’s Law was signed into Ohio law by Governor Kasich, and Kentucky passed it in 2004.  As a result, families now have a mechanism to help get treatment for their friends and family members struggling with the disease of addiction.

We can’t ignore the facts or the families.

Providers like Talbert House as well as advocacy groups, funders, and community stakeholders are joining the fight.  The Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, is on board.  We have to do something. 

Where do we begin?  Let’s all get informed and talk about how to protect our community from opiate addiction.  Everyone is welcome to attend the Hamilton County Town Hall meeting on Monday, May 21 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital from 6:30 to 8:30pm. 

Let’s do it for our family and friends.  Let’s do it for our neighbors and our community.  Let’s do it for these heartbroken moms who through their grief are trying to help all of us understand that this too can happen to us.  We can’t afford not to get started. 

To learn more about this campaign, visit: http://dontgetmestartedohio.org 

Other Resources:
Ohio Dept. of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS)
Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers (OARP)
Casey’s Law in Ohio
Casey’s Law in Kentucky
News 5 article: Cincinnati Sees Increase in Heroin Overdoses 

 

 

 
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A Caring Mother is a Loving Mother

Posted on May 9, 2012 by CrystalD

Mothers wear many hats- from a cook and housekeeper to a coach and disciplinarian. Some mothers even have to wear the hats of a father, and vice-versa. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a mother who was able to be at home a lot and a father who helped support everyone in the household. My mom had a tough job. Anyone who raises children knows it can be quite challenging at times.

One thing my mom did best for me, though, was that she always looked out for my best interests. She kept tabs on me when I would go places with friends and made sure that I had some way to contact her if I needed to. She let me know if she didn’t approve of things I was doing or people I was with. She was also extremely supportive. Never once did my mom or dad miss a home volleyball game or track meet. They always made sure to tell me how proud they were anytime I would achieve something big or small in life, and they still do. I attribute most of my success in life to having supportive and loving parents.

 

I believe the best thing parents can do for their children is to always look out for them. It’s important to watch for changes in behavior, routines, eating habits, friends, or moods since these might be signs of depression, other mental disorders, or maybe even drug use. Listen to your kid and let him know you are here to help. It’s great if you can have a close relationship with your children so they feel comfortable talking about things that may be bothering them. With a close relationship, your words and the example you set will weigh heavier on their decisions, which could be just enough to help them get back on the right track. Perhaps they just need someone to listen who won’t judge them; make an effort to surround your kids with caring adults. If they choose to remain distant and problems continue, then sometimes further action may be required. Talbert House offers many programs for children and adolescents who have behavioral problems or are struggling in school or with relationships.

Being a kid is hard. So is being a mom. I’m so fortunate that I had a great mother growing up and have an amazing friend in her as I grow older. To all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and mother-figures: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior changes and are looking for advice, call 281-CARE (513-281-2273) any time for assistance. For more information on our child and adolescent programs, visit our program descriptions.

 

What is your favorite memory you have with your mother?

 
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Hiring Ex-Offenders: Rewarding the Risk

Posted on May 2, 2012 by DianaP

Benefits to the Employer

Because of a person’s criminal record, a great number of employers are reluctant to hire exoffenders.  Approximately 25% of the adult population have a criminal record with a high number of those convictions being non-violent, such as drug offenses.  However, the benefits and opportunities to an employer should far outweigh the risks.  Some of these benefits include:

  • Many ex-offenders acquire new training skills while in prison. 
  • Ex-offender employment agencies, such as reentry centers, help businesses hire with confidence because of the intermediate relationship between the company and job applicant.
  • Businesses that have hired ex-offenders have been pleased with their work and have found them to be good productive employees.

Financial Incentives

A major benefit to hiring an ex-offender is the financial reward a company can get.  There are many programs that provide tax relief to employers who hire a targeted group of workers including ex-offenders and long-term welfare recipients.  One of these programs, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, will pay up to $2,400 per every new worker that fits one of these targeted groups.  In addition, the company may be eligible for Workforce Investment Act assistance to provide on-the-job training and welfare to work wage subsidies if the employer is willing to train and provide work experience to the ex-offender.

Employer Successes

There are many nationally known companies who make it a practice to hire ex-offenders.  One of these companies, Embassy Suites, strongly believes in second chances and has hired many ex-offenders in different aspects of their business.  They were encouraged to hire individuals with criminal records by other employers who have been successful with this population. 

Resources

  • The LegalActionCenter      www.lac.org       212-243-1313
  • The Urban Institute       www.urban.org       202-833-7200
  • The US Department of Labor       www.dol.gov       866-4-USA-DOL
  • The Federal Bonding Program       www.bonds4jobs.com       800-233-2258
  • The Welfare to Work Partnership       www.welfaretowork.org       888-USA-JOB1

 

Do you know of any other local or national companies that practice this?

 

 
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8 to be Great: How to Make an Impression as an Intern

Posted on April 25, 2012 by MelissaW

 

  1. Be on time. Make sure to always leave the house with more than enough time to get to your internship (the same is true for interviews).
  2. Stay organized. Keep track of each task assigned to you throughout the work day and keep your work space clean. Employers don’t want to babysit you or clean up after you’ve left the office.
  3. Stay focused. Focus on the task(s) at hand and be efficient with your time. Employers don’t want to see you on your cell phone, Facebook, or personal email accounts. Use office time wisely.
  4. Dress professionally. Always be sure you are dressed to impress. Making a good first impression is crucial.
  5. Be open-minded. No matter how many jobs you may have mastered in the past, there is always more to learn. On the job you will learn from everyone you come in contact with. Remember everyone has a different set of strengths and weaknesses.
  6. Accept criticism. The whole point of an internship is to gain experience. Ask your employer to review your performance so you can find out your own strengths and weaknesses.
  7. Be willing to take on any task—big or small. Don’t be afraid to try something that may be out of your comfort zone. That being said, don’t resent the “grunt work”, either. Making 100 copies may not seem important, but it is. You are never too good for any task.
  8. Be positive. A positive attitude can go a long way. 

If you are interested in interning at Talbert House, contact us at http://www.talberthouse.org/employment/internships.html

 

What was the most challenging task you’ve ever experienced in an internship?

 

 
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15 Minutes a Day

Posted on April 18, 2012 by TeriN

I love to read.  I can’t remember when I didn’t.  I don’t remember if it was my mom, dad or older siblings who read to me as a child.  My guess is it was probably all of them -even if they didn’t volunteer for the job.

I do remember the library summer reading program and the thrill of marking off each book read.  The Mrs. Pickerell series, Little Women, Black Beauty.  My mom made sure I had a library card and hauled me back and forth so I could look through the stacks.  I still go to the library – as does she. 

Reading to little ones is still one of my favorite things. Curling up on the couch, the sound of a sweet voice finishing a sentence or phrase as you read a favorite book for the 87th time, getting busted for turning an extra page to hurry bed time along. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Story of Ferdinand.  Good stuff.   

Research shows

The first years of a child’s life are critical to their brain development and future achievement. Reading to a child is fundamental to their development. At Talbert House, our clinicians and staff who work with children, adolescents and their families in local schools support kids in their academic achievement. (Project PASS/Project STEPS) Along with our affiliate, Centerpoint Health, our staff work on behavioral issues, coach families on how to advocate for their children, connect them to resources. We help children and parents recognize warning signs to prevent children from becoming involved with drugs and alcohol and provide treatment for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.  Helping children be successful in school is important but it is no secret that  kids need to be able to read to achieve success in their lives.  

Schools can’t do it alone.

We can all help children build a solid foundation early in life. One easy step is as simple as reading 15 minutes a day. Parents, babysitters, aunts, brothers,  any caring person in a child’s life.  March 26 was recently proclaimed “Read Aloud 15 Minutes:  Every child, Every parent, Every day” by the Mayor of Cincinnati as part of National Reading Awareness Month. 

What can you do?

If you haven’t been to the library lately, check out the nearest branch. You may be surprised at all the books, music, movies and services that are available, and all for free. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Curious George, Little Women, Harry Potter.  Make a commitment to read to your child 15 minutes a day.  Or help a struggling parent and offer to give them a break and read to their child.  Get involved through organizations like United Way and become a volunteer reader.

15 minutes.  Free books.  So what is your excuse?

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.” -National Education Association

 

What are your favorite childhood books?

 

 
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4 Interview Tips

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Guest Blogger
by Lauren Colson

      You’ve landed the interview, but the work is not over yet.  Now you have to live up to your résumé and show you are the right fit for the job and organization.  As a new graduate you may not have the work experience under your belt, so you have to work a little harder to prove you’re capable of the job.

 1.  Research 

Before the interview you want to research the company.  It’s important to know what business they are in and the corporate culture.  You don’t have to know the names of all the chief executives, but knowing some general information about the company will help you to see if you match up to what they stand for and help you develop questions for them.  Asking the recruiter questions helps lighten some of the pressure on you too and shows that you’ve done your homework.

2.  List of Accomplishments 

To prepare for questions about your experience, create a list of your accomplishments.  By doing this, you will be able to describe your skill set and knowledge. Make sure to prepare a short list of areas you could improve on, too. This shows that you are willing to better yourself and you can take constructive criticism- just make sure to phrase them in a positive manner.

3.  Dress for the Part 

How you present yourself is very important.  First impressions say a lot about how you will fit in the company.  Unless the corporate culture says differently or someone on the inside has informed you otherwise, business professional is the safest .  Keep makeup, jewelry, and perfume to a minimum.  You want your interviewer to focus on your qualifications and not be distracted.  It is also good to bring multiple copies of your résumé, so that if you have a group interview everyone has a copy.

 

4.  How to Leave

At the close of the interview be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and ask what the next steps will be.  Should you call/contact them?  When do they expect to make their decision?  These are both good closing questions.  Ask for a business card to help you remember their name and contact information.  When you are ready to walk out the door don’t forget to give the interviewer a good strong handshake and a smile.  Promptly send an email or letter thanking them once again for their time and reminding them that you are still very interested in the position.

      An interview can be a nerve rattling experience.  But the more you prepare and practice, the better you will become and the sooner you will have a job!

 

Have you ever been stumped by an interview question? How did you handle it?

 

-Written by Lauren Colson. Lauren interned in Talbert House’s HR department during the fall semester in 2011 assisting with recruitment. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University in December 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and now works in HR for Sara Lee.
 
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EXCEL Alumni Class I Attends Cincinnati Reds Game

Posted on April 4, 2012 by DianaP

From left, front row: Kelly Hibner-Kalb, Mary Spottswood, Josh Arnold. Back row: Erica Fears, Diana Pearson, William Ebelhar, Tim Alley

As an alumna of EXCEL Class I, I was able to get together with my fellow alumni to attend the Reds vs. Rockies game on August 11, 2011.  It was a great day to not only get together with my former classmates outside of the normal  work enviroment, but it was also a great day because the Reds won!

This is a great time to celebrate and reflect on team leadership with Opening Day around the corner.

What is EXCEL?

The Executive Curriculum for Emerging Leaders (EXCEL) program was established by Talbert House as an avenue to develop, train, and nurture local non-profit leaders.  The first class (my class) was established in 2006 and consisted of only Talbert House employees.  Now classes are open to all leaders from Talbert House and other nonprofit organizations. 

How does the program work?

Participants complete an application process. Once selected for the program, they attend an orientation session and begin classes once a month for a year.

Each session focuses on a different leadership module and are facilitated by leaders from major corporations.  Corporations that have participated include:  US Bank, Proctor and Gamble, Nielsen, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Definity Partners, Michelman, and several more.

At the completion of the entire series of sessions, the class participants are assigned projects and have the summer to work on them.  Their projects are presented at the end of the course completion, and the participants then officially graduate from the class.

What Class I Alumni are saying . . .

Erica Fears, Manager – Community Link:

“My experience in EXCEL was very rewarding.  I had the opportunity to work together and learn from some of the best Directors and Managers of Talbert House.  The presenters from the business community provided a learning enviromnent that held my attention and armed me with skills that any emerging leader would be grateful to possess.”

Kelly Hibner-Kalb, Director – Women & Court Services: 

“EXCEL was instrumental in helping me develop my leadership competencies.  I experienced a sense of belonging with this group of individuals and felt a real sense of team going through the EXCEL program.  These individuals are people that I continue to seek out for feedback and support.  EXCEL really helped me come out of my shell and find my voice in the organization.”

Tim Alley, Director – Court Treatment:

“Experiencing the year long EXCEL program created a sense of camaraderie among our team.  Coming together as EXCEL graduates in a relaxed, social enviroment was a good way to reinvorate me and motivate me to think more about alumni activities and the benefits of bringing our group together regularly”.

William Ebelhar, Director – Centerpoint Health Adult Outpatient:

“EXCEL inititated our commitment to improving leadership skills and began to move the affiliate partners towards a more unified team.  The REDS outing confirmed and rejuvenated the positives created from our initial effort”.

As you can see, everyone is in agreement that the camaraderie we experienced while in the program has carried on as we are now alumni.  We have made a commitment to reinvigorate ourselves and plan more alumni events. 

Interested in Participating?

The next EXCEL Class will begin September 2012. Applications for Class VII will be accepted soon at www.talberthouse.org/training/excel.html.

 

What are some of your strengths in leadership? What areas could you improve on?

 
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Reentry – Getting Back Into the Workforce

Posted on March 28, 2012 by DianaP

After working in this field for many years, I am often amazed at how extremely difficult it is for an ex-offender, regardless of offense, to find employment.  With barriers such as low level education, a criminal record, and a sporadic work history, this makes it even harder for the ex-offender to find work, especially in this troubling economy.

Challenges

Once released from prison or jail, an offender expects to have paid his or her debt to society. Unfortunately this isn’t always the case.  Finding gainful employment is a huge barrier that offenders face once they are released from jail or prison and expected to go back into their home community. Without being gainfully employed, the ex-offender does not have the financial resources to successfully reintegrate back into the community, and research shows that due to these barriers, they may revert back to leading a life of crime in order to survive.  This is why it’s so important to continue funding reentry programs for this population. 

Why Reentry?

handshake_menReentry programs assists the ex-offender in sharpening his or her job skills by offering employment related services such as interviewing techniques, resume writing, identifying job targets, and how to create an overall positive image when “selling” yourself for the job.  The reentry staff works closely with potential employers to offer a smooth transition between the ex-offender and the employer in reintegrating back into the world of work.  Without programs such as these, this already at-risk population would be more susceptible to recidivism. Reentry programs use current technology such as computers, social media, and other resource information in helping the offender search for jobs.  With a qualified and dedicated staff to guide them, these programs are essential for the ex-offender to be successful.

Resources

 

What other challenges might ex-offenders face upon returning to their communities?

 

 

 
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The Father I Choose to Be…

Posted on March 21, 2012 by TeriN

The Father I Choose to Be.  This is a statement men complete upon their graduation from the Talbert House Fatherhood Project. With pride, each man stands before his family and shares his new vision for being a father. 

Most of these men didn’t have positive male role models in their lives. They had broken promises, distant relationships, or no relationship at all with their father. They had no one to teach them some of life’s most important lessons – or at least not the positive ones. But these men are smart enough to know it is never too late to show their children that they are willing to work hard and make a commitment to being a better dad. 

What makes me an expert on fatherhood?

I am not a clinician. I am not trained to coach men to be better dads. Thankfully, we have dedicated staff to fill that role. Today I am speaking as the daughter of a great dad who had a father and father-in-law to guide him along the way. He taught me all the important lessons in life (along with my mom). Things like:

  • take care of your family, your neighbors, and those less fortunate
  • be early, look people in the eye, and shake their hand
  • save money and work hard

How did he do this? 

He modeled a loving, committed relationship with my mom– 63 years and counting!  He shared his faith, his work ethic, and most importantly, his time. He had high but realistic expectations for us. Sounds simple but not if you never had someone set this example for you.

Anyone can be a biological father. It takes a real man to be a dad.

Learn how you can be involved

 

 What are some positive lessons you learned from your dad?

 

 
Posted in Family, Resources & Tips, Success Stories | Tagged | 3 Comments

Job Search Pitfall: Required vs Preferred

Posted on March 14, 2012 by ChrisE

Many new graduates along with potential applicants have expressed frustration when looking for a job because employers want applicants with experience. It’s true, many positions do require related experience.  However, as someone looking for a job, understanding the difference between required and preferred in a job description will help you find the position best suited for you.

What’s the difference?

A lot.  What seems as simple as one word can truly help job hunters understand if they fit into a position or not.  Keep in mind, if a description says that a skill, license, etc. is required, then you must have what it requires to be considered for the position.  If a description notes that a skill, years of experience are preferred, that means that if the hiring manager could create their ideal candidate, s/he would have those aspects.  Not having what is preferred does not keep you from consideration for a position.

For example:

Let’s say a case manager opening says that a Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience are required.  As an applicant, you must demonstrate that you have both a Bachelor’s and two years of related experience.  If you only have one year of related experience, then you do not meet the minimum qualifications for the position (and won’t be considered).  Make sure you search openings carefully!

OK, so what’s related experience?

Going back to our example, related experience would be two years of case management experience.  If you have a Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience doing anything other than case management work, then it does not count.  Keep in mind that this example doesn’t give really much of a job description.  Look at what the job description says as job duties; that information is your key to what related experiences will be considered for that specific position. Remembering the difference between required and preferred and using that understanding in your job search will help you best find the position that’s right for you.

What advice do you have for someone looking for a job who may not have much related experience?

 
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