Check out this excellent video PSA on how to use gloves and masks properly, so you don't spread germs. Courtesy of our very own Terry Mayo, DON, at our San Diego campus and Shanel Mayo, Director of Staff Development, at our Chula Vista campus! Thank you Terry and Shanel! https://youtu.be/MHA4o0P0ND4

Music Therapy is playing an important role for clients in their recovery at Crestwood Center Sacramento. And it all starts with the drumming circle that was started by Linda Gerardy, a Registered Music Therapist and Director of Recreation, at the campus. “On our Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) program, I use music with exercise and movement groups, guided imagery and art, and occasional lyric analysis, but my favorite is a weekly Creative Expression Drumming Group, utilizing various hand drums and hand percussion instruments,” said Linda.  “My mantra to clients is that no musical background is needed to have a successful and enjoyable experience in this group.  It is a rarity to have a client answer “No” to “Do you like music?” and the sound alone has a way of drawing in otherwise reticent clients to see what we’re up to.  The variety of instruments provided, learning their names, sounds and capabilities are intriguing, and in most cases, a source of instant success that is empowering and sustaining.” “The sound of a drum helps us to notice our own heartbeat, the part of us that keeps us alive and vital” The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional, and can help promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation for clients. “The sound of a drum helps us to notice our own heartbeat, the part of us that keeps us alive and vital,” explained Linda.  Drumming in a drum circle with others can be meditative, but also energizing and invigorating depending on how it is structured.   Specific studies conducted by professionals in the fields of music therapy and mental health show us that drumming reduces anxiety, tension and stress, helps control chronic pain, boosts the immune system and releases negative feelings, blockages and emotional trauma. “Community effects of drumming allow for an opportunity for participants to feel connected with others and gain a sense of interpersonal support.  This is especially important at our PHF program, where the tendency to isolate is evident with many clients, and the need to develop quick connections to others, who are in similar situations, is needed in order to make all of our program groups more meaningful and beneficial,” said Linda. There are also both cultural and spiritual connections to drumming for several Native American clients who have come through the campus’ doors.  One client patiently informed Linda and her peers that in her tribe’s culture, the same people don’t both dance and drum, so her contribution to the group was to quietly dance her “shawl dance” in a circle around their drumming.  Another client thoroughly enjoyed the drumming, but felt the need to sing as well, teaching them a song in the Chippewa language, after which they were able to provide the rhythmic accompaniment for her singing. Another positive aspect of a drumming group is the ability for clients to serve in a leadership position, a role which is often difficult to provide in an inpatient setting.  They have had clients with extensive musical backgrounds who easily and willingly take on this task, but even those without any formal music experience are usually quite successful in taking a leadership role once Linda has modeled it for them. At Crestwood Center Sacramento, the drumming group will continue to be a wonderful outlet for clients to express themselves through music and helping them with their recovery and wellness goals.  Linda summed it up best by saying, “Music, with a drumming group as one small part, is a medium whereby we can more easily connect with ourselves and others.  It truly is a universal language where people can join together, at times free of the need for verbal communication, to be able to experience life more fully.” Contributed by: Linda Gerardy, RMT Director of Recreation Crestwood Center Sacramento

Crestwood Treatment Center’s Dream Team Celebrating Wellness“Health is wellness, health is power,” declared a resident at Crestwood Treatment Center in Fremont.  This powerful statement came as a result of the facility’s first Wellness Fair that was held on March 18, 2015.  In preparation for the Wellness Fair, a few small groups of residents known as the “Dream Team” spent three months exploring with staff members different wellness topics related to stress management, both through research and experiential activities.  These small groups met once a week to investigate each wellness topic and prepare a related presentation.  After three months of creative collaboration, they selected the topics of Aromatherapy, Exercise, Music Appreciation, Guided Imagery, and Assertive Communication to feature at their Wellness Fair. The Dream Team residents then prepared and distributed invitations to facility residents and staff, and announcement banners were hung throughout the facility.  The conference room and adjoining outdoor Zen Garden were transformed into a presentation hall, with five separate stations, one for each wellness topic.  The Wellness Fair kicked off on a beautiful day with the Zen Garden fountain bubbling and relaxing music playing.  Seats were available in the garden for attendees to reflect quietly and/or relax together.  Residents and staff were invited to make their way throughout the fair, stopping at each booth to connect with their Dream Team hosts.  Pairs of Dream Team members handed out informational packets and discussed their topic of wellness with participants, and invited them to join them in their wellness activity.  One resident remarked, “I was able to get a lot of information proving that music really does relieve stress.  It is my favorite way to take the stress away.  Music even relieves stress during dental procedures!”  Refreshments were also served and participants were invited to share hummus, cucumber toast, a fresh fruit salad, and lemon mint water as they further relaxed in the Zen Garden. The education, exchange of wellness information and the entire experience was very empowering for Dream Team members and well received by all who participated.  “The Wellness Fair was a complete success.  It was so much fun and informative for everyone.  Participating residents were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their respective topics.  They were able to communicate and explain the importance on how to live a healthy lifestyle.  The visitors who attended the Fair were all impressed with the way the booths were set up and organized by staff and residents,” said Luis de Vera, Assistant Director of Nursing The facility is still buzzing about the Wellness Fair and Dream Team members are eager to start preparing for next year’s event. They have big plans to expand the fair and possibly invite other Crestwood facilities to share in the experience. Lillian Fong, Program Administrator, remarked, “I am so impressed with our residents’ enthusiasm and “can do” attitude. Their confidence was evident that day for all to see.”

Yoga Providing Balance at Crestwood Wellness & Recovery Center in Redding Some people may think that to participate in a Yoga class would require a certain physicalaptitude, conditioning, and frame of mind. Yet really the only requirement is being willing and able to stretch the mind and body. Through a structured and repetitive Yoga class routine, clients are learning just that at Crestwood Wellness & Recovery Center in Redding. The Yoga program offers classes every Tuesday night for any clients or staff who wish to participate. Deanna Voorhees, Wellness Manager at the facility, teaches the Yoga program.  Deanna has studied and taught ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance and Yoga for more than 20 years. “Consistency is an important component of recovery,” said Deanna. “And when a client consistently attends any group, it speaks to their ability to commit to something and hopefully that will carry over into their community living skills.” Studies have shown that controlled breathing, which is an integral part of Yoga, provides relief for depression. During the Yoga class, clients and staff are taught to focus on deep breathing, range of motion, balance, and centeredness.The clients learn about their body’spotential, rather than limitations. The class also helps clients to increase self-awareness, enhance physical and mental stamina, detoxify the body, find a new social circle, and connect to their inner spirituality. Studies have shown that controlled breathing, which is an integral part of Yoga, provides relief for depression. Yoga also calms anxiety by reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration. Clients report feeling more rested, relaxed, and that they sleep much better.  One client, Dan G., commented, “The Yoga class is relaxing and meditative. I feel better and can do it on my own.” The  Wellness  &  Recovery Center’s  Yoga program has  become so popular that there have  been requests for  an additional class.  The  program provides clients  and staff  at the Center with a  chance to experience and learn there  is  much to be gained mentally, physically, and  spiritually through Yoga .

Crestwood’s Psychiatric Health Facilities Providing a Beacon of Light in the Darkest Moments There is no more significant moment than the moment when you feel the greatest despair, the moment when you cannot find any controls for your emotions and actions, the moment when you find yourself lost in the streets, homeless, hungry and frightened, the moment when you can no longer endure the life you are living. These times generally get you to the door of an ambulance, police car or crisis center. These are the crisis moments the clients who come to Crestwood’s Psychiatric Health Facilities (PHFs) find themselves in the midst of. This moment is pivotal and can be the beginning of a long and dark road of hospitalizations, or an opportunity to embark on a journey of recovery, serenity and peace. Crestwood has become one of largest provider of PHFs in the state with programs at our American River, Bakersfield, Solano, Sacramento and San Jose campuses.  The PHFs are designed by and for individuals who are in the middle of crisis moments and need a soft place to land. The PHF environments are cozy, with soft wall paint hues of welcoming color and are decorated with carpet and home furnishings to eliminate the sterile hospital environment feel.  When a client first arrives at one of Crestwood’s PHFs they are greeted in a comfortable welcoming room and are provided with snacks and drinks.  Each client’s initial assessment occurs in this welcoming room and is conducted as a soft inquiry interview, rather than a long list of yes and no questions, which helps to calm the client and put them at ease. Once a client has been welcomed, they are then provided with a tour of the rest of the environment. The PHFs are small programs, accommodating 10 to 16 individuals, yet each has a large, relaxing living room; dining room and kitchen; group rooms; sitting areas for just visiting; and a serenity room with chaise lounges, walls painted darker soft hues, art and music for contemplation, meditation and peace of mind. The bedrooms have homelike beds with comforters and enough space to allow freedom of movement and privacy. The support offered at Crestwood’s PHF programs is exceptional. The PHF programs are designed to be open, enabling clients to choose classes each day, as well as to take the time they need for individual healing rituals such as journaling, sharing stories and laughter. The evidence-based classes available to clients include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and Cognitive Behavioral skills training in anger management, self- soothing, assertiveness training, medication awareness, and life-skills training. The creative arts are also provided as another recovery tool that each person can bring with them as they transition back to their home or community. The support offered at Crestwood’s PHF programs is exceptional.  The psychiatrists are well-versed in recovery methods and a variety of recovery tools, including medication. The licensed clinical staff and nursing staff are trained in WRAP and have extensive training to avoid coercive treatment. The relationship each staff member has with each client is viewed as one of the most healing recovery tools. Another significant support that is available for clients is peers helping peers. Clients are also provided with transition training to help prepare them to return home or to a new environment. Linkage to community-based providers is vital at this time, as well as family support and education. With the support of the PHFs’ service coordinators, each client is linked to services, understands their aftercare plan and has an idea of where to get help should another crisis arise. So it is only with love, compassion, hope and ongoing support that the darkest moments can be transformed into the beginning of a sacred healing journey of recovery and peace.  The Crestwood PHFs provide clients who are in this time of crisis with a safe environment that is warm and welcoming and surrounded by others who have been in their shoes and who can hold hope until they are ready to hold it for themselves.

American River Residential Services Providing Meaningful Roles for Their Residents At American River Residential Services (ARRS), they provide residents with community housing and support services in a welcoming and motivating atmosphere, with the goal for each resident to be able to live independently when they graduate from the program. One important part of ARRS’ program in helping residents achieve their goal of independent living is Vocational Wellness.  Vocational Wellness acknowledges the need for creating meaningful roles through personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s life, which is developed through learning job skills and building on positive activities. Vocational Wellness at ARRS begins with an assessment, followed by providing residents with assistance in applying for an identification card, obtaining a social security card, and completing paperwork. ARRS’ Program Director, Damela Barnes, initiates the next step in the Vocational Wellness program by encouraging residents to become a Dreamcatcher.  A Dreamcatcher is a resident who, after having gone through the initial process of participating in the Vocational Wellness program, agrees to go through vocational training by working in a part-time job.  Often times when residents are first approached about becoming a Dreamcatcher their responses range from, “I can’t work because I’m disabled,” to “I can’t do a job, it’s too hard,” and even “I receive an SSI check every month and I don’t need a job, I’m fine.”  But with positive encouragement from the staff, these same residents often agree to participate in the Dreamcatchers’ program and discover meaningful roles for themselves through the job experience.  Dreamcatcher residents are thriving, feel empowered, supported and understood at ARRS by being provided with meaningful roles. An example of this is Tamara who says, “I enjoy being a Dreamcatcher.  I work three times a week and it’s really fun. I have been working for a month now and would like to continue.” Dreamcatchers are assigned rewarding and positive work experiences in various job positions throughout the facility, such as kitchen assistants, housekeeping assistants, maintenance assistants, office assistants, recycling, and groundskeepers. Staff members, working in their respective departments, serve as mentors to the Dreamcatchers. The Dreamcatchers’ program is very popular at ARRS, with at least half of their residents participating.  ARRS’ ultimate goal, by providing the resident Dreamcatchers with a simulated working environment within the facility, is that it will eventually help them transition into working in the community prior to graduating from the program.  It is extremely rewarding for the staff mentors to see this whole transformation unfold before their eyes. “The experience of working with residents and seeing them succeed is simply amazing and enriching and it all begins with providing residents with meaningful roles,” said Vernon Frayna, Program Coordinator at American River Residential Services and the PHF. Many Dreamcatcher residents love the fact that they receive a paycheck with their name on it every two weeks.  “I work as an office assistant.  My job is very fulfilling and I like working with the staff,” said Traci, a Dreamcatcher.  “I am excited about my paycheck every two weeks. And I look forward to a rewarding career as a full-time receptionist after I graduate from the program.” Meaningful roles created through learning job skills and working at a job gives the Dreamcatchers a reason to get up in the morning, smile, and keep up with their hygiene and grooming, and associating with others.  Vernon observed, “Because they know that people believe in them, that makes them feel good about themselves.” The Dreamcatcher residents are thriving, feel empowered, supported and understood at ARRS by being provided with meaningful roles. Vernon reflected, “One of the best compliments I have ever received from a Dreamcatcher at ARRS was, ‘Thank you for letting me do a job and for giving me hope.’”

Crestwood is proud to announce that our newest Psychiatric Health Facility, Crestwood Sonoma County Healing Center (SCHC) in Santa Rosa, is scheduled to open early February! This 16-bed PHF will provide much-needed, mental health services with 14 beds dedicated to Sonoma County residents and 2 beds dedicated to Marin County residents. This program came together through a truly collaborative partnership that included Sonoma County General Services, Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, St. Joseph Health and the County of Marin Department of Health and Human Services. Our SCHC campus offers a warm, welcoming and homelike therapeutic environment, from the soothing paint colors and comfy furniture to the beautiful artwork and provides a safe place for the people that we serve to receive the services and support they need to start their recovery journey.   We are also excited to announce that Mary Fiumara has joined Crestwood as the SCHC Administrator!  More Video: C lick here to check out the virtual Sonoma County Healing Center Open House event from January 20 In The News: Sonoma County Gazette Healthcare Design Magazine Marin Independent Journal

What is the impact of forgiveness on ourselves or others? How do we forgive when there is no apology or amends? How do we open our hearts to forgive when we are still in pain?  Where does forgiveness come in when the harm is still being done? Does forgiveness change behaviors? Does forgiveness provide relief to pain? How does forgiveness impact our lives? These are the questions that provide a platform to study forgiveness.  The common definition of forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a person changes feelings and attitudes regarding an offense; letting go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, vengefulness or desire to punish the offender, although it’s justified; and then replacing those emotions with compassion, love and positive regard. It does not equate to condoning or excusing behavior. Forgiveness requires gratitude and compassion.   The Stanford University Forgiveness Project’s study defines forgiveness as primarily of taking less personal offense, reducing anger and blaming of the offender, and developing an increased understanding of situations that lead to hurt and anger. This understanding may lead to greater empathy. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven, instead, it is an act of love, mercy, and grace.  According to the Greater Good Science at UC Berkeley, forgiveness provides a healthy physiological, emotional, psychological and spiritual impact contrasting with the harmful effects aligned with being unforgiving of others, which include depression, high blood pressure, muscle tension and an increased heart rate. Our ability to enjoy and be present in the moment is an outcome of forgiveness, while unforgiving practices can reduce confidence, comfort and lower self-esteem. Possessing the strength and willpower to embrace forgiveness will not only reduce these harmful traits, it can also create a renewed sense of hope, inner peace, gratitude and happiness.  There are three kinds of forgiveness that are all interrelated. There is self-forgiveness, which enables us to release our guilt and perfectionism. There is the forgiveness we extend to others and receive from them. And there is the forgiveness of God or our higher power or our universe that assures us of our worth and strengthens us for this practice. All the spiritual traditions raise up the value of forgiveness, but many people still find it to be a nearly impossible ideal. Just start somewhere. Look truthfully at one hurt you have not been able to forgive. Identify any associated feelings you might have, such as anger, denial, guilt, shame, or embarrassment. Imagine what it would be like to live without feeling this offense. Then let it go. According to Web MD your heart health and mental health may depend on your ability to reduce hurt and anger at yourself. The significant impact of the health benefits of forgiveness led Stanford University Forgiveness Project to look at how we can teach it as a practice, rather than a concept. The project is currently undertaking a study to learn how forgiveness can enhance health and relationships and even prevent disease. Part of that study has found that we forgive others with greater ease than we forgive ourselves. I speculate that until we master self-forgiveness, authentic and complete forgiveness of others cannot occur, thus anger still lingers underneath our conscious awareness. According to Juliana Breines, PhD, from Brandeis University, the lack of self-forgiveness is linked with suicide attempts, eating disorders, and alcohol abuse. Self-forgiveness and learning the practice of self-forgiveness may be the cornerstone to lasting personal wellness.  So how do we forgive ourselves or others? Dr. Frederic Luskin, Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, has identified four stages to forgiveness.  Stage One: We recognize we feel self-justified anger. We may feel wounded or convinced that the offense is so great that it does not deserve a pardon. At this stage there usually is both active and submerged anger, as well as a great deal of pain. Stage Two: We realize that our hurt and anger does not feel good and may be causing health and life balance challenges You may wish to repair the damage to the relationship and take steps toward forgiveness. You no longer feel activated by anger. This process of forgiveness can be applied to anger at oneself or others.  Stage Three: As we start to experience the results of forgiveness – less stress, hurt and pain; we choose to let go of a new grievance more rapidly. In this stage, you choose to feel the hurt for a shorter period and then work to either repair the relationship or not see the situation as a problem. In either case, you are aware that you control the time and energy spent on the grievance and you decide to forgive because you have had more practice with it and see the clear benefit in your life. Stage Four: The fourth stage of forgiveness involves the choice to reframe the world and your experiences. You prepare to forgive in advance of a trigger such as anger or pain. You recognize that your time in anger may be wasted time or have a negative impact on your health and wellness. You recognize that you can forgive yourself, others, your circumstances and God.  Much like playing piano or baseball, forgiveness takes practice. It takes mindful awareness of identifying a grievance and chosing your response. It requires self-reflection, observation and gratitude. It is a practice, that like exercise or healthy eating, will have a positive effect on your health and wellness. It is worth the effort and self-forgiveness is where it starts.  Forgiveness does not require an apology or amends. It is ours to provide and practice.  Forgiveness changes our behavior and it has the potential to change a situation that harms, into a response that increases our self-esteem, improves our physical health and opens the door to overall wellness. Contributed by Patty Blum PhD, CPRP, Crestwood Executive Vice President

Communication is conveying a message to another person through language – both verbal and nonverbal. The basic steps of communication are thinking about the message, communicating that message and making sure it was heard and understood as intended by the recipients.  Communication in our Crestwood campuses is of paramount importance. It is the lynch pin in relationships, safety, effectiveness of services, satisfaction and sustainability of services in behavioral health. Communication can be as basic as breathing and as complicated as neurosurgery. Effective communication begins with these essential skills:  Listening- being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator and it requires paying attention.  Nonverbal Communication - y our body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice all play into communication, so be aware of what you are communicating.  Clarity and Concision - good verbal communication means saying what you mean, just enough and not too much.  Friendliness - through a friendly tone and smile you will encourage others to engage in open and honest communication with you.  Confidence - it is important to be confident in your interactions with others. Confidence shows that you believe in what you’re saying and will follow through. Exuding confidence can be as simple as making eye contact or using a firm, but friendly tone . Be sure you are always listening to and empathizing with the other person.  Empathy - using phrases as simple as "I understand where you are coming from" demonstrate that you have been listening to the other person and respect their opinions. Open-Mindedness - in situations where you disagree with what someone else has to say, it is important to sympathize with their point of view, rather than simply try to get your message across. Respect the opinion of others and never resort to demeaning those who do not agree with you. Respect - respecting what others have to say and acknowledging them is an important aspect of communication. Being respectful can be as simple as paying attention to what they have to say, using that person’s name, and not being distracted. By respecting others, the other person will feel appreciated, which will lead to a more honest and productive conversation. www.thebalencecareers.com Effective communication is simple and exquisite, yet not easy. What makes communication work well is attention and intention. You need to pay attention to what and how you are communicating and focus on the intention, which should be honest, transparent, values-driven and beneficial so that it helps, not hurts the other person. By practicing and continuing to develop these essential communication skills, will help us to improve, foster and build stronger relationships with co-workers and clients throughout our Crestwood campuses. Communication is conveying a message to another person through language – both verbal and nonverbal. The basic steps of communication are thinking about the message, communicating that message and making sure it was heard and understood as intended by the recipients.

The family unit is one of the most important and influential social groups.  At some point in each of our lives, we are part of a family. Today we have expanded our definition of family beyond the “nuclear” reference and many people have created their own meaningful definition of family in their own lives. In serving people challenged by mental health issues, Crestwood recognizes how essential family can be to the process of recovery. One of Crestwood’s Core Values is Family, which means our company is committed to providing safe, secure and responsive mental health services to the entire family.  It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with mental health issues live with a family member. The needs of families for support, education, and information are evident.  At Crestwood American River, we seek out and actively engage with the family members of our clients, and have become acutely aware of the stress and conflict they are experiencing.  As a result, the American River campus offers a free-of-cost Family Support Group to help families navigate the systems designed to support their family member, provide an outlet for sharing, problem solving and processing of difficult feelings, and creating their own self-care plans. Our Family Support Group was started in January 2015, and is led by Denise Thompson, MFTI, who is one of the Recovery Service Coordinators at the American River PHF.   The group is a psycho-educational community support group and is open to all family members of past and present clients.  The group is held bi-weekly without fail and members set the topics.  It is a safe, confidential place to share their healing journeys.  They share stories, learn coping skills and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, while connecting with each other. One member of the group, Jamie, is a key advocate for the creation of the group and has been regularly attending since it first began. When his family member was a client at Crestwood American River he asked for support, he asked for resources, and he volunteered to be a part of helping others in any way possible. “It is difficult to find the right words to describe the excruciating emotional pain created by seeing a loved one secluded in a mental health facility.  It is difficult as well to describe the gratitude after finding the desperate relief through the sessions offered by Crestwood,” explained Jamie. “When my family member began in the rehabilitation program at American River, my family and I, at that time, did not have support or knowledge of where to go.  All of this was done in order to make things easier for me, and to point us in the direction of the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for opening this door of opportunity and healing, which is a great step for me, and for giving me the strength to persist and succeed.” At Crestwood American River we feel honored to support our clients and their families.  We believe by providing support and education to the families and the community, it leads to inclusion and reduces stigma.  This is what living our Crestwood Values is all about.

Liberty Hyde Bailey, a renowned American horticulturist, botanist and cofounder of the American Society for Horticultural Science once said, “A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” At Crestwood Manor Modesto, their residents demonstrate exactly that philosophy with their Healing Harvest Project. The Healing Harvest Project is part of the facility’s vocational rehabilitation program, which consists of offering three types of jobs for residents - staff assistants, peer assistants, and caring for plants, animals, and the environment with the Healing Harvest Project. The Healing Harvest Project gives residents the opportunity to put their hands in the dirt and have the ability to enjoy outdoor time, while being simultaneously productive, industrious and a contributing member to the Crestwood community. “I like being outdoors, and having the freedom,” said one resident who is working in both the vegetable and flower gardens. The volunteer residents participate in the garden’s care and cultivate its growth, making it into a serene and beautiful place. It also gives the residents tools and skills, which they can use in the garden, as well as in their life. It has been shown that gardening is a genuine therapeutic tool for some and can help improve memory, cognitive abilities, language capabilities, socialization and problem solving skills. Furthermore, gardening can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance, endurance and overall health. One resident who works in the flower garden commented, “I like to water, it’s calming and relaxing.” The gardens are often filled with beautiful flowers and nutritious vegetables and fruits that are used throughout the facility. The head of the vocational rehabilitation department, Judi Jimenez, makes great use of the flower garden, conducting a flower arranging group when they are in bloom. Dietary Supervisor, Rene Springfield, teaches nutrition groups, and Behavior Specialist, Michael Russ, who has a Culinary Arts degree, conducts a cooking group with geriatric residents using produce from the garden. Activity and program staff also teach independent living skills, focusing on food preparation with various cultural delights being created, always with delicious results. The benefits of the garden are not just for the residents, but for the staff as well. On occasion when things get tough and staff need a moment to relax, the garden offers a beautiful place to rejuvenate, smell the flowers and realize that this amazing garden is a product of the residents’ hard work and a reminder of the importance of what they do each day. Contributed by: Robert Leavy, Director of Program Education and Leslie Darouze, Program Director Crestwood Manor Modesto

Resiliency is the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like, and is one of the cornerstones to health and recovery for individuals and communities. Trauma is an emotional and psychological result of extraordinarily stressful events that shatter a person’s sense of security, making them feel helpless and vulnerable in a dangerous world. The necessity to treat and heal trauma has never been more evident than in today’s environment and culture. In recovery services, treating, mitigating and preventing trauma is a primary expectation for us at Crestwood. It is the starting point for most people as they embark on their recovery paths. The ability to restore and build resiliency through a variety of trauma-informed techniques, including engagement, resourcing, spirituality and somatic work is the basis for this integrated trauma-approach to services. The research in neuroscience provides a foundation for the understanding that neuroplasticity and neurogenesis enables the brain to reprogram and develop new pathways for survival and growth. This has led to an understanding that we can expand the resiliency skills, thus enabling people to be less vulnerable to re-trauma, prevent trauma and heal existing trauma.  The premise is that if you teach a person to identify and access their resilient innate abilities, aptitudes or inner wellness tools, the individual can practice using these tools as a means to heal and prevent trauma. These tools are skill-based and use a wide-range of evidence-based practices, promising practices and spiritual practices as the building blocks. The practices are integrated and enable the staff at Crestwood to walk with our clients, support and stand behind our clients and guide our clients when needed.  The skills and practices are based on the premise that you meet the client exactly where they currently are.  This methodology creates a client- centered and culturally-sensitive service model. Recovery services now have shifted from patterns that created ongoing dependency for clients, to interventions that support resiliency, self-reliance, and prevention. This trauma-informed model of building resiliency enables our clients to become more empowered, more independent of the mental health system, and more intimately connected to their communities. As Crestwood programs seek to build resiliency in our clients, communities benefit from mitigating the trauma from occurring in the first place, reducing the likelihood of diagnosed conditions recurring, and build resiliency through the community. Trauma-informed care approaches have been the basis of the resiliency skills building. At Crestwood we utilize these trauma-informed care approaches along with culturally-sensitive multidisciplinary approaches and integrating spiritual practices by utilizing evidence-based practices including Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Peer Providers to provide a rich source for mitigating and healing the impact of trauma for our clients.  In our Crestwood programs we will continue to work with and support our clients with developing resiliency skills to create a strong foundation from which they can build from and use in their recovery.