1. No category

SUMMER
2009
Mental Health:
THE BASICS
A
P U B L I C A T I O N
O F
C H R I S T I A N
H E A L T H
C A R E
C E N T E R
MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY
Mental-health care has made tremendous strides since Christian Health Care Center was founded
98 years ago as the Christian Sanatorium. Increased knowledge and ongoing research have resulted in more precise diagnosis
and effective treatment. That’s encouraging news for the nearly 58 million Americans who suffer from a mental illness.
At the Center, a broad spectrum of mental-health services, from an inpatient hospital to outpatient counseling, is available.
Throughout all of these services, the value of connecting faith with healing and wellness provides those we serve with
opportunities unmatched in our area.
During the past several months, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of individuals seeking mental-health
services at the Center. Much of the demand has been precipitated by the economy. No one is exempt from this recession, and
each is affected differently. Concern about jobs, finances, and the future in general has resulted in increased anxiety, anger,
depression, and frustration. Our psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, nurses, chaplains, and other professionals endeavor to
help individuals deal with the stress affecting their lives. Unfortunately, many do not have the means to pay for care. Throughout
its history, the Center has not turned away anyone seeking our mental-health care
because of the inability to pay. Our Good Samaritan Fund is used to defray the
cost of counseling for those who cannot afford it.
Today, the Center is visibly and programmatically quite different from the
early days, yet still grounded in the Christian principles that guided our founders.
The Center is proud to offer effective, efficient, and compassionate mental-health
care while remaining faithful to its mission. We have a responsibility to use the
talents, abilities, and resources that God has given us to care for our community.
In so doing, we heed the Lord’s commandment, “for inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
DOUGLAS A. STRUYK, CPA, LNHA
SANDRA DE YOUNG, EdD
President and CEO
Chair, Board of Trustees
ACCOLADESAND ANNOTATIONS
“I
will always remember and bask in the memories of the love you showered
is published by the
Marketing Department of
Christian Health Care Center.
me with and the love you lit in my soul. I know that I was literally ‘loved to
life.’ Always remember that many times it is the small, everyday kindnesses that
make the most difference and have the biggest effect. You each bring some-
DOUGLAS A. STRUYK
President and CEO
CARLA DEWITT
Vice President, Marketing
thing different, unique, and special to Christian Health Care Adult Day Services
of Wayne. Remember – love works miracles. I know – you were there for me.”
Barbara Bromley, former client at Christian Health Care Adult Day Services of Wayne
KAREN P. HOCKSTEIN
Editor
Director, Publications
MELANIE E. ANTHONY
Director, Marketing
Treatment
R O O T E D
I N
T H E
Mission
C
hristian Health Care Center’s mission is rooted
in the belief that a person’s faith should be
utilized, strengthened, and nourished as an
aid in care. This unique aspect of mental-health services
at the Center is an important part of a multidisciplinary
model of total quality care.
“Pastoral care is a complex and vital component of
a mental-health treatment plan,” says Rev. James
Knol, LCSW, who serves as Director of Pastoral Care
and Chaplain of the Center’s Ramapo Ridge
Psychiatric Hospital. “With a patient’s involvement
in his or her treatment planning, we consider the
influence of religious and spiritual well-being on
physical and mental health. Religion is different
from spirituality.
While religion is a formalized expression of faith,
spirituality is the substance of our personal connection with God. As we plan for treatment, we try
to determine how an individual’s religious and
spiritual well-being affects his or her physical and
mental health.”
Addressing a person’s religious and spiritual needs
requires what the Pastoral Care team calls a “spiritual
diagnosis.” The process begins upon admission
through asking basic questions: What is your religious
background? Do you belong to a church? Pastoral
Care reviews the responses and then meets with the
individual to gather more personal information.
“We can discover a great deal by asking about
attendance at religious services. A patient may say,
‘I was going but I haven’t wanted to go since I
became depressed,” Rev. Knol says. “This type of
response opens the door to questions about spirituality: What is your relationship with God? How do
you interact with God?”
Once the spiritual diagnosis is complete, an individual counseling plan can be developed.
“A significant percentage of inpatients request
Christian counseling,” says Stephen Rapsas, LCSW,
Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital Mental Health
Counselor. “For a person who may feel that God
has abandoned him or her, this counseling may
include encouragement to attend Bible study, which
is offered five days a week.”
Reduced length-of-stay and increased severity of
illness over the past few years has shaped the
Christian counseling component of care.
“These two factors have changed Pastoral Care’s
perspective. It is more a ministry of presence and
nurturing than a ministry of input,” Rev. Knol says. “A
lot of patients, upon admission, may say that religion
and spirituality isn’t a priority to them, and that
makes sense. During a crisis, there really isn’t that
much time to reflect on spiritual health. By the time
of discharge, they may recognize that their spiritual
health needs attention. We can give them direction.”
“Some patients express an interest in going back to
church on a regular basis after they’re discharged,”
adds Mr. Rapsas. “Such stability, especially in times
likes these, can really help.”
At the core of Pastoral Care’s mission is the desire to
help people get in touch with their sense of religious
and spiritual health so that it can be a part of healing.
“The Center is devoted to serving others,” adds
Sameh Ragheb, MD, a psychiatrist at Christian Health
Care Counseling Center, the outpatient service of
Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital. “This devotion
provides inspiration to the staff to fulfill the Center’s
mission to be the hands of Christ. For me personally,
the Center challenges me to practice my profession
in a manner that is true to my Christian faith.”
MENTAL ILLNESS:
Center Life
2
Myth
vs.
Reality
Since 1911, Christian Health Care Center has worked diligently to
dispel the stigma surrounding mental illness. Education has proven to
be one of the most effective tools to work toward accomplishing this goal.
“By examining the realities of mental
illness, the myths can be eliminated and,
consequently, the stigma reduced,” says
psychiatrist Howard Gilman, MD, Medical
Executive at Christian Health Care Center,
which includes Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric
Hospital and its outpatient mental-health
service, Christian Health Care Counseling
Center; Ramapo Ridge Partial Program;
and Pathways, a partial-hospitalization program to treat adults who experience both a
developmental disability and a co-existing
mental-health illness.
One of the most prevalent myths is
that mental illness is a sign of weakness.
In reality, mental illness is a biologically
based brain disorder which cannot be overcome through “will power” or by simply
“snapping out of it.” It is not the result of
personal weakness, lack of character, or
poor upbringing.
“Mental illness is the result of a
dysfunction of an organ. In this case,
the organ is the brain,” Dr. Gilman says.
“Just like someone can have cardiac problems or kidney problems, the same is true
in relation to the brain. Whether you call it
a chemical imbalance or a brain
disorder, mental illness is a result of a
problem in the organ of the brain. The
reason why we don’t have any definitive
explanations right now is because the
brain is an immensely complicated organ –
the most complicated organ in the body.
Clearly, though, mental illnesses are not
disorders of bad behavior or being obstinate
or refusing to work hard.”
Another myth warns that people
with mental illnesses are dangerous. Such
an individual, however, is no more dangerous than a person suffering from any other
disease or disorder.
“Much research has been focused
on danger as it relates to mental illness,”
Dr. Gilman says. “While there is an
extremely small minority of patients who,
as a result of their illness, may act dangerously at times, it is a rare event. With proper
treatment, most individuals with mental
illnesses lead productive, active lives.”
Yet another myth proclaims that a person can recover from a mental illness simply
by thinking positively. While a positive attitude can be beneficial with any illness,
Dorothea Dix has been described as the
most effective advocate of humanitarian reform in American mental-health
institutions during the 19th Century. She
vigorously lobbied state legislatures and
the United States Congress to create
the first generation of mental-health
institutions in America.
recovery from a mental illness hinges upon
proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment
can involve medication, education, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy,
interpersonal therapy, focused prayer and
spiritual counseling, and/or peer support
groups. Statistics show that between 70
and 90 percent of individuals involved in
effective treatment plans report a significant reduction of symptoms, improved
quality of life, and satisfying measures of
achievement and independence.
“It’s important to remember that
recovery is possible with proper treatment
and support,” Dr. Gilman says. “For some
individuals, support also includes focusing
on spirituality and religion, which can be
perpetual sources of strength.”
L AY O F F S . C O R P O R A T E C U T B A C K S . A T U M B L I N G S T O C K M A R K E T.
FORECLOSURES. THE CREDIT CRUNCH.
Psychiatrist Alice Plummer, MD, CHCCC Medical Director, and Kathy
Coletti, DSW, LCSW, CHCCC therapist, recently discussed the economy’s
effect on mental health.
Dr. Plummer: People are seeking mental-health counseling much more
quickly due to the economy. Because it’s such an immediate and universal
problem, there’s a curative factor in that everyone is going through this.
Mrs. Coletti: We have no template for this. People are afraid to go to their
mailbox because bills are coming in. They don’t answer the phone because
they fear that it will be a creditor. No one is exempt. Compounding the situation is the fact that if a person has an underlying mental-health illness to begin
with, it can be exacerbated by the stress caused by the economic crisis.
Dr. Plummer: No other event, not even 9/11, has ever prompted so many
people to seek mental-health counseling. This is unprecedented because this
is more pervasive. That’s not to say that people weren’t affected by 9/11.
That’s far from the case. But considering what happened, there was a return
to normalcy in a relatively short amount of time.
Mrs. Coletti: With the current economic climate so many people’s worlds
have been shattered. It’s hard not be affected by it.
Dr. Plummer: One study found that half of all Americans identify housing
costs, such as rent or mortgage payments, as significant sources of stress.
Losing your home to foreclose or bankruptcy is more than losing a building.
Your house is a projection of yourself. Taking it away is like taking away a
part of yourself.
Mrs. Coletti: Inevitably financial anxiety and stress affects children. One
woman described a change in her 11-year-old son. He’s a very bright boy
whose grades started to slip. She wasn’t sure what was causing it except
to note that she and her husband were filing for bankruptcy and arguing
more often than not.
Dr. Plummer: Talking to your children is very important. One woman told
her children that their current financial situation isn’t something that is being
caused by them and that everyone in the country is affected by the
economic crisis.
Mrs. Coletti: At CHCCC, we help clients think outside the environmental box,
so to speak, and instill some hope regarding the new administration.
Hopefully, with support from Washington, DC, the economy will turn around.
Dr. Plummer: We try to get clients to take it one day at a time. We try to
give them hope, help them find support through family and friends, and look
for resources locally and on the Internet. We may not be able to solve their
financial problems, but we can certainly help ease their mental-health issues.
For more information about Christian Health Care Counseling Center, call (201) 848-5800 or visit www.chccnj.org.
Of Economics and
Mental Health
3
Center Life
America’s fragile economy continues to affect the entire population, from
company presidents to gas-station mechanics to retirees. Anxiety, anger,
depression, stress, and frustration have prompted unprecedented numbers
of people to seek mental-health counseling from organizations such as
Christian Health Care Counseling Center (CHCCC). Last year when the
economy started its downward spiral, new client volume at CHCCC
increased 51 percent, primarily due to the day-to-day stress related to living
in such difficult, unsettled times.
Center Life
4
Advocating for Mental Health through
Words
and Art
Artist. Philanthropist. Volunteer. Mental-health advocate.
Laura Brunetti is one person with several roles. Every day she
strives to weave them together with a single goal in mind: helping
others. Her paintings, philanthropy, and volunteer work enable
her to candidly discuss her experience with mental illness.
’ve become an advocate for mental
health. I tell everyone about the
excellent care I received at Ramapo
Ridge Psychiatric Hospital. I’m so thankful
that the staff was able to help me get better.
Now, I want to use my experiences to help
others suffering from mental illness,” says
the former Ramapo Ridge patient and
Ocean, NJ, resident.
Ramapo Ridge, a full-service 58-bed
hospital for adult and geriatric inpatients
at Christian Health Care Center (CHCC),
receives referrals from throughout New
Jersey, as well as parts of New York. The
facility continues a tradition which started
98 years ago of providing compassionate
care for mental illness. CHCC was founded
as the Christian Sanatorium by a group of
deacons from churches of the Reformed
tradition. Their goal was to build the first
private psychiatric hospital in New Jersey
that would provide physical, mental, and
“I
The spiritual aspect of my treatment also
proved essential to my healing process.
“My last day included a wonderful
Christmas luncheon. I received thoughtful
gifts but more importantly, I realized that
I was ready to take the next step, to take
skills I acquired and utilize them on
my journey.”
Following inpatient treatment, Mrs.
Brunetti attended the Ramapo Ridge
Partial Program, a voluntary, short-term
outpatient program, for two weeks.
“Little by little I started to get better,
trust again, and jump back into my life,”
says Mrs. Brunetti, who will probably be on
medication therapy for the rest of her life.
“You don’t think about how much you have
in your life while you’re in the program.
When you get better you recognize all the
good things. I learned a lot and was able
to become much more of a good person.
I believe in myself now and have taken the
time to strengthen my spiritual side.”
To show her appreciation for the
care she received, Mrs. Brunetti donated
a painting to Ramapo Ridge.
“I picked a painting entitled ‘Joy to the
World.’ It features two angels surrounded by
poinsettias. I hope people can look at it and
think of happier times in their lives,”
Mrs. Brunetti says. “There was no question
about supporting Christian Health Care
Center. It’s such a great, genuinely caring
organization. The year after I donated the
painting, my husband and I donated funds
for a patient room in the new adult wing.
The following year we donated funds for a
renovated room in Heritage Manor Nursing
Home. I also just donated more paintings
for the Center’s Post-acute Care Unit.”
Her philanthropic efforts through
art, funding, and volunteering also extend
to programs aimed at at-risk youth and
Alzheimer’s disease patients.
“I volunteer in nursing homes to
help engage Alzheimer’s disease patients in
various art forms as a result of being with
such individuals when I was at Ramapo
Ridge. I was ‘blocked’ so I can understand,
to a certain extent, where they are coming
from. I realize how important it is to
express yourself even if you can’t think
clearly,” Mrs. Brunetti says. “I really want
to help people. Gratitude is attitude.”
For more information about Ramapo Ridge
Psychiatric Hospital, call (201) 848-5500.
Laura Brunetti in L’Estrella
Studio in Colts Neck
5
Center Life
spiritual care for the mentally ill based
upon Christian principles. Today, Ramapo
Ridge integrates these same principles
into modern mental-health care, which
includes more effective, numerous, and
innovative medications, treatments,
and resources.
More than 200 forms of mental illness have been identified. These disorders
impact the way a person thinks, behaves,
feels, and interacts with others. Some forms
are mild; others require hospitalization.
Genetics, biochemical imbalances, the
environment, traumatic events, and physical illnesses and injuries can contribute to
the development of mental illness.
When Mrs. Brunetti was admitted
to Ramapo Ridge, she was diagnosed with
depression and paranoia. Years before, she
had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The multidisciplinary team at Ramapo
Ridge created an individualized care plan
to treat Mrs. Brunetti’s illnesses.
“The team includes psychiatrists,
nurses, rehabilitation therapists, social
workers, discharge planners, activity therapists, admissions staff, nutritionists, and
chaplains,” says psychiatrist Mohamed
Elrafei, MD, Ramapo Ridge Medical
Director. “Team members conduct
evaluations so that we have a full idea of a
patient’s psychological, physical, social, and
spiritual status. Within the first 72 hours
after admission, the team meets to develop
a treatment plan from all approaches.”
Throughout Mrs. Brunetti’s
two-week stay at Ramapo Ridge, she was
involved in several forms of treatment,
including medication and group therapy.
“When I first came to Ramapo Ridge
I didn’t want anyone to know that I was a
painter. When we had a painting project I
wouldn’t paint in my typical style. That was
part of my illness,” says Mrs. Brunetti,
founder and owner of L’Estrella Studio in
Colts Neck, NJ. “Then my sister came to
visit and told everyone that I was an artist
and painted beautiful watercolors. After
that I painted a bit more like myself. I was
‘closed’ at the time but I could express
myself during art and music therapy.
“…I learned a lot and was able to become much more
of a good person. I believe in myself now and have
taken the time to strengthen my spiritual side.”
Ramapo Ridge Partial Program:
M
edication and psychotherapy help
keep Melissa’s mental illness in
Bridging
the Gap
Center Life
6
check, but when symptoms flare
up, she turns to the Ramapo Ridge Partial
Program (RRPP), a voluntary, short-term
program of Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric
Hospital. Both are mental-health services
at Christian Health Care Center.
“The RRPP is designed to help individuals before the need for inpatient hospitalization becomes necessary, or serves as
a step in the continuum of care following
inpatient treatment,” says Joanne Peranio,
MD, RRPP Medical Director. “In other
words, it bridges the gap between outpatient and inpatient care.”
Several years ago, Melissa* was diagnosed with bipolar II, a milder
The RRPP treats individuals who
form of bipolar disorder involving mood swings from depression to
exhibit severe, disabling conditions related
hypomania. The latter, literally meaning below mania, is characterized
to an acute psychiatric or psychological
condition, or an exacerbation of a severe
by persistent and pervasive elevated or irritable moods, accompa-
and persistent mental-health condition.
nied by thoughts and behaviors consistent with such moods. Bipolar
The program’s goals are to alleviate the
II is distinguished from bipolar I, or manic depression, by the absence
of psychotic symptoms and by its lesser impact on daily functioning.
impairment that resulted in admission to
the program, decrease symptoms, and
develop coping skills needed for daily
functioning and community living.
Consumers are referred to the
RRPP by their primary mental-health care
provider, hospitals, or insurance companies, which is how Melissa learned about
the RRPP.
“I live in New York State and learned
about the program from my insurance
company,” she says.
Regardless of the referral method,
the Admissions staff is available 24 hours
a day. A staff member gathers information,
generally via telephone, from the individual, known by the RRPP as a consumer.
With this detailed information a psychiatrist, nurse, and social worker can then
conduct a comprehensive assessment
to determine whether the individual is
appropriate for the partial program. Once
approved for admission, a consumer generally begins the next day, at which time
he/she meets with other members of the
interdisciplinary team: an activity therapist,
nutritionist, and chaplain. The team determines the consumer’s needs, treatment
goals, and discharge plans.
Pathways
Consumers are recommended for
either full- or half-day sessions Monday
8:30 a.m. to noon.
“The exact schedule and length-ofstay depends upon how the consumer is
functioning and his/her specific needs,
work schedule, etc.,” Dr. Peranio says.
Both the full-day and half-day programs revolve around groups. Collectively,
the groups help consumers develop
healthy relationships, improve concentration, identify and express feelings, and
develop appropriate coping skills for
daily functioning.
“There’s a lot of education,” Dr.
Peranio says. “We educate consumers
on diagnoses, medication, and side
effects of medication.”
“I appreciate how the RRPP incorporates spiritual, physical, and mental care,”
Melissa says.
When a consumer is ready to be
discharged, follow-up care is in place.
Options include appointments at an out-
Pathways was New Jersey’s first partial-hospitalization program designed
specifically to treat adults 20 and older who experience both a developmental disability and a mental-health illness. The developmental disability must
have been identified prior to age 18, result in cognitive limitations, and
include mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorder, autism spectrum disorders, or another neurological impairment. The current mental illness must be acute, requiring intensive mental-health treatment and result
in the individual having difficulty participating in any vocational program or
work setting.
Pathways provides a supportive environment within the community in
which psychological, social, and habilitative growth may occur. The primary
goal is to teach coping skills, which can lead to a more satisfying lifestyle.
The program objectives focus on helping consumers communicate more
effectively, enriching their personal relationships, increasing their problemsolving and coping skills, and elevating their sense of competence and selfworth to help them realize their potential. Due to the cognitive and communication limitations experienced by Pathways consumers, expressive
therapies and habilitative and social-skills training are emphasized.
Services include psychiatric diagnostic evaluation; medication management; individual psychotherapy; case management; crisis intervention; transportation; family therapy; interpersonal skills; group therapy; art therapy;
life skills; music; pre-vocation group; health, education, and wellness;
medication education and counseling; and money skills.
Individuals may be referred by any public or private social-service
provider, health-care facility or practitioner, school system, family, or self.
To make a referral, call (201) 848-7549 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
patient program, such as Christian Health
Care Counseling Center, or with the mental-health care provider who referred the
individual to the RRPP.
Many consumers participate in
the RRPP more than once. Some call to
say that they need a “refresher course,”
Dr. Peranio says. Melissa, for instance, has
been in the RRPP three times over the
past few years.
“I’m absolutely satisfied with the program. I’ve been to other partial programs
and feel that this one is the best. The staff
is very supportive and offers a high quality
of care,” Melissa says. “My advice to others
who may be suffering from mental illness
is to recognize your symptoms and get
help. You don’t have to sacrifice your
quality of life.”
For more information about the
Ramapo Ridge Partial Program, call
(201) 848-4435.
* While Melissa is a former RRPP patient,
her real name is being kept confidential.
Jennifer Puskas, LCSW, Pathways Director, left, and Sue Senglaub, RN,
Pathways Nurse, discuss nutrition during a health, education, and wellness session.
7
Center Life
to Friday. The full-day program runs from
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the half-day from
IN STEP WITH
A Storybook Romance
anchester, England, 1945. Sgt. Louis Navazio of the Army Air
Corp, the predecessor to the U.S. Army Air Forces, will be ending
his tour of duty soon and returning to Staten Island, NY. Just two
weeks shy of his scheduled return, Sgt. Navazio and some of his fellow
soldiers decide to attend a dance. Across the dance hall he sees Katherine
Wise. Katherine recently moved to Manchester when the British government
relocated her family after their home was destroyed by Germans during an
air raid. Sgt. Navazio introduces himself and asks her to dance. At the end of
the evening, he suggests that they meet again. She agrees. He realizes later
that he doesn’t have her address or phone number.
“He wrote a letter simply addressed to Katherine Wise, Manchester,
England. Manchester was not a small town. Somehow, she got the letter.
He asked her to meet him at the train station at a specific time and day
and then they would go to a movie,” says their daughter Kathy Coletti, DSW,
LCSW, Christian Health Care Counseling Center therapist. “She asked
a friend to go with her. They were late and got to the station just as he
was about to step onto the train. It was such a chance happening.
If anything could be called fate, their meeting was.”
Louis and Kathleen dated for two weeks before he returned to
America. Their courtship continued through correspondence for a year.
“Finally, his father said, ‘If you really love her, go back to England
and ask her to marry you,” Mrs. Coletti says. “After spending more
time together, he proposed and she accepted. They were married in
England in 1947.”
After the wedding, the couple settled in Staten Island. Eventually
they moved to Waldwick to be closer to Mrs. Coletti. They were
married for 53 years when Louis passed away in 2000.
“My parents had one of the most wonderful marriages,”
Mrs. Coletti says. “My father adored my mother till the day he died.
He was always saying, ‘Isn’t your mother beautiful?’”
M
Center Life
8
At the end of World War II,
Kathleen Navazio, a client at
Christian Health Care Adult
Day Services of Wyckoff,
moved from England to the
United States after marrying
Louis Navazio, a sergeant in
the U.S. Army Air Corp.
BETWEEN SUNDAYS:PASTORAL REFLECTIONS
REAL is a Good Foundation
By Rev. William Faulkner, DMin, Chaplain, Heritage Manor Nursing Home
here was once a Velveteen Rabbit. He was
naturally shy, and being only made of velveteen
felt himself very insignificant and commonplace,
and the only person who was kind to him at all was
the Skin Horse.
The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery
than any of the others. He was so old that his brown
coat was bald in patches and showed the seams
underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been
pulled out to string bead necklaces.
“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day.
“REAL isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin
Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child
T
loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with,
but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL.”
Margery William’s Velveteen Rabbit became
REAL only after REALLY being loved-unconditionally.
REALLY being loved creates the fertile holding
environment from which REAL is made possible.
REAL is a deep inner-organizing peace and is seen
in our ability “to love our neighbor as much as we
do ourselves.” Being REAL is the essence of good
mental health.
I wonder if Margery Williams came to this
truth through the Christian message of good news.
Our faith tells us that God loves us, REALLY loves us –
unconditionally. Within this experience of God’s continuous redeeming love, the foundation for good mental
health is laid and nurtured.
Christian Health Care Center seeks to foster
a climate in which REAL is a central experience. Quite
simply, we all have intrinsic value and worth as children of God. We seek to look beyond what the eyes
may see and the ears may hear – to love others as
we would like/need to be loved. And to the extent
that we have internalized this good news and become
REAL ourselves, we seek to pass on what is fundamental to good mental health – the ongoing experience of God’s unconditional love.
ELDER-CAREBRIEFS
Go High-tech
igh tech combines with high touch at The Longview Assisted
Living Residence through It’s Never 2 Late, a new computer
system designed specifically for seniors with the belief that
it’s never too late to join the digital revolution.
H
Cheryl Wolf, left, Activities Coordinator at The Longview Assisted
Living Residence, looks on while resident Bertha Warnet “takes a
drive” using It’s Never 2 Late.
From using e-mail to connect with family and friends, to enjoying
mind-stimulating activities, to improving hand-eye coordination, seniors
with a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, most of whom
have never used a computer, are now enjoying technology using a
system adapted especially for them. It’s Never 2 Late’s picture-based,
touch-screen platform enables almost anyone to use a computer.
“The system is designed to encourage seniors to interact with
family, friends, the Internet, computerized programs, and each other,”
says Cheryl Wolf, Longview Activities Coordinator. “Each resident can
have a unique and versatile user profile that can be modified as the
resident’s abilities, interests, or computer skills change.”
Funds for two systems – one for Longview and another for
The Courtyard, Longview’s specialized residence for individuals in the
early stages of memory impairment – came from donations and grants.
Seniors in both residences can use It’s Never 2 Late to “ride” a bicycle
or “drive” through Europe. They can view documentaries, listen to music,
or Google the day’s top news stories.
“One of the best features of It’s Never 2 Late is that the company
updates the system with new games, information, and/or features every
other month,” Ms. Wolf says. “The company continually researches the
latest adaptive technologies and software, partnering with cutting-edge
technology leaders to develop creative applications that enable seniors
to stay physically and mentally active. The program has greatly enhanced
the quality of life for our residents.”
NJ Health Commissioner Visits
eather Howard, Commissioner of the New Jersey
Department of Health and Senior Services, recently
visited Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) for a tour of
campus and to learn about the facility’s programs. Douglas
A. Struyk, CHCC President and CEO, took the opportunity
to highlight the needs of some of the Center’s programs
impacted by the state budget for the next fiscal year.
An attorney, Commissioner Howard came to the post
with 15 years of policy experience at the state and federal
levels. She has expertise in the areas of child and family
issues, women’s health, hospital and physician regulation,
health programs for vulnerable populations, and efforts to
expand health-insurance coverage.
The mission of the New Jersey Department of
Health and Senior Services is to foster accessible and
high-quality health and senior services to help all state
residents achieve optimal health, dignity, and independence. It works to prevent disease, promote and
protect well-being at all life stages, and encourage
informed choices that enrich the quality of life for
individuals and communities.
H
Heather Howard, NJ Commissioner of Health,
left, with Douglas A. Struyk
9
Center Life
ASSISTED-LIVING SENIORS
FOUNDATIONNOTEBOOK
Honors, Memorials, and Church Gifts
Nellie Dyk
Amy Slufik ##
The Christian Health Care Center Foundation received
the following contributions between October 1, 2008, and
March 31, 2009.
Geraldine Egedy
Robert and Florence Chandler
Key
Adult Day Services
*
De Roo House
++
Adult Day Services of Wayne
#
Employee Fund
~
Adult Day Services of Wyckoff
**
Membership
##
Annual Fund
+
Pastoral Care
^
Dementia Unit
10
In memory of
Center Life
~~
Pearl Abma
Elisabeth Mowerson
William Abma
Jack and Shirley Faber
Lorraine Anthony
Tom and Melanie Anthony
Elba Arencibia
Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth P.
Whiteman ##
William G. Atkinson
The Massey family
Katherine Bauer
Jeanne K. Schmitz
Anna Marie Berenbroick
Frederick J. and Evelyn M.
Berenbroick ##
Sarah Breen
Jeanne K. Schmitz
William H. Bristow, MD
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wollenberg
Nicholas M. Bruining
First Presbyterian Church
VIP Men’s Group
Willard E. Marcley ##
Benjamin Bruinooge
Cornelius Breen
Caroline Buchta
Mr. and Mrs. William Buchta
and family #
Betty and Pete Johnson #
Nancy Weinmann #
Rita Carter
Edna Fica
Irene V. Casey
James C. Dallas ~
Hilda De Roo
Tom and Melanie Anthony
Mr. and Mrs. J. Bosloper
Rena J. Bruins
Bill and Marilyn Bushman
John and Linda Bruins
Bernice Bushoven
Michael D. Carroll, Esq.
Faculty and staff of
Crofton Middle School
Corene De Graaf
Neil and Rigoula De Haan
Al and Trina De Roo
Ethel De See
Florence De Roo
John and Connie De Young
Robert J. Dindoffer
Michael and Christine Gibson
Kerr, Russell and Weber, PLC
Wilma Kohere
Gordon and Shirley Kuipers
Marie E. Meenan
Barb O’Rourke
Ada Marie Pontier
William and Mary Sankbeil
Claudia and Edward
Schoonmaker
Henry and Lois Schuurman
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stasa
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Struck
Douglas and Vicky Struyk
Ellen Terpstra
Beth Tipper
Betty Tolsma
Dorothy Udes
Jessie Van Oss
Herman de Waal Malefyt
Jane de Waal Malefyt
John and Gertrude DePreker
John and Gladys DePreker
John Driesse
Douglas and Vicky Struyk
Rosemary Erdmann
Jane and Hank Johnson ++
Marjorie Foley
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Herder
The Monaco family
Andrew and Alice
Gemeinhardt
John and Gladys DePreker
Salvatore J. Giarratano
Ramon and Eugenia Casaprima
Carla and Stephen Dawe
Michael and Carole Denove
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Wu
Elsie M. Gideon
Henry J. Gideon
Robert B. Goocey Sr.
Margit L. Goocey
Erna Gooss
Barbara and Henry Gooss
Glenn D. Gower
Audrey Astion
Eunice M. Broersma
Brian and Karen Cannon
William and Doris Conover
Dennis and Agnes Crean
Chester and Sherry Crerie
Donald and Elaine Dapp
Leonard De Block
Neil and Rigoula De Haan
John and Ruth De Vries
Mr. and Mrs. James Dolgin
Ken and Susan Dyer
Thomas and Linda Dykhouse
Lenore Dykstra
Daniel and Elizabeth Dykstra
Alice and Henry Faasse
Fair Lawn Women’s Health Group
Christine Fleischmann
Ike and Shirley Folkertsma
Bryan and Mindy Garcia
Nancy and Rene Garcia
Shawn and Ashley Garcia
Randal and Karen Hagedoorn
and family
Marcia Hartwig
Allan and Kathy Jeltema
Mark and Karen Knorr
Jim and Jan La Badia
James and Patricia Lang
Ed and Laura Lotz
Pat Mc Gowan
Arlene Meringer
John and Beth Milkamp
Packard Industries
Mark and Pamela Reitsma
Penny and Bud Robinson
St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital
Radiology Department
Joanne Serra
Mr. and Mrs. William Slump
Kevin and Debbie Smith
Phyllis C. Sweetman
Ivan and Alice Tanis
Keith and Faith Tanis
Betty Tolsma
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony
Van Grouw Jr.
John and Linda Van Lenten
Katherine Veenstra
Rog and Linda Vogel
Betty and Jim Youngsman
Marcia and Bob Zappa
Virginia and Mike Zimmer
Adriana Guis
Tom and Melanie Anthony
Nellie Hartog
Reynold and Muriel Amels
William R. Hartog
Richard and Ellen Jeffer
Don and Edie Ritsman
Wilma Sikkema
Chris and Barbara Vander Gaag
Mary Hollar
Gladys Bodnar
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Manetakis Jr.
Carl and Dolores Merrell
Lawrence Pugliese and Mara
Sophia Hook
Robert and Nan Crain #
John and Susan Dale #
Robert and Mary Ann Gacek #
The Harnett, Carabellese,
Lawson, and Bantro families #
Stephanie Luczka #
Betty and Art Schmidt #
John Simonelli #
Helen Stead #
Betty Tolsma #
Joy, Adam, and Hope Urdang #
Tunis and Lois Verblaauw #
Nancy Hyland
Leo and Ginny Donohue ^
Gertrude Irwin
George Irwin Jr.
Hilda Jansen
Joseph G. and Theresa C. Fett
This past December, the Woetzel family celebrated
Christmas with a gift from the heart. Rather than exchange
gifts, the extended Woetzel family in Franklin Lakes,
Mahwah, Pompton Plains, Wyckoff, and Stamford, CT,
decided to make a $2,000 donation to Christian Health
Care Center (CHCC).
The idea blossomed when Kurt H. Woetzel of Pompton
Plains asked his family not to buy him anything for
Christmas but rather make a donation to CHCC, where his
wife Odette resides in Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
“Everyone else followed suit,” says Tina Woetzel of
Stamford. “We all felt that it was a nice and meaningful
gesture, as well as a good lesson for the children, who range
in age from 8 to 17.”
Anthony and Helen Locker
Tom and Sandy Van Benschoten
Loved Ones
Cornelia Hagedorn
Albert Maas
Dennis and Agnes Crean #
Henry and Alice Faasse #
Fogeline Maas #
Frank Mayer
Mayers Karate and Fitness ^
Barney and Florence
Memmelaar
Bernard and Marion Memmelaar
John S. Meuer
Shirley S. Meuer +
William Meyne
Johanna Meyne
Enola Miller
Robert and Barbara Hazekamp **
Mary Molnar
The Lawrences #
Margaret E. Wassel #
June A. Montgomery
Claire A. Baten
Seated, from left, are Kasey Woetzel, Keith Woetzel, John
Goldschrafe, and Tori Woetzel. Standing, from left, are Alexa
and Chelsea Goldschrafe. The Woetzels live in Wyckoff, and
the Goldschrafes live in Franklin Lakes.
John Nakashian
Gladys Bodnar +
Edward and Barbara Boghosian +
Kurt and Anne Bolin +
Marjorie Bowers +
Diran and Frances Chilian +
Henry and Armine Chilian +
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Choma +
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Dabagian +
Margaret DeMaria +
Fair Lawn Sunrise Rotary +
Gladys Haboob ~~
Peter J. Lombardo +
Jo Ann Magarelli +
Elaine, Leon, and Heidi Raff +
Carol and Raymond Sukovich +
Jennifer Jansen
Joseph G. and Theresa C. Fett
Edward J. Kohere
Sam and Agnes Teitsma
Harry and Johanna Plunkett
Shirley Beekman
Lenore Jonkman
Marvin and Harriet Abma
Herbert H. Prins
Nellie Kunis
Betty Gower
Dennis Priestner
Debra Ackerman
Doug and Marianne Bushoven
Xiaoyu and Doris Chen
Dorothy Dansen
Keith and Betty Davis
Leonard De Block
Marc and Rachel De Block
Neil and Rigoula De Haan
Ethel De See
Garry and Tetsy Decker
Edward and Dorothy Kingma
Dorothy Allison
Peg Klinkenberg
Helen Chapin
Clarence A. Knyfd
Ruth Knyfd ##
John and Meg Vande Guchte
Helen Kypers
Jeanne K. Schmitz
William C. Laauwe
Jessie Laauwe
Kenneth H. Lappe
David and Kim Lappe ##
Frank C. Lawton
Joseph G. Hovan
Debbie and Skip Donkersloot
Genevieve Douma
John and Kay Drukker
Fred and Ruth Everett
Jack and Shirley Faber
Laurie and Wayne Fieldhouse
Friends of Debbie Priestner
Glen Rock Stair Corp.
Michael and Tracy Grassi
Jennifer Haven
Jim and Leah Haven
Peter and Susan Hook
John P. Fischer Tiles Inc.
Gordon and Lois Kline
H. Gerhardt Kugler
Dwayne and Sue Leegwater
Mary Lockhart
Long Hill Liquors Inc.
Ray and Donna Luyendyk
Ralph and Barbara Marchione
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Martin
Mr. and Mrs. James McCombs
Bern and Marion Memmelaar
Dolores and Pete Moses
Leslie Paparone
John and Dot Priestner
Edward and Jean Priestner
Mae Pruim
Joe and Jo Ann Radigan
Denise Ratcliffe
Sally and Ron Roberts
James and Patricia Sack
Henry and Lois Schuurman
Ken and Laura Steenstra
and family
Douglas and Vicky Struyk
James R. Suessmann, CPA,
and Lorraine Suessmann
Brenda and Scott Vander Wall
Paul and Karen Van Ostenbridge
Nick and Lynn Veenstra
Katherine Veenstra
Michael and Randi Venema
Ken and Denise Wiegers
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wisotsky
Doris and Henry Zeeuw
Bertha Reiner
Margit L. Goocey
Elizabeth Rohrs
Ida Rohrs
Elsie Rohrs
Ida Rohrs
Ann Saltwick
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Aita
Nancy Baydalla
Maverick Mangement Group Inc.
11
Center Life
A GIFTFROM THE HEART
FOUNDATIONNOTEBOOK
Robert and Linda Monaco
Kathleen Pryor
David and Sue Saltwick
The Sluzas family
Anita Smith
Wilma and Vic Spatz
Christopher and Susan Stavrakos
Eileen Thornton
Center Life
12
Betty De Palma #
Russell Halchak Jr. #
Stacey and Bill Smart #
Kip and Mary Ann Travis #
Albert and Claire Verenazi #
Theresa Young #
Hildegard Unczowsky
Gordon and Ingrid Blood ##
Abe Schwier
Harriet and Marvin Abma
Grace Roukema De Boer
Anthony Van Grouw Sr.
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony
Van Grouw Jr.
Joseph Shadiack
Carol Broda
Robert B. Evans and Marie Hall
Helen Van Grouw
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony
Van Grouw Jr.
Charlotte Shotmeyer
John and Marion Schlenker
Richard Van Harken
Marilyn Bartholme
Keith and Betty Davis
Donald and Joan De Bruin
Gayle and Roy Fagan
Laura and Ed Farb
Barry and Linda Foster
Barry and Gertrude Foster
Keith and Cindy Funsch
Donald and Martina Hagedorn
Carla and George Kennedy
Ruth Knyfd
Rosa Lupo
Peter, Anthony, and
Barbara families
Diane Mol
Walter Mutzenback
Robert W. Plavier
Denise Ratcliffe
Fred and Jan Roeder
Douglas and Vicky Struyk
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sweetman ##
Richard and Wilma Tuit
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony
Van Grouw Jr.
Michael and Sandra Westra
Ingeborg Siemsen
Barbara and Cliff Winters
Jake and Agnes Soodsma
Thomas Soodsma
Ken Springer
Sam and Agnes Teitsma
Josephine H. Standaert
William and Eleanor Standaert #
Henriette G. Struyk
Bea Card Kettlewood
William and Nellie Sweetman
Phyllis Sweetman ##
Jean Teitsma
Sam and Agnes Teitsma
James Ten Kate
Patricia Goodell and Harold Pahlek
Edward and Harriet Hollema
Harold and Jessie Hollema
Gordon and Lois Kline
Raymond and Julia Martin
Anna Turcic
John Bakaarich #
Peter and Kathy Bakarich #
Marie and Mel Christie #
Mr. and Mrs.
Bert Van Kluteren
Joseph G. and Theresa C. Fett
Martina Van Ry
Robert N. Van Ry
Meredith Fowler
From a dear friend ##
Bernard Van Ry
Robert N. Van Ry
Alice Fredericks
In her honor for Christmas
Shirley E. Croucher
Marie Vander Have
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony
Van Grouw Jr.
Nicholas Vander Have
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony
Van Grouw Jr.
Bill Vander Ploeg
Helen Chapin
Tunis and Nellie Vander Wende
Bernard and Marion Memmelaar
Gladys Veitengruber
George Veitengruber
Louise Venenga
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. William Faulkner
Johanna Vermuelen
Carolina E. Hartog
Anthony Woudenberg
Michael and Joanne Kukol
Ruth Wuensch
Mr. and Mrs. Sweetman
Joseph Yost
JoAnn and Dennis Looney
In honor of
Henry and Dottie Abma
50th wedding anniversary
Henry and Margaret Balkema
Art and Carol Anne Boonstra
50th wedding anniversary
Jasper and Mary Koster
Helen L. Chapin
90th birthday
Lori and Steve Chapin
Gladys Hazekamp
Robert and Barbara Hazekamp
Herbert Holzberger
60th wedding anniversary
Joanne and Bruce Pleune
Richard R. Kuiken
85th birthday
Phyllis Sweetman
Virginia Lee
For her efforts planning our
Chinese New Year celebration
Evergreen Court Residents #
Trudy Lier
70th birthday
Martin and Thea Leegwater
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Martin
Doris Nelson
Nancy Currey #
Maria Sinning
In her honor for Christmas
Nick and Carol Krassy
Bertha Stronach
From a dear friend ##
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Struyk
50th wedding anniversary
Aurie and Wilma Tamboer
Henry and Judy Van Heemst
50th wedding anniversary
Hans and Joanne De Bruyn
Wilma Kohere
Gladys M. Van Ry
in her honor for Christmas
Robert N. Van Ry #
CHURCH GIFTS
Abundant Life Reformed Church
Bethany Reformed Church
Christian Reformed Church of Midland Park
Clinton Avenue Reformed Church
First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains
First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook
Free Reformed Church
Robert B. Goocey Jr.
60th birthday
Margit L. Goocey
Grace United Methodist Church
Netherlands Reformed Congregation
Pequannock Reformed Church
Preakness Reformed Church
Richfield Christian Reformed Church
Wyckoff Reformed Church
Barbara Vander Gaag
In honor of her birthday
Mr. and Mrs. G. Carl Tott
Florence Matchett Venturo
David and Jeanne Conerly
Elizabeth Weber
John and Kathy Barry ##
Dorothy Wynbeek
Buzz and Linda Wynbeek *
CENTERPOINT
Steven Van Heemst
Central Supply Mail Clerk, Materials Management
My hometown: Fair Lawn
My work experience prior to CHCC: I worked in the Security Department
for the former Meyer Brothers department store in Wayne.
Why I work at CHCC: Because I care about people. Christian
Health Care Center provides a nurturing environment for everyone.
My philosophy: Strive to provide quality service
My proudest achievement: Being father to my son
Steven Henry
Most memorable experience: The birth of my
son has been a joy and a blessing.
Steve was selected as a Legend Quarterly
All Star at Christian Health Care Center. On the
nomination form, Barbara Geraci, Southgate Unit
Clerk, wrote the following: “Steve always goes the
extra mile for everyone. Every day he comes to work
full of energy and ready to go. He never gives less
than 110 percent. To Steve, all mail is priority mail.
“Steve is always thinking of the well-being of our
residents and is often heard saying, “It’s all about the
residents – anything I can do to make them happy.’”
He always makes sure that he provides the best service that he can. He used to stop at the store every
morning to buy a newspaper that was not available to
us through the companies we use. Steve would make
this ‘special delivery’ for residents on a daily basis.
“Steve’s character speaks for itself. He always does
everything with a smile and always has time to share
a story and ask about your family. Steve is positive,
loving, friendly, courteous, reliable, and a team player.
He is a valued employee of Christian Health Care
Center. As a workplace, the Center is a perfect fit for
Steve, and Steve is a perfect choice for a Legend.”
13
Center Life
My inspirations: The people that I serve and work with on
a daily basis
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PA I D
Permit No. 5
East Hanover, NJ
Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) purchases
mailing lists in an effort to communicate with
community members who may benefit from
receiving our publications. We recognize the
fact that some residents prefer not to receive
our materials. However, CHCC does not control
the deletion of names from a purchased list.
To reduce unsolicited third-class mail, go to
the Direct Marketing Association website at
www.dmachoice.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Harvestfest
Thursday, October 15, 2009
McBride Field, Franklin Lakes Road,
Franklin Lakes
This fund-raising event will be co-hosted by
Christian Health Care Center and Eastern Christian
School Association and will benefit each accordingly.
For more information, call Darcy Bickert,
Christian Health Care Center Foundation Assistant Director,
at (201) 848-5796 or e-mail [email protected].