Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Mental Illness - Barriers to Care

According to the National Institute of Mental Health:
  • 3.6 million American adults with severe mental illness are untreated. Of those:
    •  200,000 are homeless
    • 319,000 are in jails or prisons
  • 20 times more people with mental illness are incarcerated than in a medical facilities.
For more information read "Imminent Danger" a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel special report by by Meg Kissinger.  http://www.jsonline.com/news/law-creates-barriers-to-getting-care-for-mentally-ill-135387808.html

    Sunday, December 18, 2011

    BOOK REVIEW ON GOODREADS

    12/16 Rhoda Jenkins gave 5 stars to: The Women of Block 12 (Voices From a Jail Ministry) by Linda Pischke
    bookshelves: first-reads
    status: Read in December, 2011

    Firstly I would like to thank the author Linda Pischke. As I won this as part of First Reads, I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to read and review this book.

    This book is divided into 2 sections: the first the author shares her experiences with working with the women in prison, how she coped, what it was like etc. The second section consists of the women's stories.

    The book was fascinating!! What I particularly liked about the writing was that the author did not come across as the "expert" in what to do and how to do it. She painted a very human picture of himself, including her own reservations, flaws and judgments. I greatly admired her honest and down to earth descriptions of what she saw as her own shortcomings throughout these experiences. It's very reassuring to know that people in her position also have flaws like the rest of us and don't always have all the answers either :-)

    The women's stories were quite tragic.....it's difficult to imagine living a life like some of these women have experienced. Although most of the women believed that they were going to be able to embrace a different future for themselves with the help of God, you have to wonder how many actually will. Certainly by their own accounts, old habits are very hard to break. Let's hope for their sake that they can!

    Lastly, whilst this book is religious based, for those that shy away from structured religion (or any religion for that matter), do not let that put you off reading this book. I believe it is sensitive to all beliefs and is definitely not "preachy". I thoroughly enjoyed it!

    Monday, December 5, 2011

    SHALOM MINISTRIES - MILWAUKEE

    This week I was contacted by Dawn Schmidt from Shalom Ministries. She expressed an interest in "The Women Of Block 12." Of course, I'm always excited to hear from readers and potential readers! Dawn shared her brochure with me and gave me permission to post the information on this blog.

    CAUGHT UP IN LIFE'S STORMS?  Poverty knows no age, gender, race, religion, politics, social status or region. It is un-biased and eagerly awaits us all. . .
    Did you know:
    • The average age of a homeless individual in America is 9?
    • The average age of a homeless individual in Wisconsin is 7?
    • 1 out of 4 children in Milwaukee live in poverty (25.6%)?
    • Tonight, 4 out of 10 children in Wisconsin are considered to be suffering from malnutrition?
    • 1 out of 5 single mothers in Milwaukee admit having to give their babies "something else" to eat besides needed baby formula or milk?
    • 22.8% of the homeless in Milwaukee have a full-time job, but still can't afford to rent or own a home?
    • Of those who are impoverished and homeless, suicidal thoughts and tendencies start as early as age 10, depression at age 9?

    Check out Shalom Ministries on Facebook and consider volunteering or making a financial contribution. This wonderful organization has served our community since 1995 by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting the needs of area families.

    Thank you, Dawn, and Shalom Ministries for making such an important contribution!
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