SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - With new details about the death of 16-year-old Alexis Rasmussen, Dr. Susan Wiet talked to ABC 4 about how to prevent teen drug abuse.
Dr. Wiet says the best way to prevent drug abuse is to talk to your teenagers about substance use.
She says use the resources like your pediatrician, school counselors and child psychologists for direction, if needed.
Click on link below to watch the interview.
Psychiatrist talks about teen drug abuse
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Odyssey House featured on KCPW
What is social enterprise? And how can local entrepreneurs make a living and contribute to society?
Guests:
•Fraser Nelson, Community Foundation of Utah
•Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House
The Community Foundation of Utah, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank are hosting a seminar on social enterprise with Carla Javits, CEO of REDF and a national leader on philanthro-capitalism, as key note. The event is Thursday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30 a.m. in the Zions Bank Founders Room, One South Main Street, Salt Lake City. Click here for more information.
Click here to listen to the interview:
http://kcpw.org/blog/cityviews/2011-11-08/city-views-110911-election-round-up/
Guests:
•Fraser Nelson, Community Foundation of Utah
•Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House
The Community Foundation of Utah, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank are hosting a seminar on social enterprise with Carla Javits, CEO of REDF and a national leader on philanthro-capitalism, as key note. The event is Thursday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30 a.m. in the Zions Bank Founders Room, One South Main Street, Salt Lake City. Click here for more information.
Click here to listen to the interview:
http://kcpw.org/blog/cityviews/2011-11-08/city-views-110911-election-round-up/
Odyssey House Marketing Director featured in Deseret News
Social enterprises' helps people overcome barriers to employment
Published: Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 6:16 p.m. MDT
By Marjorie Cortez, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — More American businesses need to be about the "double bottom line," says Carla Javits, a national expert in social enterprise.
Javits, chief executive officer of the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, said "double bottom line" means enterprises that employ people with high barriers to employment and self-sufficiency can also turn a profit.
REDF invests in nonprofit-run businesses. The venture philanthropy organization, based in California, is partnering with six nonprofit organizations that create pathways for people to go to work with appropriate supports. The clients are people who have been incarcerated, have had substance abuse issues, are mentally ill, have poor educational attainment or poor employment histories.
"There's a need for this 'transition,' if you will, so people are ready to get into the private job market and do well," Javits said.
"Social enterprise" is a fairly new concept in Utah, says Fraser Nelson, executive director of the Community Foundation of Utah.
"There isn't enough of this going on in Utah and people don't know how to do it," Nelson said.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, Javits will offer a presentation on social enterprise in the Founder Room of Zions Bank, 1 S. Main. Her presentation begins at 9 a.m. Registration is required. Go to www.utahcf.org for more information.
Javit's presentation is sponsored by the foundation, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank.
Javits will share REDF's extensive studies how this model creates high social and financial returns.
But is also builds self-esteem in people who, long before the economic downturn, were "frozen out" of the world of work, Javits said.
"A paycheck is critical. Everyone needs that. Work tends to impact a lot of things. It's a social network. It gives people a sense of value, a purpose or meaning to their lives. It makes it worthwhile to get up in the morning," Javits said.
Employers derive benefits, too.
Odyssey House of Utah, a nonprofit that has provided substance abuse treatment services in the Salt Lake Valley for more than 40 years, places clients who have gone through its vocational training program at a handful of businesses where they gain work experience and earn a paycheck.
The nonprofit provides transportation and Worker's Compensation coverage. The worker/clients continue to live at the residential treatment center, where they undergo regular drug testing and get support for issues they may encounter in the working world.
"These folks are really stable. We know they're sober. They're staying in healthy space at night. They're not out on the town or anything like that," said Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House spokeswoman.
The opportunity to work not only helps clients build their resumes so they can find work once they complete substance abuse treatment, it gives them the opportunity to pay for their own treatment instead of relying on parents or government funding.
"Then, they're fully invested," Stoddard said.
To the American sensibility, having a job to go on Monday morning is a matter of human dignity, Javits said.
But for people who have poor employment histories, substance abuse, mental illness "nobody wants to give you a chance. But we know that it's a lot easier to get a job, if you have a job. That's the point. We've got to give people a chance," Javits said.
Published: Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 6:16 p.m. MDT
By Marjorie Cortez, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — More American businesses need to be about the "double bottom line," says Carla Javits, a national expert in social enterprise.
Javits, chief executive officer of the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, said "double bottom line" means enterprises that employ people with high barriers to employment and self-sufficiency can also turn a profit.
REDF invests in nonprofit-run businesses. The venture philanthropy organization, based in California, is partnering with six nonprofit organizations that create pathways for people to go to work with appropriate supports. The clients are people who have been incarcerated, have had substance abuse issues, are mentally ill, have poor educational attainment or poor employment histories.
"There's a need for this 'transition,' if you will, so people are ready to get into the private job market and do well," Javits said.
"Social enterprise" is a fairly new concept in Utah, says Fraser Nelson, executive director of the Community Foundation of Utah.
"There isn't enough of this going on in Utah and people don't know how to do it," Nelson said.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, Javits will offer a presentation on social enterprise in the Founder Room of Zions Bank, 1 S. Main. Her presentation begins at 9 a.m. Registration is required. Go to www.utahcf.org for more information.
Javit's presentation is sponsored by the foundation, Morgan Stanley Bank and Zions Bank.
Javits will share REDF's extensive studies how this model creates high social and financial returns.
But is also builds self-esteem in people who, long before the economic downturn, were "frozen out" of the world of work, Javits said.
"A paycheck is critical. Everyone needs that. Work tends to impact a lot of things. It's a social network. It gives people a sense of value, a purpose or meaning to their lives. It makes it worthwhile to get up in the morning," Javits said.
Employers derive benefits, too.
Odyssey House of Utah, a nonprofit that has provided substance abuse treatment services in the Salt Lake Valley for more than 40 years, places clients who have gone through its vocational training program at a handful of businesses where they gain work experience and earn a paycheck.
The nonprofit provides transportation and Worker's Compensation coverage. The worker/clients continue to live at the residential treatment center, where they undergo regular drug testing and get support for issues they may encounter in the working world.
"These folks are really stable. We know they're sober. They're staying in healthy space at night. They're not out on the town or anything like that," said Kali Stoddard, Odyssey House spokeswoman.
The opportunity to work not only helps clients build their resumes so they can find work once they complete substance abuse treatment, it gives them the opportunity to pay for their own treatment instead of relying on parents or government funding.
"Then, they're fully invested," Stoddard said.
To the American sensibility, having a job to go on Monday morning is a matter of human dignity, Javits said.
But for people who have poor employment histories, substance abuse, mental illness "nobody wants to give you a chance. But we know that it's a lot easier to get a job, if you have a job. That's the point. We've got to give people a chance," Javits said.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Parents with Children Program
The Odyssey House Parent’s Programming began almost 14 years ago with the opening of the Mother’s with Children Program in response to the growing number of addicted mothers with young children. Odyssey House has a strong history of effectively treating adults with addiction but children’s needs are highly unique, requiring a different set of interventions and skilled clinicians. This prompted the development of the Children's Services Center. Together these programs offer substance abuse treatment for the parent, parenting and family skills training, and therapeutic interventions for the children. The hallmark of these services is the ability to keep families together in a safe environment, giving them the time to heal and embark upon a new and healthy life together.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Success Stories
This is a recent story from a graduate of the Adult Residential Program at Odyssey House. Through the methodologies that Odyssey House has employed for over 40 years residents gain a strong sense of self, confidence and the skills and strength to continue to be a contributing member in society.
"For as long as I can remember I have searched for something or someone to make me feel whole, through Odyssey the search has ended with me. I have learned to be strong in what I believe in and stand on my own two feet. I don't need a man to hold me up. I can do it for myself. I have built a great relationship with my children and learned to have solid boundaries with my family. I am a strong, beautiful, and hard working woman. I will not let anything or anyone stand in the way of what I want out of the life I have built in these past two years."
"For as long as I can remember I have searched for something or someone to make me feel whole, through Odyssey the search has ended with me. I have learned to be strong in what I believe in and stand on my own two feet. I don't need a man to hold me up. I can do it for myself. I have built a great relationship with my children and learned to have solid boundaries with my family. I am a strong, beautiful, and hard working woman. I will not let anything or anyone stand in the way of what I want out of the life I have built in these past two years."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Odyssey House of Utah was proudly accredited by The Joint Commission on February 11, 2011. The dedication of the accreditation team payed off! A big thank you to all staff and clients for your long hours and diligence to take our facilities and programs to the next level. Key players in this effort were Emily Capito (Director of Operations), Kali Mower (Development Coordinator), Emily Lewis (Quality Assurance Coordinator), Rob Adams, Bradley Hieb, Caitlin Szalay, Spencer Larsen, Tony Parra, Scott Young (Facility Managers), and Dani Plowthow (Director of Nursing).
Through the 3 day survey process, the surveyors repeatedly complimented the programs, staff, and clients. They specifically noted how impressed they are with our Therapeutic Community and how we have adapted the model to meet each of the populations' unique needs. Further, they spoke very highly of our clinical aptitude, treatment planning, and documentation. In the exit interview with the surveyors, they indicated that we were far ahead of the curve when it comes to our efforts in creating a culture of safety and quality.
Through the 3 day survey process, the surveyors repeatedly complimented the programs, staff, and clients. They specifically noted how impressed they are with our Therapeutic Community and how we have adapted the model to meet each of the populations' unique needs. Further, they spoke very highly of our clinical aptitude, treatment planning, and documentation. In the exit interview with the surveyors, they indicated that we were far ahead of the curve when it comes to our efforts in creating a culture of safety and quality.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mother's with Children Success Story
Kristin:
I have continued to grow as a person. For the first time in my life I like myself. I am proud of the person I see when I look in the mirror. I am no longer ashamed of where I come from and what I have been through. I thank God everyday for giving me another chance to do things the right way for myself and my children. I wouldn't be the mother I am today and look forward to being in the future without this program.
I have continued to grow as a person. For the first time in my life I like myself. I am proud of the person I see when I look in the mirror. I am no longer ashamed of where I come from and what I have been through. I thank God everyday for giving me another chance to do things the right way for myself and my children. I wouldn't be the mother I am today and look forward to being in the future without this program.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tips for parents to recognize possible drug use
As children grow up they take up new fads—but sudden and extreme changes in your child may signal drug use.
Be alert if your child displays major changes in some or most of these areas:
Physical Changes:
• Changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times or unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Smell of drugs on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on body.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.
Personality Changes:
• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Losses track of time
• Changes in friends
• Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
• Loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
• Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia
• Excessive need for privacy.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Next Steps:
These changes often signal that something is going on—and often that involves alcohol or drugs.
•You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen.
•Get treatment referrals from trustworthy agencies or individuals—your doctor, local hospital, state or local substance abuse agencies, other parents whose children have been in drug treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
•Examine your child's mental health—a child with emotional or social problems may use drugs for self-medication.
•Don't deny that there is a problem—your child needs your help and parental support
•Some of these signs/symptoms also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.
Contact Odyssey House concerning any questions you may have at 801-322-3222 or www.odysseyhouse.org under the contact us page (maybe we should have an e-mail dedicated to admission questions- info@odysseyhouse.org)
Be alert if your child displays major changes in some or most of these areas:
Physical Changes:
• Changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times or unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Smell of drugs on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on body.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.
Personality Changes:
• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Losses track of time
• Changes in friends
• Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
• Loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
• Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia
• Excessive need for privacy.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Next Steps:
These changes often signal that something is going on—and often that involves alcohol or drugs.
•You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen.
•Get treatment referrals from trustworthy agencies or individuals—your doctor, local hospital, state or local substance abuse agencies, other parents whose children have been in drug treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
•Examine your child's mental health—a child with emotional or social problems may use drugs for self-medication.
•Don't deny that there is a problem—your child needs your help and parental support
•Some of these signs/symptoms also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.
Contact Odyssey House concerning any questions you may have at 801-322-3222 or www.odysseyhouse.org under the contact us page (maybe we should have an e-mail dedicated to admission questions- info@odysseyhouse.org)
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