MENTAL HEALTH Prepared by the Chapters and Charters Committee 1995, Updated 2017 KAPPA KAPPA KAPPA, INC.
History Mental Health A Tri Kappa Mental Hygiene Committee, an extension of the Charity Committee, was first appointed in 1927. In 1953, the Christmas Gift Program for state mental health hospitals was started. Many chapters continue their involvement in this program by donating gifts at the November meetings or helping coordinate the pickup sites or wrapping and distributing the gifts. A State Tri Kappa Mental Health Committee was formed in 1955. Mental Health Coffees were initiated in 1958, with local chapters holding coffees in their members' homes to collect donations to begin a Tri Kappa Mental Health Fund. Over $13,000 was raised. The Mental Health Fund is still supported by donations from the chapters. No per capita assessment is used. In 1967 the Kindness Cabin at Muscatatuck State Hospital began as a summer camp for mentally handicapped children. It was dedicated in 1969 in memory of Tri Kappa's founder, Beryl Showers Holland. The 1973 State Convention donated money for ribbons and medals for the State Special Olympics Games. Throughout the years, workshops, audio-visual equipment, brochures, and television ads concerning mental health issues have been sponsored by Tri Kappa. Topics that have been supported are alcohol and drug abuse, childhood mental illness, teen suicide, abused women, and abused children. For the past several years Tri Kappa has made annual donations to the Mental Health Association & Jr. Mental Health in Indiana, The Arc of Indiana (formerly the Indiana Association of Retarded Citizens), Special Olympics, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, Best Buddies of Indiana and the Alzheimer s Association of Indiana. In 1987, Tri Kappa received the prestigious Spirit of Special Olympics award. In 1994, Tri Kappa was awarded the Irsay Award from the Mental Health Association in Indiana for its contributions to Mental Health. Tri Kappa was honored as a major sponsor at the Coalition Against Domestic Violence Convention in 2007. Projects All funds are donated by chapters and individuals. "Pass the Hat" at each meeting to collect loose change to buy small bingo prizes for the local nursing or health care center. Have a "Kindness Kalendar" in the program book for members to donate items of need (soap, tissue, deodorant, canned food, etc.) to a Crisis Center at each meeting. Support local chapters of Mental Health Association in Indiana, The Arc of Indiana, VSA Arts of Indiana, Alzheimer s Association, Special Olympics, and Best Buddies their needs are many. Collect craft items to donate to mental health clinics/hospitals. Donate good, used clothing at a meeting and give it to an abused women s shelter. Ask a member to volunteer to be on the board of the county mental health association to represent Tri Kappa and provide reports to the chapter. MH - p. 1
Provide a sing-a-long or short play with chapter members for a health care center at a time other than the holidays. Plan parties for birthdays, holidays, wiener roasts, etc. for agencies or centers. Or provide a birthday cake each month for those celebrating a birthday. Adopt-a-Patient in a health care center or state hospital to visit or send cards. Put together kits during a meeting for families or children at a crisis shelter. Participate in walk-a-thons or phone-a-thons dealing with mental health issues. Provide videotapes, Nintendo games, or CDs once a week to a children's home or detention center. Look for programs such as "Together we Learn to Cope" (T.L.C.), "Latch Key", "Kids on the Block", "I'm Thumbody", and "Hotlines" to support with time or service. Sponsor achievement dinners honoring handicapped students for their school work or Special Olympians for their talents. Rather than exchange small Christmas gifts or ornaments with each other, donate the gifts to a mental health gift lift. Sponsor a Christmas bazaar so the handicapped or mental health patient can purchase items for family and friends. Purchase books for the local library, school library, or mental health clinic concerning mental health issues. Prepare a booklet of poems and sayings submitted by members to lift one's spirits during difficult or just daily times. Donate Halloween candy to health care centers to give to local children. Sponsor a series for women and issues relevant to them. Organize a health fair stressing mental health issues. Have a linen shower for a home for battered/abused women. Auction a basket of goodies or a craft project at a meeting and donate the money to a mental health issue. Form a clearinghouse for people in the community to contact when they have needs or want to donate to causes. Remember mental health patients at other times of the year. Help with the local Best Buddies activities. Programs A program on Mental Health is not required by the State Tri Kappa Bylaws, but many chapters do have a program each year. The following topics have been used by chapters throughout the state: Safety for Women in cars, at home, at work Poverty - every county has some degree of poverty Depression Stress Relaxation Techniques Life Planning Massage Therapy MH - p. 2
Aging Parenting Abuse of women Health care center needs Teenagers Alcohol/drug abuse Financial Planning MADD/SADD programs Hospice Illiteracy Rehabilitation Centers Preschool Handicapped Programs Learn to Laugh at Yourself Nutrition Re-entering the Work Force Teen Suicide/Deaths Alzheimer's Disease Grief Issues "SuperWoman" Syndrome Group Homes Mental Health Clinics and their Outreach Programs Women's Health Issues Fatigue Managing Multiple Roles Speakers and materials are available from various sources, some of which follow. Guest speakers: Tri Kappa Mental Health Chair, listed in the back of Cross Keys. School or agency counselor or university psychology staff School programs: "I'm Thumbody," "Kids on the Block", etc. Staff of: hospice program, well child clinic, group homes, mental health clinic, preschool/adult handicapped programs, hospital, crisis center Child abuse or battered/abused women programs or agencies, law enforcement personnel, county prosecutor's office Associate member comparing mental health projects with present ones. Members speaking about their own personal or business experiences. Request materials - videotapes, slides, handouts, pamphlets are available from local or state chapters of: Mental Health America of Indiana, 1431 N. Delaware., Indianapolis 46202; 317-638-3501, Hours 8:30 5:00 The Arc of Indiana (Indiana Association for Retarded Citizens,) 107 N. Pennsylvania St. Suite 300, Indianapolis, 46204; 317-977-2375 MH - p. 3
Special Olympics Special Olympics Indiana, 6200 Technology Dr., Suite 105, Indianapolis, 46278; 317-328-2000 or 1-800-742-0612 Hours 8:00-4:30 VSA Arts of Indiana, 1505 N. Delaware Suite 100, Indianapolis, 46202; 317-974-4123 Hours 8:00-4:30 Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1915 West 18 th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202; (317) 917-3685 or (800) 538-3993. Best Buddies, Indiana, 8604 Allisonville Rd., Suite 165, Indianapolis, IN 46250 Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, 3833 N Meridian St. #101, Indianapolis, IN 46208 Alzheimers Association of Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 East 91 st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 And always an option: Volunteer your time and talents!!! For more ideas on programs, read the articles of the State Chair in Cross Keys; consult Officer's Guides; or contact the State Committee Chair or the Province Officer listed in Cross Keys. MH-p.4