Bell log: When Mental Health Programming is Temporarily Suspended
Some people who are involved with Bell’s social rehabilitation programming also live in one of the agency’s mental health residential programs (CHIPP, CRAS, Supported Housing, etc.), but some do not.
For people who live independently, regular participation in the New Beginnings and Sendero programs, and the socialization they receive through this interaction, is a big part of their mental health success.
With the isolation/quarantine in place, these groups were temporarily suspended, but program staff maintains contact with the service users – from an appropriate safe distance, of course!
June 23: New Beginnings Program Starting Again
The New Beginnings groups started up last week and here is a very happy update from our good friend and Bell service user, Bernie.
“Oh man, I can’t tell you how so INCREDIBLY HAPPY it was to see my awesome Bell staff and peeps once again!! Great times, great people, and lots of smiling faces today….exactly what my mind and heart needed! Thank you so much! ❤️😀“
June 22: The Sendero Program is Back!
The Sendero group is back in action at Bell!
After three very long months, they were eager to be back learning new things and play their favorite game, dominoes!
Staff members commented that they are “very happy to see them.”
Welcome back Sendero group, it’s good to see you all again!
April 23: MADS Enterprises Delivers Masks to Bell
Give us a hand in giving MADS Enterprise a HUGE thank you for donating face masks for employees and service users! Shelley George of MADS dropped off face masks for Mental Health staff members and for the individuals they serve. 
Thank you so much for thinking of our staff and individuals!
April 22: MH Department Keeps the Wheels on Meals on Wheels Steady
Karen Roland, Social Rehabilitation Program Coordinator reports; Soc. Rehab. and Supported Housing have been cooking 70-80 meals and delivering them to our consumers for the last 3 weeks.”
April 13: Meals on Wheels Keeps Moving Forward
One World Together at Home <3; a simple message during a uncertain time. The Supported Housing and Social Rehabilitation programs at Bell are hard at work to make sure their clients are receiving meals.
April 6: Bell’s Meals on Wheels
Members of Supported Housing and Social Rehabilitation made meals to deliver to our clients.
The meal consisted of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetable, stuffing, and a sweet treat.
They plan on doing this weekly and they made 78 (!!) meals!
Becky’s report, 31 March:
With groups being canceled, a lot of staff support has transitioned to phone or Skype if the resident has that available. Some are able to use Zoom for communicating with each other and that seems to help, especially with those who are feeling depressed or particularly isolated right now. 
One thing staff is doing is making food for people who regularly participate in the day programs. Last week they made spaghetti, packed it up, and delivered it to the clients’ homes. They also notice some people are getting “antsy” and so they will walk around the block with them to get some fresh air, while wearing masks and keeping their six-foot distance from one other.