Spring 2024 Newsletter

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The Director's Desk

February 2024

Retirement Isn’t the End of the Road:
Elevate is Stronger Than Ever to Serve Those Who Struggle with Substance Use and Mental Illness

It’s been said that retirement isn’t the end of the road but just a turn in the road. After much self-reflection, I have decided to make that turn and retire from Elevate after serving 27 years as Executive Director.

It is with mixed emotions that I share this news.  My work has been so fulfilling and I have enjoyed not only striving toward the fulfillment of our mission as a nonprofit agency but also working alongside so many gifted and caring staff and community partners.  However, my heart tells me it is time to make way for new leadership to take Elevate to the next level.

I have informed Elevate’s Board of Directors of my intent to retire in 2024. They have created a search committee to look for my replacement and are in the process of beginning that work.  At this time, I do not have an anticipated timeline or retirement date to share as this work could take months.  In the meantime, I have committed to remaining in the position of Executive Director until someone is hired. I have also agreed to provide support to my successor on a consultative basis to assure a smooth transition.

I was hired as Executive Director for The Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse of Washington County, Elevate’s predecessor, in 1996. Per the Board of Director’s request, I led the merger of The Council on AODA and another Washington County nonprofit, Nova Services, which took place in 2014.  Since 1997, our staff has grown from seven employees to almost 70 and our budget has ballooned from approximately $400,000 to almost $5 million. We have grown from being able to serve individuals, families and communities in just Washington County to being able to support people in eight counties in southeastern Wisconsin.  I was honored and humbled when hired in 1996 and I remain honored and humbled as I move toward retirement today. 

With your support and that of the community, generous donors and other funding sources, we have built a solid organization, and from where I sit, we are stronger than ever—both financially and programmatically.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of an organization that has not just changed lives, but one that has saved lives. 

I look forward to watching Elevate continue to evolve and make a difference in the lives of those we are called to serve.

Please know that I will continue to keep you informed as more details concerning my retirement solidify over the coming weeks or months.

Mary Simon
Executive Director
msimon@elevateyou.org

Sheldon’s Memory Lives on in New Residence for People in Recovery

Recovery Residences provide a safe, sober and healthy environment that promotes recovery from alcohol and other drug use. Individuals living in Recovery Residences have the peer support they need to build resiliency and to develop resources that will help them strengthen their recovery as they transition to independent living.

This past Summer, Elevate opened its first Recovery Residence in collaboration with the Youth and Family Project in West Bend, specifically for participants in the Washington County Drug Treatment Court program. The residence was made possible through numerous grants, support from local retailers and community members and the hard work of clients who helped to make the apartment a home.

The apartment residence, Sheldon’s Place, was named for a former Drug Treatment Court client.

Sheldon was doing well in the program, but then lost his housing and his outside support, according to Adult Substance Abuse Service Manager for Elevate and Recovery House Supervisor, Michelle Solheim.

“We had intended to have him be the first person to live in the apartment, but unfortunately it was not ready for occupancy when Sheldon needed it, Solheim shared. “Sadly, he struggled when he was homeless and without the support, he returned to using and died of an overdose. The apartment opened for use less than one month later. “

“Sheldon’s story is exactly why we need recovery residences, Solheim shared. “It is a perfect example of how important they are to those in recovery. We will never know if Sheldon would still be alive if he had access to the apartment, but I believe he would have had a much better chance at success.”

To date, five individuals have utilized the apartment as temporary housing as they began their journey of recovery.

Lisa, a DTC client who was one of the first residents of Sheldon’s Place is grateful for the opportunity to live there as she began her recovery. She says that it gave her the chance to be independent, save money and prove herself to her family and to her son. Lisa is now living with her son and has a new outlook.

“Though no one can go back and start their story over,” she said, “They can start now and write a new ending.”

In December Sheldon’s Place was listed on the Department of Human Services Recovery Residence Registry based upon the best practices and standards followed by Elevate.

Co-Responders There to Help During the Most Difficult Times

Your loved one who suffers from depression has voiced that she just can’t do it any longer.  Your neighbor hasn’t been seen for days and you’re concerned something might be wrong.  A high school student you work with is having a meltdown and is inconsolable.  These are all examples of situations where our trained responders have helped.

Through a partnership with law enforcement in the City of Sheboygan, Elevate recently launched a Co-Responder program to respond to mental health crises in the community. Our trained mental health professionals accompany law enforcement on calls and utilize proven approaches to de-escalate various scenarios depending on the individual’s needs. They ensure safety and structure during these potentially dangerous situations.

This collaborative response model aims to improve the experiences and outcomes for people by providing effective de-escalation, diversion from the criminal justice system and connection to appropriate behavioral health services.

“The biggest component to a positive outcome is the professional’s ability to build quick rapport with clients,” said Tiffani Mercado, crisis program manager. Mercado is a licensed advanced practice social worker. “To do this, trained staff and law enforcement utilize a variety of skills that may include motivational interviewing, using language that clients understand, active listening, empathy, using a strength-based approach and co-regulation,” Mercado added.

Crisis response services don’t necessarily have to end after the initial event which has historically been the case. Staff are now available to provide follow-up with clients to ensure stability and connection to appropriate services. They work as part of interdisciplinary teams in collaboration with clients, their personal support networks, local treatment providers, law enforcement and Health and Human Services personnel to develop and deliver person-centered recovery plans and services post crisis.

The addition of crisis response services adds another level of support in the continuum of care that Elevate already provides in Sheboygan County with Calm Harbor, our crisis stabilization facility.  Police contact and hospitalization has often been the event that preceded a Calm Harbor stay for residents in need, thus this addition allows for a seamless process that will reduce stress and trauma for residents in crisis. 

The co-responder crisis team is able to respond 16 hours a day, seven days a week, with law enforcement, to meet with people in need at their homes, in schools, hospitals, or other community locations in the City of Sheboygan. 

This new program started November 20 and is being refined through a strong partnership with  City of Sheboygan law enforcement and Sheboygan County Health and Human Services. One of the goals is to alleviate pressure on criminal justice and health care systems.

Date Set for 2024 Adrenaline Races

Registration is open for Elevate’s Under the Influence of Adrenaline Races on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

The course includes a 5K run or walk, a 10K, half and full marathon. The races are out and back runs on the beautiful Eisenbahn Trail beginning near downtown West Bend, traveling north. Register today at www.adrenalineraces.org

Register Individually or Run as a Team!

You can run individually or consider running as a corporate or family team.

A team is a great way for businesses to rally employees around a great community cause.  It can also be the perfect way for families to honor someone lost to addiction or mental illness or perhaps to celebrate the success of their recovery.

Create a Sponsored Team for just $500. Up to 20 runners/walkers may then register online for the 5K and 10K distances for this cost.  Once the team captain creates the team during registration, names it and chooses a password, the captain will then share the team name and password with teammates who may register themselves as a member of the team at no additional cost.  Visit www.adrenalineraces.org

Run for Free!

You can run for free if you raise $100 for Elevate. When you register, sign up to fundraise and once you reach $100, your race registration will be refunded. More information is available at www.adrenalineraces.org

Volunteer!

Not able to run or walk? Volunteer. Sign up at www.adrenalineraces.org

Become a Sponsor!

Not only is your involvement as a sponsor a valuable community partnership, it’s also a great marketing opportunity.   For more information contact Mary at msimon@elevateyou.org