Program offers 'second family' to help with day-to-day issues

Jan Kalinski has seen a lot of people helped in the Pioneer Clubhouse program over the past 11 years and she's likely to be around to see many more realize the benefits.

The program is only one of many offered through Region II Human Services at Heartland Clinic. It began 11 years ago in McCook with only 10 clients. Enrollment today stands at 50 and many more dozens have progressed through and beyond the program's scope in the intervening years.

The program addresses day-to-day issues faced by those who have received a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness. They receive support in symptom management and education in the activities of daily living.

A highly individualized program, goals for the client are established through a cooperative process involving the client, day rehabilitation worker, therapist and community support workers. The program is so successful, one client refers to it "as my job."

The day rehabilitation program offers instruction in symptom management, nutrition, meal preparation and planning, exercise, personal hygiene and healthy relationships.

Offered at no charge to clients, the program encourages the clients to contribute services in kind. Most recently, they turned their hands to landscaping and planted two new trees on the facility grounds.

Community referrals for the program come from a variety of sources including physicians, churches, mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors and psychiatrists. Region II Human Services serves a 17 county area through offices in North Platte, Ogallala, Lexington and McCook.

Only North Platte and McCook have Day Rehab Clubhouses. The McCook program is served by three primary counselors, Jan Kalinski, Andy Monzon and Doug Tolle. Andy and Jan also work with Diana Euhus, in Community Support, a service that provides a liaison between clients and various community agencies.

"It becomes like a second family," explained Kalinski. "It is scary, coming in the first time, but that feeling passes quickly."

The program is open Monday-Friday and clients can come whenever they feel comfortable. While one client shows up nearly every day, another drops in only for a few moments a few times a month.

"There are a wide variety of diagnosis represented in our clientele," said Monica Hendershot, therapist and McCook office coordinator. "So it is important to set up a program that meets the unique needs presented by their particular diagnosis." The program serves individuals with diagnosis ranging from severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"We try to offer social interaction activities as well," explained Tolle.

Monzon added, "It's is so important the clients know that they are not alone in their illness. They can find support and companionship."

For more information on the Pioneer Clubhouse program, the Community Support program or any other program offered by Heartland Counseling, call (308) 345-2770.