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“Minds That Matter”,
a TV Production Team of Staff and Members that Works!
Current guest March 2010.... Reed Cosper
Riverwood's "Minds That Matter" show can now be seen on youtube! Search Riverwood Minds That Matter in the search box or RiverwoodRI if searching by channel.
Riverwood’s “Minds That Matter” is a monthly TV talk show about a wide array of mental health topics is now being supported by PBS Communications which has generously donated six weeks of training for the shows production team and is providing studio space to tape the show on an ongoing basis. Led by James Thomas, the new TV show involves other staff and members of Riverwood (people who receive services at RMHS), a key reason for its success according to Mr. Thomas. “Minds That Matter” brings together the talents and ideas of a large group of knowledgeable people, both staff and members of Riverwood. The result is a successful show that can help people understand mental health services and how to access them, reduce the stigma about mental health and highlight some of the difficult public policy around funding and access issues.”
Its truly a one-of-a kind program says Daniel Kubas Meyer, Riverwood’s Executive Director. “Jim Thomas and his production team have come up with a list of topics and guests for the show that includes all the community mental health providers in the state, private practitioners and experts from around the country in order to really help people understand how to access and utilize mental health services in Rhode Island for themselves and/or a loved one. Its truly wonderful that its meeting a major gap in mental health—advocating for quality and inclusive mental health services for all Rhode Islanders, and reaching the broadest audience possible through Cable TV. We're very grateful to Ray Larson of Cox Communications and all of our volunteers who have made this possible.”
"Minds That Matter" Cast
Jim Thomas - Host/Producer
Alan Machado - Director -
Ken Orazi-Graphics
Lisa Francis - Sound
Ed Ledoux - Floor Director
Tripp McCreery -Camera
Any questions about the show call Alan Machado or Jim Thomas at 401-247-4278.
The show’s production team wants to hear your feedback about the show or to hear your suggestions about topics. Please email James Thomas with your questions or suggestions at: James.Thomas@riverwoodmhs.org
Viewing time and Future programs will be announced on Riverwood’s website at:
www.riverwoodmhs.org
Our current viewing schedule (which is subject to change) is:
Statewide on Cox’s Channel 13 12 noon on Thursdays
Local Access Bristol, Warren and Thursdays at 2 pm
Barrington Tuesdays at 7:00 pm
Cox Channel 18 Saturday at 11 am
It’s also hosted by:
Full Channel 49 Warren and Bristol check local schedule
Endowments
Riverwood has been awarded a $25,000 challenge grant from the RI Foundation for our endowment campaign.
This is a great opportunity for supporters of Riverwood to have their contributions matched on a “dollar matched for every 2 given” basis. The match campaign will run through 2005 and our goal is to raise a total of $100,000.
Our Board of Directors has created the Endowment Fund to provide for the long-term stability of our organization and to ensure that our members (a.k.a clients) will receive services for as long as they are needed.
Endowments provide perpetual support to an organization. Simply, funds placed in endowments are put into a trust and invested on behalf of the organization A portion of the proceeds from the investment is made available to the organization to be spent according to rules established by the organization’s Board of Directors. Thus, a $1,000 contribution and a 5% rate of return will provide about $50 a year to Riverwood … forever.
The fund will be managed by the RI Foundation alongside the endowments of many other community organizations and will be part of an investment pool of nearly one half billion dollars. This will help to ensure a maximum return on the investments.
An endowment allows a small agency like Riverwood to take necessary risks, to be creative and to move important agendas. It can also give an organization the financial stability to weather short-term funding uncertainties.
By supporting our endowments, you are helping to ensure a lifetime of Independence, Community, and Recovery for our members.
Recent Grants
April 7, 2007......The Horton Fund $4,000
Will provide for basic needs of Riverwood's Housing First Homeless Program and Mobile Treatment Team (ie. medical supplies, winter clothing, eyeglasses etc.)
March 23, 2007 Comprehensive Workplace Training Grant ...$4,715
Will enhance our staff training programs to enable us to remain competitive by providing the highest quality services.
December 15, 2006 Van Buren Charitable Trust $25,000
Donated to support our Endowment
May is Mental Health Month.
Mental Health Educational Seminars and related activities will take place throughout the month at locations statewide.
For information or a calendar of events contact Riverwood at 247-4278 or the Mental Health Association of RI at 726-2285.
Mental Health Advocates Needed If you are interested in advocating for mental health issues.
The RI Council of Community Mental Health Organizations is looking for you.
Call at 401 273-0959 or visit our website at riccmho.org
Story of Hope and Success Written by Parents of a Riverwood Member:
“Four years ago our only child and son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. We could not believe it but after four hospitalizations we knew it was not just drugs or depression. After being released from Butler Hospital he was placed at Riverwood Mental Health Services and things began to change. With the help and support of Riverwood’s staff, our son returned to college (from which he had dropped out due to his illness.) He completed his last semester and got his degree.
He is now a substitute teacher and he works every day. He hopes to get his teaching certificate at Rhode Island College. He also lives on his own thanks to Riverwood. He lives in a subsidized apartment which Riverwood recently purchased.
It is with great amazement, awe and hope that we watch him on his journey. Never did we think this at all possible a year and one half ago. We thought he may end up with us for the rest of his life. To see this change is a God send and we really give credit to doctors and staff at Butler Hospital and Riverwood. We cannot praise them enough. Riverwood exemplifies what mental health services should be like. I am so happy to say that there is hope out there. Riverwood is without a doubt “miracle
makers” in lives who have become disarrayed by mental illness.”
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