Butler Behavioral Health was recently awarded a grant from bi3 (Bethesda Ideas Investments Innovation.) The grant has given us the opportunity to improve access to services to the clients we serve. Our Harbor House Social Club was greatly impacted by the pandemic. The club was closed for nearly 5 months due to the virus and left many members disconnected from their providers, loved ones and friends. Thanks to the generous grant from bi3 we can now connect to members at home to help lessen the isolation and depression that has increased for some during the pandemic. We have purchased all new computers for the club’s computer lab which will allow members to connect with their providers, loved ones, help employment opportunities and for educational and recreational purposes while visiting the clubhouse. The grant has allowed the club to expand their activities online to reach members at home with the purchase of cameras, microphones and a projector.  The club can now broadcast via Zoom or Facebook to reach members at home to participate in social activities. We also purchased laptops and iPads which has given the opportunity for members to checkout from the club for use at home. Members now have opportunities to join e-Bingo or e-Trivia from home to play against their friends at the club house. Or to connect to their doctors, therapists and loved ones via tele conferencing. Bi3 grant has made a positive impact on Harbor House Social Club and its members. On behalf of the members and staff of HHSC we want to say thank you to bi3. Your generosity

2020 has been a unique year for all. Our Health Now team had been discussing some of the lack of resources due to COVID restrictions on the community. Seeing the need they wanted to try and help the community we serve to meet some of their needs despite those restrictions. Health Now with the help of Middletown Counseling Center and donations from all over the agency held a Winter Clothing Drive Distribution at our Middletown Counseling Center.  Wednesday Dec. 16th 2020 was a very cold and snowy day. The weather really showed the need of winter clothing for those in need. The team passed out jackets, coats, gloves, hats and other items to about 20 Butler Behavioral Health Clients prior to the event and another 25 people at the event. To

Tuesday October 15th was a big day for members of Harbor House Social Club. In collaboration with Miami University Nursing Program members had an Art Show at University Hall in Hamilton. Over the last few weeks. Members have been working on their Art Pieces with the MU Nursing Students. Some of the themes of the art pieces include “Meditation,” “Welcome to Fall,” “Mindfulness” and “Stigma Free from Mental Illness.” The mediums of the pieces range from canvas art, mask painting and leaf painting. We asked one member what their favorite medium to work on “I liked the Canvas Art, the colors make me happy and help me relax.” Be on the lookout for some art pieces from this show. They will be traveling throughout all are offices in the next several weeks. Butler Behavioral Health’s Social Club offers adults living with a mental illness a safe and supportive environment to build friendships. Club membership is free for all adults living with mental illness and addiction. Members may

This year’s NAMI walk theme was “NOT ALL HEREOS WEAR CAPES.” Through combined efforts of many involved, we raised over $4,300 – the most year to date! The fundraising was comprised of several events: split the pot, farm fresh egg sale, “penny” wars, art auction and of course the many donations. Butler County NAMI is such a powerful presence and support for those with mental illness. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for families and individuals impacted by mental health disorders through education, support, advocacy and stigma reduction. More information can be found at https://nami-bc.org/. Thank you to all who participated, donated or showed support for this