1    

Backgrounder: The Hopewell Story

Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country is a beacon of hope for adults struggling with mental illness. This residential “therapeutic community” fittingly is named Hopewell. It is here where adults diagnosed with mental illness find peace and healing.

When her family was personally impacted by mental illness, Cleveland native Clara T. Rankin sought the best possible care. She found that care at Gould Farm, a therapeutic community in Massachusetts. The success of the Gould Farm model inspired Mrs. Rankin to envision a similar facility in Northeast Ohio. With the help of a formidable group of devoted professionals and friends, she raised the necessary funds, found a suitable property and in 1993 established Hopewell in rural Mesopotamia, Ohio. Hopewell’s first residents (residential clients) were welcomed in 1996.

Nearly 20 years later, Hopewell continues to serve adults age 18 years and older whose primary diagnoses are schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, severe depression or other forms of mental illness.

True Working Farm

Hopewell is a true working farm. Residents and staff care for the animals (horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeys and chickens), the vegetable gardens and the 300+ acres of protected woodlands. Since its inception, Hopewell has served individuals from 28 states across the country. Admissions inquiries were received from families in 35 states during 2014, and Hopewell served a total of 90 individuals.

Hopewell is the only therapeutic farm community in Ohio, and one of only a handful in the country. It is licensed and certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and was the first therapeutic farm community in the United States to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for Therapeutic Community: Mental Health (Adults). Hopewell is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)

Ed Stevens, APR+M (440) 617-0100 ext. 201 estevens@stevensstrategic.com

2    

and the American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA). Research projects are carried out at Hopewell through a partnership with Case Western Reserve University.

Famous for Positive Outcomes

Outcomes studies since 2006 have shown the effectiveness of Hopewell’s program, a model that incorporates a bio-psycho-social orientation to promote wellness and sustained recovery. The healing power of nature, meaningful work and community – along with a caring and highly-qualified staff – have led to Hopewell’s unique model of mental health care that successfully promotes self-worth, self-confidence and greater independence for adults dealing with mental illness.

The “Hopewell Model” actually is a new version of an old methodology called “moral treatment.” Dating back to the early 1800s in Europe, the concept of moral treatment focused on treating individuals with equality and respect within the context of a healthy living and learning environment. People with mental illness are able to express their feelings and views freely, as well as actively participate in decisions affecting their lives. This is the basis of today’s “therapeutic community.”

Within a therapeutic community, the community itself becomes a catalyst for positive change. At Hopewell, individuals with mental illness are able to heal and thrive within a compassionate, supportive community. As contributing members of that community, they build the self-esteem and learn the skills necessary for more independent living after discharge.

At Hopewell, such skill-building is paired with comprehensive mental health treatment for maximum results. Hopewell’s highly-trained clinical team provides a variety of therapies that have proven to be successful in treating a range of mental health conditions. These therapies include psychiatric medication management, group counseling, creative expression, equine-assisted learning and horsemanship, nature studies, meditation, spirituality, education (high school diploma program and GED preparation), money management, independent living skills (meal planning, shopping, cooking, healthy living) and interpersonal relationship skills. Job-readiness is emphasized, and residents develop vocational skills in their daily work, which may include the resident-operated on-site Farm & Craft Market and wood shop.

3    

The Hopewell Model

The “Hopewell Model” has evolved over the past two decades, incorporating a comprehensive combination of clinical and holistic approaches. Individual and group psychotherapy and Psychiatry coverage have been increased. Respite care services have been added, and an Extended Stay Program has been formalized for residents living at Hopewell for more than three years. Services have increased for residents dealing with dual diagnoses of mental illness and alcohol/drug addiction. Hopewell utilizes an electronic health data management system, and recently formalized an assessment process tied to DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association).

Ever responsive to the residents’ needs, new programs have been introduced regularly, and staff receive appropriate training for each new program. Examples include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy especially helpful for trauma victims; art therapy; yoga; nature studies; and a food management training program; and a peer-led group training called “WRAP” (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). Most recently, Hopewell began to offer Sand Play Therapy on Sunday mornings. The program is part of a research project being conducted by Dr. Sana Loue, Hopewell’s research consultant from Case Western Reserve University.

Additionally, the residents themselves often create new programs. The Hopewell Band developed from Hopewell’s focus on music. The group has produced two CDs and frequently performs for the farm as well as at Hopewell’s annual benefit event. The Creative Writing Group encourages residents to express themselves through poetry, short stories or personal reflections. Often, their work is published in Hopewell’s quarterly newsletter which is mailed to families of current residents, former residents, donors and other friends.

Personalized Plans

Every Hopewell resident has a personalized goal plan known as an Individual Service Plan (ISP). Each unique plan is created collaboratively between the resident and his/her clinician. The goals are continually visited throughout the resident’s stay.

The skills learned at Hopewell materialize into results that are closely tracked. Outcomes tracking shows that residents who fully participate in the daily programming see progress in

4    

the treatment of their mental illness. These results include: decreased psychiatric symptoms, improved interpersonal and vocational skills, improved level of functioning, increased cognitive effectiveness, decreased emotional distress and improved social and occupational competency. Hopewell’s admissions process is responsive, caring and respectful of the applicant family’s privacy. Residents must be 18 years of age or older, have a diagnosis of a major mental health condition such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression and/or other thought, mood or co-occurring disorder conditions, and must express a readiness for treatment. Individuals should have some self-care skills, be medication compliant and be in reasonable physical health. Success at Hopewell depends on multiple factors. Residents gain the greatest benefits when they are comfortable living in a rural setting and are medication compliant, interested in interacting socially, participate in the program, and want to expand their knowledge and understanding of their mental illness. A resident’s length of stay at Hopewell typically is three to six months, although some residents may have longer stays depending on their treatment plans and progress.

Transitional Programs

As well as its residential program, Hopewell offers Club Hope, a transitional program for residents moving from Hopewell to community living. Club Hope also provides access to the typical programming provided to full-time residents. The clinical team offers family counseling, case coordination, resident benefit services and discharge planning.

Hopewell’s family home, Lyman House, is a community living option. Located on nearby Mesopotamia Commons about two miles from the farm, Lyman House allows residents to “practice” their skills of independent living before leaving Hopewell. They manage their own shopping and cooking, housework, etc., and are assisted to find employment, volunteer or attend school. While at Lyman House, they continue to access Hopewell’s clinical services through Club Hope.

Hopewell is a nonprofit, private-pay facility that is an approved provider with several private insurers. The admissions team works with residents’ insurance companies to determine whether any portion of treatment can be covered. For information on daily charges for

5    

Hopewell’s residential care program, Club Hope or Lyman House, contact the admissions team at 440-426-2000, ext. 122. Visit www.hopewell.cc.

(Sidebar) The Hopewell Day A typical day at Hopewell incorporates structured work, community involvement, medication management and individualized therapy. Residents create their own connections to the earth, develop lasting friendships and enjoy opportunities to experience success.

7:30 AM: Breakfast Staff and residents start the day with a nutritious breakfast, often featuring farm favorites such as fresh eggs. 8:30 AM: Free time Residents may exercise, practice in The Hopewell Band or prepare for work crews. 9:00 AM: Work crews From gardening to housekeeping to animal care, to assisting in the on-site Farm & Craft Market, vocational opportunities at Hopewell allow residents to develop new skills and build self-esteem. 11:30 AM: Morning Meeting The Hopewell community gathers to review the day’s activities, ask questions and interact with other residents and staff. 12:00 PM: Lunch The community gathers for a nutritious midday meal. 1:00 PM: Social, Recreational and Therapeutic Activities Residents choose from among afternoon work crews, creative expression groups, sports activities, and may participate in individual or group therapy sessions, including equine-assisted learning, mindfulness and meditation or The Creative Writing Group. 4:00 PM: Free time Residents may visit the Hopewell library, walk the outdoor labyrinth, or simply take a break before dinner. 5:30 PM: Dinner A delicious meal is served. 6:00 PM: Recreation time Residents relax in cottage living rooms, work on computers, walk in the woods or participate in off-campus outings. 9:30 PM: Quiet time

6    

Residents rest.

Residents  tap  into  their  inner  artists  and  participate  in  creating  crafts  at  Hopewell.  

Horse-­‐drawn  hay  rides  are  just  one  of  the  many  activities  at  Hopewell  that  give  residents  the  opportunity  to  enjoy  the  natural  beauty  that  

surrounds  them.  

A  wide  range  of  therapies  are  available  at  Hopewell,  including  nature  studies  group,  equine-­‐assisted  learning,  interpersonal  

relationship  skills,  spirituality,  meditation  and  group  counseling.  

7    

The David Cutler Conservatory includes a conference facility, greenhouse and year-round meditative garden.

Chickens,  sheep,  pigs,  cows  and  horses  are  some  of  the  wonderful  animal  friends  that  

can  be  found  at  Hopewell.  

At  Hopewell,  music  plays  an  important  role  in  day-­‐to-­‐day  programming  and  assisting  

residents  in  their  recovery  process.  

8    

Hopewell’s focus on the healing power of nature includes a strong focus on environmental sustainability.