Choices Resource Guide

BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE choices

Resource Guide

FINDING STRENGTH FROMWITHIN PATHWAYS To Recovery

Shaping the future

A New Place A New Journey

for Recovery Building Lasting Connections

Passion from Day One: Words from the VP

Passion from Day One:

Words from the VP

-Juan Hall, Vice President CHOICES “Kids were coming to us because their parents needed help.”

As Vice President of CHOICES Behavioral Health Care, Juan Hall manages the daily operations of all of the program’s multiple locations. The program was founded in 2011 on the core principle of empowering people to make well-informed decisions that would lead them to better their lives. When the program first started, it was primarily focused on addressing inner-city gang activity and youth who were dropping out of school. “Each of these cases is a result of dysfunctional situations, broken families, or drug-related issues,” Hall said. “We were trying to work with the kids to address some of those core issues.” When the program’s first site in Cleveland was preparing to open, Hall relocated from Toledo to assist with its clinical services. “Upon getting there, I quickly realized the scope of what we were doing in that niche. We were sitting around a table in meetings with all of these resources, but there were certain aspects that kept coming up. Kids were coming to us because their parents needed help. There were so many needs in the community.”

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Helping Brings Joy “Just the simple gratification of knowing that we’re a part of someone’s life and helping them transition from hopelessness to hopefulness is motivating and powerful.” Now nearly 10 years into the program’s start, CHOICES has become a vital part of each of its locations’ communities. “Every day, we’re working with clients dealing with drug addictions ranging from marijuana to opiates. We’re providing mental health services that include anger management and counseling for depression, stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.” For each of the staff members, facilitating these services, working with their clients, and assisting them in walking in their new ways of life is a privilege. CHOICES Has Grown As the location grew over the years, Hall worked with the founders to add behavioral and mental health services to the program. “We began to offer adult services, as well as alcohol and drug counseling. We also started doing family preservation sessions that were tied to the Department of Children and Family Services.”

vision and staff are making positive impacts. “One of the things I hear most is that we seem to genuinely care about every person we work with and each of their needs. I also hear our clients appreciating our persistence. Many people have been to several other programs that didn’t work for them and then come here with tough shells and. So they initially put up resistance or opposition to our staff. But we do our best to keep them coming back. Five or six months later, they’re completely different and have made significant transitions from where they were to where they are now.” says the daily opportunity to improve people’s lives brings immeasurable joy. “I do what I do because I love it. Being on the administrative side of everything, my job is twofold now in not only helping people but also securing passionate staff who are dedicated to this work. Just as much as I care about the clients who walk through these doors, I care about the employees and making sure they have everything they need to make the most difference in their work.” Though the scope of his work often comes with accumulating responsibilities, Hall

Hall says the feedback he receives from clients is a testament that the program’s

-Juan Hall, Vice President CHOICES “Working with our clients is a priviledge.”

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BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

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TOLEDO 5151 Monroe Street Suite 204 Toledo, Ohio 43623 (419)865-5690

for Recovery Building Lasting Connections The Right Path

“Forever, forever, forever, and ever.” It’s how long Mary Williams says she’ll be working as a counselor, whether paid or volunteer. She’s currently an independent counselor at the CHOICES’ location in Toledo. Since starting at the agency, Williams says the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the change in her clients throughout their time in the program. “It’s something I can identify with, so seeing it happen and seeing their progress is phenomenal.” While counseling her clients, she is transparent about her previous struggle with addiction. Williams started drinking when she was 16. That habit grew to include using drugs like cocaine and stimulants. “It was basically whatever I could get my hands on at the time.” She dealt with this addiction for six years. When beginning her recovery process, Williams never went through a treatment program. Instead, she relied on caring counselors to help assist her in her decision for a better life. She says she believes her experiences allow her to understand and connect with her clients in ways she couldn’t if she hadn’t dealt with addiction. “I can identify with them because I was lost too. “When you don’t have the right people in your life to help guide or nurture you, you can become attracted to the wrong crowd. That was my story, and from what I feel, that’s a lot of my clients’ stories.” Being open with them about her journey gives insight into the process of recovery from an individual perspective. “I want them to see that they’re not alone, that I was in their shoes. But this is where I am now. I stress that I’m no different from them. I say, ‘The only distance between you and me is that I just have more clean time than you. And that’s something you can achieve.’”

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The connections she forms with her clients are ones she says wouldn’t be possible outside of CHOICES.The smaller size of the program provides a more intimate and comfortable setting for effective, supportive relationships. “I miss them when I’m not with them.They’re my little family. If one of them falls short in their journey, I’m disappointed, but I understand.That’s where I try to make sure I’m being that support they may be lacking.” Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, overdose rates have increased. Longer periods of isolation and economic turmoil have led to higher rates of depression and anxiety.These numbers paired with the already staggering numbers within the inner-city population of Toledo lead Williams to believe the work the CHOICES staff does is vital to the community. “It’s much needed.There are people dying from these overdoses. I think us being so truly transparent and passionate about helping our clients allows them to open up with us more than if they were somewhere that isn’t as personable as we are here. I think that factor makes a huge difference in actually helping someone turn their life around. Having that support is such a large part of their recovery, particularly at the beginning.” Williams says she is grateful for the daily impact she has on her clients. Her passionate investment in their recovery and well-being has led many of them to express their desire to become addiction counselors themselves. “And I believe a lot of them will become counselors. I think a large part of being a good counselor is being able to understand your clients. Otherwise, how can you help them? Having experiences with the grip, innermost traumas, and effects of addiction can help them connect with their clients and add even more value to their journeys.That’s what I feel every day.” ConnectingWith Clients

-Mary Williams “I can identify with them because I was lost too.”

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www.choicesbhc.com

CALL US WE CAN HELP (419) 865-8650. 5151 Monroe Street, Suite 204 ‡ Toledo, Ohio 43623 ‡ ZZZ choicesbhc.com

F or four years, Luther Jones has been the CEO of CHOICES Toledo. More than 30 years into his personal recovery, he’s dedicated his career in clinical work to creating an environment that best supports every stage of a client’s journey. His position at CHOICES allows him to help shape the future of the program and ultimately provide an optimal experience for each of its clients. Shaping the future

We’re a program designed to help people get their lives back in order. Our clients come in with a variety of experiences that have often been setbacks. While beginning their recovery, they may have to deal with legal matters, financial situations, health issues, or tension with their families.Though these factors could ordinarily cause disruptions in their progress, we’re here to help them maneuver through all of this. How would you describe the purpose CHOICES holds in Toledo? Well, things have changed over the years. I was clinical director from the beginning of my time here. I then became a compliance officer and later became the executive director. A lot of my work has to do with making the financial and administrative decisions that help us tend to and exceed the requirements of our clients’ needs. What is your specific role at CHOICESToledo?

Here at CHOICES, our responsibility is to provide a family atmosphere for our clients that allows them to become comfortable with all our staff. We’re not a program with a thousand clients coming through the doors. We have, at most, 12 people in each of our groups. With many recovery programs, even though clients are encouraged to attend meetings, they just aren’t able to find that pillar of support that’s enough to keep them going. Here, everyone knows each others’ names, and so do our counselors.This allows us to give our clients individualized support that’s specific to the needs of their recovery. How does the program’s environment aid in the best recovery for a client?

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What are some specific steps toward recovery you’re providing the clients of this community?

Many of our group discussions focus on the core of interrupting barriers that have been consistent struggles, whether that be trauma, mental health disorders, or strains in family relationships. Addressing these factors involves personal inspection and requires that open, familial communication between our clients and staff. By achieving this level of comfort, we can then advance their progress in recovery.

What we’re offering here at CHOICES is positively changing the trajectory of so many people’s lives. My staff and I are working to spread the word about the benefit of these services so more people know about us and can access what can be their pivotal point. Expanding our outreach initiatives while continuing our personalized in-house care is what we’re passionate about and what we’ll continue doing for as long as our community needs us. What short or long-term goals are you and the CHOICES staff working to achieve? One of the most significant hurdles for people recovering from addiction is being away from friends and family.There can be a void there, and I understand that. I think it’s so important to ensure everyone here feels supported and that they really have counselors and doctors who are here to stand in that gap for them. How do your personal experiences in recovery allow you to better assist people in the early stages of their process?

“Here at CHOICES, our responsibility is to provide a family atmosphere for our clients that allows them to become comfortable with all our staff.”

-Luther Jones, CEO of CHOICESToledo

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(419) 865-5690 | www.choicesbhc.com

CONTACT US TODAY! 419.865.5690 www.choicesbhc.com

Coaching Toledo’s Youngest A Calling to Victory

For nearly 35 years, Raymond Scott has coached basketball for children and teens living in and around Toledo. To those he coaches, he is a mentor, father figure and confidant. “All I want to do is keep these kids’ minds focused,” he said.This season, his group, the Toledo Glenwood Elite, is composed of 17 sixth to eighth-graders.The team often travels for tournaments to cities across the state like Annapolis, Oregon and Indianapolis. Born and raised in Toledo, Scott started playing basketball in middle school and continued playing while attending Start High School. His mother was a pastor and had nine children. From when Scott was younger, his mother told him working with children was his calling. “I saw inner-city kids who didn’t have clothes and were hungry.That’s all I thought about.” After graduating, he attended Central State University and played intramural basketball, but his time at the school was short. When his fiancee told him she was expecting a child, Scott dropped out of college and returned home. He then began working and volunteering as a coach at Start High and Glenwood Elementary School. As he was working with these children, Scott’s passion for his work began to grow. “I deal with a lot of single parents and a lot of kids whose dads or moms are not there. But I bring them in and tutor and mentor them.” He says his goal is to mentor children in underprivileged situations and help them stay out of unproductive activities.” Now nearly 35 years into his work, Scott says he’s reached thousands of children and teens in all parts of the

-John Doe, John Does' Position Title

“I’m there for my kids.”

community, as his efforts span beyond the court and into cultivating encouraging relationships with youth living in the inner city. “If these kids go to court, I’m there. When they’re in my practices, I’m there. I let them know that even when they grow up, I’m there.” While the coach is leading the youth to constructive mindsets and lifestyles in their personal lives, he is also helping them find victory on the court. In their games between September 2020 and February 2021, the team boasted a 90-2 win-loss record. “These kids can do anything they want to do. We have kids who have never traveled out of town or spent the night outside of their homes. Traveling to these games allows them to see outside of their current situations and get an actual grasp of what they can achieve.”

“These Kids Can Do Anything They Want to Do.”

-JRaymond Scott, Coach

Working the Team Throughout the history of the program, Scott has managed all the expenses from the team’s travels and associated costs through individual donations and money from his own pockets. He is now working with the executive director of the Choices Behavioral Health Center, Luther Jones, to form the group into a 501(c)(3) organization. In March 2020, Scott lost his job at the local labor union due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, he has received unemployment assistance.Though his income is currently restricted, Scott says funding the program remains a priority. “There have been times where I’ve taken money we could have used to pay the bills and bought coats for the kids or some extra lunches. Some years, it’s been tight. But I thank God that I’m in the position that I can actually do something for them.”

Over the years, as his teams have graduated, many of them have returned to thank their former coach for his guidance and unyielding love. “Ones that are now in other areas of their lives or have even been to prison will come back and say, ‘Coach, you were right about everything.Thank you for everything you taught us about and told us.’ Most of them will come back to the program and talk to the kids who are here now.” Scott has been diagnosed with asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure and often entertains thoughts of retiring from his work. “Every year, I say I need someone to come and fill my shoes. But, every year, God shows me I have to keep going. I love these kids, and I can’t stand to see any of them in need of something. My goal is to keep them believing that they can do better and show them they can get on the right track and stay focused.That’s my calling.”

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CALL US, YOU WILL FIND US HERE. (419) 865-5690 5151 Monroe Street, Suite 2 Toledo, Ohio 43623 ZZZ CHOICESBHC.COM

“Addiction is a

disease...

We understand that addiction is a disease that needs to be treated as any other mental or pysical disease. Treatments vary depending on the disorder and the person. We have services that can help everyone live healthier lives. DON’T HESITATE TO CALL AND START TREATMENT RIGHT AWAY.

5151 Monroe Street Suite 204 | Toledo, OH 43623 | www. choicesbhc.com

Finding Victory in Mental Health Shantel Thomas

When Shantel Thomas was in college, her track skills earned her a spot in the University of Toledo Hall of Fame. The seven-time Mid-American Conference champion was named “Female Athlete of the Year”

in 1990 and received the “Outstanding University Woman” award from UT in 1992. She traveled the world doing what she loved and competed at the World University Games in England. When she competed in Cuba at the Pan American Games, she was the only American to advance to the finals and placed seventh in the 200 meters.

-Shantel Thomas “We need to get past the stigma and lie that seeing a therapist means you’re less than human.”

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Though she found much success through competitions, during class hours Thomas was preparing for a career that would help others succeed in their own lives through counseling. “I told one of my professors I wanted to combine my therapy skills with my Christian beliefs.They advised against it.” But today Shantel is grateful she pursued her desires because the effects of a global pandemic would place a greater demand on people in her position. As the founder and CEO of A Sound Mind counseling service,Thomas sees clients dealing with all types of traumas, including workplace incidents and military deployments. “I tried to make this a one-stop shop for therapy,” she said. Now several months into the coronavirus pandemic,Thomas and her therapists have running waitlists to address a number of mental health concerns. “Where we had openings all throughout the earlier parts of this year, we’re booked out a month and a half in advance now.” A Sound Mind

“There’s just so much stress. Many people are taking on the roles of mother and father, school teacher and secretary.There’s also the stress from the pandemic itself.There’s grief and loss and people not being able to have traditional funerals to really process through that grief.That can then cause depression and anxiety to linger.”Thomas says the rate of domestic violence has also rapidly increased, along with cases of drug and alcohol misuse. “There have been a lot of people nervous about how to feed their kids and not having jobs. Some of them turned to marijuana or alcohol to try and cope with everything.” Thomas says the pandemic has also furthered economic disparities in the community, compounding with the already high rates of gun violence in inner-city areas. “For some people, the stress of not being able to provide for their families or themselves just weighs on them. And if that compiles into enough anxiety, now they may be dealing with thoughts of robbing another family to feed their own.” She says pre-existing mental health disorders can cause those situations to spiral.

With the escalation of these issues, there are ways to help combat these effects and manage stress.Thomas suggests that people who live alone schedule regular video calls with their families. Increasing physical fitness, starting home projects, and meditating are also options to offset feelings of isolation and stimulate positive mental energy. “These are all great ways, but I think the most direct way would be to talk to a therapist or counselor. We need to get past the stigma and lie that seeing a therapist means you’re less than human. Talking to someone you don’t know who is nonjudgmental can do wonders.” As much of her time is consumed in her professional career,Thomas still reserves time to invest in her mental health by staying physically active. While she’s retired from her years of running in track competitions, she’s miles into the race of bringing mental health counseling and training to people in her community. Her latest project has been opening a retreat house in Florida for women recovering from damaging relationships, allowing them to rebuild their mental health.

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Choices 5151 Monroe Street Suite 204 Toledo, Ohio 43623 (419) 865-5690 www.choicesbhc.com

BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

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CLEVELAND 3414 Prospect Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (216)881-4060

CELEBRATING SUCCESS:

A Profile with CHOICESTherapist Le AnnTaylor

LeAnn Taylor is the lead therapist, an assessor and a part of the clinical program management team for CHOICES Cleveland. She works with current clients on their mental health assessments and assists new clients with the drug screenings required for intake into the center. She also facilitates behavioral health groups for emotional wellness. Taylor has worked in the field of mental health services since 2009. She primarily worked in schools and counseled children and their parents. Her interest in the field developed from a childhood dream of being a pediatrician or working with cancer patients. “I’d always thought I would work in one of those areas until I realized I had a fear of seeing blood,” she said. Her interest changed when she one day witnessed a high school counselor telling one of her friends that she wasn’t fit for attending college and should consider another route once graduating high school. “That really shook me, because I knew there had to be other ways to work with her and still encourage her to succeed. A counselor should be able to convey a client’s options to them in a manner that still gives them hope.” Combining these interests and experience along with seeing some of her family members struggle with mental health and substance abuse led Taylor to pursue mental health counseling.

“I’m Hoping People Can Learn a different way of being.”

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Witnessing Change She attended Kent State University to receive her bachelor’s degree in psychology and conflict resolution and later received her master’s degree in community mental health counseling. Since starting at CHOICES, Taylor says her work allows her to witness change, whether on a small or large scale, within people who once did not imagine lives outside of addiction. “I’m hoping that people can learn a different way of being, a different way of living and a different way of accessing the support they need to successfully walk in recovery.”

“YOUR JOB IS YOUR OWN HEALING.”

-Le Ann Taylor,Therapist

Sobriety is a Celebration of Success

Every day of sobriety is a celebration of success, and celebrating with her clients gives Taylor greater motivation to continue in her work. “One of my clients recently celebrated his second sobriety anniversary. I took him to lunch because I really wanted him to relish that experience.That was two years clean for him and two years without any legal trouble. Before he got here, he’d never been out of jail for more than seven to nine months at a time.”Taylor says she gets excited about being able to be a part of her clients’ journeys that will lead to them changing other people’s lives. “Your job is to get your own healing. Once you do, you then have to share it with others.” Taylor one day hopes to host a TED Talk and provide an audience with information about dealing with the grief associated with trauma. “That’s often the reason that people start using substances and drinking alcohol in the first place.They’re trying to erase or forget some traumatic experience.” She says understanding those “seeds that were once planted” will allow people to experience tremendous growth within themselves. It’s a lesson she shares with her clients and hopes they continue to absorb and apply as she encourages them on their journeys.

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IT’STIME TOTAKE YOURLIFE BACK

3414 Prospect Ave Cleveland, Ohio 44115

216.881.4060

www.choicesbhc.com

BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

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COLUMBUS 750 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43222 (614)732-4810

CHOICES’ Jeanette Limoli

A Story of Redemption

Jeanette Limoli is “anything but a wimp.” Limoli was born in Cleveland and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey. However, because her father was serving in the U.S. Navy, Limoli and her five siblings constantly moved back and forth between the Garden State and the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As an adult, and despite having a lucrative job in the medical field, Limoli was excessively partying and frequently getting sentenced to prison for drug-related crimes. “As a Sicilian who grew up in a Sicilian community, I was exposed early to fast city life,” Limoli said. “I found myself getting into trouble. I’m a recovering alcoholic and an ex-felon. When freed on parole, I was struggling and knew I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. So, I quit the medical field altogether and decided to take a low-paying job at Dunkin’ Donuts. One day, I was talking with a friend of mine and she also said that I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be and urged me to return to school. So, I thought about it and enrolled at

Columbus State Community College, where I received my associate’s degree in addiction and mental health studies.”

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Her True Calling

Limoli, who had already secured employment at Columbus, Ohio-based CHOICES Behavioral Health Care, decided to further her education while working and earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical dependency from Ohio Christian University in 2015. Limoli remains thrilled about her choice to become a counselor and is convinced that she found her true calling. “I started working here in August 2014 and I’ve met some really great people here,” Limoli said. “Most importantly, I’m happy and feel like this is where I was supposed to be. It was hard to leave such a high-paying job and earn so little at Dunkin’ Donuts, but I knew these were the steps that I needed to take to get where I wanted to be.” Limoli distinctly recalls all the people who doubted her ability to succeed and she’s proud of her vast array of accomplishments since receiving parole. Still, perhaps more than anything else, she feels blessed to be in her grandchildren’s lives.

Tough Love

Limoli believes that her no-nonsense approach has helped her mature into a solid counselor. Moreover, she believes that she’s gained the trust of her clients and learned how to manage stressful situations in the workplace in a positive way. “I’m anything but a wimp,” Limoli said. “I’m strict and tough, but I’m also very loving and supportive. Basically, I’m a straight shooter and I won’t baby my clients. People need to know that they are messing up and, if they don’t make changes and keep it up, they are going to die. With that said, it’s still tough and painful to watch people sink and leave before the miracle of recovery can happen. But thank God for the one person out of five who actually wants help and works with you to get sober, improve, and grow.” Jeanette Limoli has overcome countless obstacles to become an inspiration to many people across the Buckeye State and that is undoubtedly one way she will “ be remembered.”

“Everyone counts you out when you are an addict and felon,” Limoli, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III) who plans to become a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in February after earning her second master’s degree, said. “You can either become what people tell you that you are or you can become better. You know, I still remember a parole officer who refused to call me by my first name. To her, my name was just my prison number. She motivated me to do better and prove her wrong and I have. In fact, I’ve accomplished every goal that I made since leaving the penitentiary. I’m able to participate in my grandkids’ lives and I’ve repaired bridges. To me, it’s not about money. To me, it’s about how I’ll be remembered and about what will be put on my tombstone.”

“You can either become what people tell you that you are or you can become better. “

-Jeanette Limoli

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WE HAVE ANSWERS (614) 732-4810.

750 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43222 www. choicesbhc.com

CONTACT US TODAY! 614 732 4810

Joining our counseling programs is easy to do. Simply call our office to arrange an appointment. WHY WAIT?

FOR KEVIN NORRIS Relocating led to CHOICES

“The experience here has been wonderful, I’ve really grown here being around my colleagues and clients. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

-Kevin Norris

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A RESPECTED COUNSELOR

I remember having to heat cold water to wash my body. Because of my experiences growing up, I can relate to a lot of people who visit our facility and I think that makes a big difference.” Norris enjoys being a part of Columbus’ community and he’s found counseling to be an exceptionally rewarding career. In particular, Norris has taken pride in watching his dedicated clients transform their lives and become success stories. “To see where some clients are today, in comparison to when I met them, is very meaningful to me,” Norris said. “In fact, it’s enlightened me and pushed me to keep growing in this field. You have to have an open mind and understand these people’s situations and the traumas that they’ve experienced.They’re trying to improve every day to become the people they want to become.The experience of really being able to understand addiction and being able to help people is amazing to me.” Despite enjoying many positive experiences, Norris acknowledges that counseling can be a trying and emotionally taxing job. Still, he’s learned how to manage stressful situations and remain focused on his work. “My colleagues and I have all faced challenges and stressful situations,” Norris admitted. “Whenever I feel stressed, I just talk with my coworkers. It really helps. Another key is that I learned to put my emotions to the side and I keep walking into work every day with my head held high. Plus, over time, I’ve realized that our clients can’t do it all on their own because they need assistance. I mean, some of these individuals have been addicted to substances since they were teenagers. Don’t ever look down on anybody, because you never know what they’ve been through.”

Life hasn’t always been a fairytale for Kevin Norris, as he grew up relatively poor in Lima, Ohio. Looking to start anew, Norris relocated to Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, in 2016 and secured employment at CHOICES Behavioral Health Care as a lab technician in October of that year. He thrived at the agency from the outset and, roughly nine months later, was promoted to its lobotomy lab. “The experience here has been wonderful,” Norris said. “I’ve really grown here being around my colleagues and clients. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” Evidently, the clients’ experiences working with Norris has also been “wonderful.” Norris’ former supervisor, Shawn Tillman, noticed that a growing number of clients were specifically requesting to speak with him. Tillman quickly concluded that Norris had the potential to become a talented counselor and he urged him to continue his education. Norris heeded Tillman’s advice and enrolled at nearby Columbus State Community College. “I studied hard and earned an associate’s degree in social work and chemical dependency counseling,” Norris said. “It’s been off to the races since then!” There are an array of reasons why Norris has matured into a respected counselor. However, his somewhat difficult upbringing has provided him with the ability to empathize with clients and that’s proved to be an invaluable trait. “Lima can be tough,” Norris said. “I came from its streets and know what it’s like to be homeless. I remember going to shelters to eat. I remember not having electricity to turn the lights on in the house.

“I studied hard and earned an associate’s degree in social work and chemical dependency counseling, it’s been off to the races since then!”

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-Kevin Norris

WHEN THE PAST CALLS, LET IT GO TO VOICEMAIL. BELIEVE ME, IT HAS NOTHING NEW TO SAY.

CALL US INSTEAD

614-732-4810

In our programs, people in recovery are encouraged and supported to be fully involved in the entire recovery process from the screening and assessment procedure, to planning their recovery treatment services, and eventually, developing their Continuing Care Plan when transitioning out of the program.

Kamala Harris: The First of Many

Dressed in a purple coat and ensemble and with pearls around her neck, Kamala Harris stood beside the podium with her right hand on the Bible. A smile was pressed onto her lips as she waited to repeat the phrases of her oath of office as the newly elected vice president of the United States. She was both the first woman and Black woman to stand in that position. Born in Oakland, California to parents who emigrated from India and Jamaica, Harris grew up in the environ- ment of advocacy. Her parents were justice advocates and often brought her to demonstrations during the Civ- il Rights Movement. At a young age, she was introduced to activists like Constance Baker, Charles Hamilton Houston and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. She has said these individuals were role models whose work furthered her interest in attending law school. She boasts educational accomplishments and graduated from Howard University and the University of California’s Hastings College of Law. Once in her career, Harris became the first Black woman to serve as the district attorney for the county of San Francisco. In 2017, she was elected to the Senate and was only the second Black woman to serve in that position. Through her work, Harris has backed and sponsored legislation supporting criminal justice reform, an- ti-lynching and policies benefitting women and young girls. In her first speech as vice president-elect in No- vember 2020, she said she hopes to inspire and encourage other women across the country to shatter the barriers surrounding them in school, work and politics. “While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” During her initial campaign, Harris became one of only 11 Black women in the history of the United States to run for president. Though none of them won their

political races, the representation and historic events of their campaigns often encouraged minority voter registration and created valuable points of inspiration and progress for women and African Americans. Harris tailored her running points to Black Americans and con- sistently underlined her Jamaican and Indian roots.

“We did it, Joe. We did it.”

When she accepted Joe Biden’s request to join his campaign as vice president, she further opened a path that had been previously uncharted for minority groups across the country. “We did it, Joe. We did it,” she said after learning of their victory. While the iconic words signaled the end to efforts to win the election, they were a celebration of progress for the women, Black Ameri- cans and other minority groups who later watched the reaction. All throughout her campaign and the election, Kama- la Harris’ first name was often mispronounced, raising questions of how to enunciate the syllables containing the Indian meaning of “lotus flower.” Many Black men and women could identify with having names over which native English tongues would stutter. Hearing her name spoken correctly, however, in front of an audi- ence of the country’s top politicians and to the ears of millions of Americans on inauguration day solidified the tone of representation and respect Harris, her role models and activist predecessors have advocated for.

My mother would look at me, and she’d say, ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last. That’s why breaking those barriers is worth it. As much as anything else, it is also to create that path for those who will come after us. - Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States “ ”

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The Increasing Influence of America’s Black Vote Since 1992, no candidate has won the Democratic nomination without receiving a majority of the black vote

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A s Biden took his official oath during the presidential inauguration alongside Kamala Harris on Jan. 20, 2021, he and Black voters across the country were aware of their pivotal factor in the two leaders winning the election. This was reflected during the voting period in cities with large populations of Black voters. Preliminary national exit polls showed about 87% of Black voters favored Biden over Trump. Those numbers were specifically divided between the votes of 19% of all Black men and 9% of all Black women in America. Exit poll data also show that Black Americans represented more than 50% of all Democratic voters in Geor- gia. Large numbers were also reflected in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. In February 2020, Rep. James Clyburn, the House majority whip and highest-ranking African American in Congress, endorsed Biden three days before the South Carolina primary. Many Demo- cratic voters living in the southeastern state said Clyburn’s endorsement was a swaying factor in their decision to vote for Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris. Last year, the number of votes Black Americans accounted for was more than triple what they were only a few decades ago. While the influence of the Black vote held a significant role, its power was overtly apparent in the 2016 campaign that followed the 2008 election garnering 13% of Black votes, 95% of which were for Barack Obama. It’s why Donald Trump focused so much of his campaign on winning the vote of Black Americans during his 2016 campaign. “What do you have to lose by trying something new, like Trump? I will produce for the inner cities. I will produce for the African Americans,” he said. Trump’s effort to appeal to African Americans portrayed the growing dynamic of catering to Black voters that had been growing since much earlier years in history. In 1972, Shirley Chisholm launched what was a historic campaign and became the first African American to run for a Democratic presidential nom- ination. She’d become the first Black U.S. Congress- woman and was a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. Under her slogan “Unbought and Un- bossed,” Chisholm wanted her campaign to be an in- augural avenue for other Black Americans to run for the presidency. She strived to change the narrative that only white men could run for or hold the coun- try’s executive position. and her campaign picked up record numbers of votes from Black women.

In 1976, on the day before the New Hampshire primary, presidential candidates Sargent Shriver, Morris Udall, Jimmy Carter, Henry Jackson, Fred Harris and Milton Shapp were the Democratic names on the ticket. This election was like the oth- ers during its time, as all-white spreads of candidates were typical. The Voting Rights Act was just 10 years old at the time, and Black voters would only make up 10% of the voting population. In 1984, however, the leader of Operation PUSH, Rev. Jesse Jackson, became the second African American to run for president. His campaign en- couraged extensive voter registration among African Americans. Black voters in New Jersey, for example, represented 20% of the June Democratic primary electorate. This was nearly triple the percentage these votes accounted for in 1980. On Super Tues- day, Jackson received 21% of votes in Georgia, a state known for its large Black population. His campaign expanded the role of Black voters in U.S. elections. Last year, the number of votes Black Americans accounted for was more than triple what they were only a few decades ago. Forty years later, by the time campaigns began for the 2020 election, much had changed, and Black voter registration was steadily on the rise as the U.S. displayed one of its most diverse list of candidates. There were four Black major Democratic candidates, including Wayne Messam of Florida, Cory Book- er of New Jersey, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and Kamala Harris of California. A much wider spread of representation on the Democratic ticket brought higher percentages of Black voters to the polls. These numbers were exponentially higher and incomparable to the 1976 election and several others of its time. Since 1992, no candidate has won the Democratic nomination without receiving a majority of the black vote. As a minority group, the growing influence of the votes of Black Americans will often be respon- sible for bringing historical change to the United States.

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Then and Now: A Look at Two of America's Most Prolific Racial Justice Movements

The protests and demonstrations that followed characterized black Lives Matter as a grassroots movement

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T wo movements. Two vastly different periods in history. One cause. The Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter movements were cre- ated for the purpose of establishing and furthering positive societal practices and treatment of African Americans. Though they differ in time periods, leaders and specific motivating events, they were both led and founded upon activism for justice and equality for Black people. Started in the mid-1950s, the Civil Rights Movement was a social movement with the goal to end discrimination and racial segregation toward African Amer- icans. It was known for its non-violent approaches to addressing and calling attention to acts of racial discrimination. Lunch counter sit-ins and the Montgom- ery Bus Boycott that involved 42,000 people and lasted more than a year are some of its most notable examples. Black Lives Matter is an international political and activist movement that be- gan in 2013 within the Black community to demand and support practices against violence toward African Americans. Dismantling platforms and operations that are breeders for racial violence and police brutality are one of its foundation- al pillars. In its early development and throughout demonstrations and protests, social media users rapidly increased the prominence of the movement by circu- lating the hashtag “#BlackLivesMatter.” The Black Lives Matter Network was later formed and provides an online platform for organizers and activists to share plans, resources and goals. Posts and conversations arose after the unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmer- man, a neighborhood watch coordinator. Zimmerman was acquitted following Martin’s death. The protests and demon- strations that followed characterized Black Lives Matter as a grassroots move- ment whose participants were often will-

ing to radically approach their cause. For both the Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter movements, violence of- ten ensued, even if not intended by its participants. Demonstrators during the 1950s and 60s were met with fire hoses cranked to dangerous pressures, attacked by police dogs and shot by police. Those involved in Black Lives Matter protests have been protesting police brutality both outside of and within their demon- strations. On Aug. 10, 2014, protests and riots brewed after 18-year-old African American Michael Brown was shot and killed by a white police officer in Fergu- son, Missouri. Tensions grew between protestors and police, and officers arrived in riot gear to dispel crowds looting and vandalizing property. The following day, police deployed tear gas and rubber bul- lets at protestors. The movement again received height- ened international attention after George Floyd was killed outside a convenience store by a white police officer. More than 20 million people were estimated to have participated in the national protests as thousands of others also marched in the streets of countries around the globe. “I can’t breathe,” “No justice, no peace,” “Defund the police” and “Don’t shoot” were words that became common during these protests. With the modern-day widespread use of social media, people around the world are able to learn about and participate in Black Lives Matter demonstrations. During last year’s protests, activists in other countries plastered the movement’s hashtag as they tore down and shattered statues of historical figures who were known to be slave owners. The global attention placed on these events brought national attention to the movement and a continued understanding of the events and calls for change that fueled the Civil Rights Movement.

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The Role of Cancel

Students have created Facebook groups to expose racist behavior from other students.

S ocial media has long been a source of entertain- ment and opportunity to connect with friends and family and establish new social circles. However, in light of the movement against recent acts of racial injustice and police brutality, it has become a hub of platforms many people are using to expose actions, be- haviors and language that are primarily racist or sexist. Among the Black community, this has become a power- ful avenue for pursuing justice on a social level. As conversations and perspectives from the Black Lives Matter protests continue to linger, people on social me- dia have become quick to highlight racist behavior and effectively “cancel” the people behind that content. The online movement is often referred to as “cancel culture” and involves people shaming and withdraw- ing support from businesses and individuals known to engage in racially offensive behavior.

Culture in Targeting Racism

In May 2020, a white New York woman, Amy Cooper, was ridiculed on social media after a video circulated showing her calling the police on a Black man, Christian Cooper, who was birdwatching in Central Park. After Christian asked Amy to put her dog on a leash, Amy said she was calling the cops. “I’m going to tell them there’s an Afri- can American man threatening my life,” she said. Chris- tian recorded the conversation and posted the video to social media. People spread her name across the Internet as the video went viral. Many of them contacted Amy’s employer about her racially prompted actions, and she was fired the next day. In February 2021, Chris Harrison, the host of the reality TV series “The Bachelor,” announced he was “stepping aside” from his role on the show. In an interview during the franchise’s first season with a Black bachelor, Har- rison discussed photos from one of the show’s contes- tants. Her photos included images of her attending an Antebellum party three years prior. Though celebrating pre-Civil War history can be an offensive point of conver- sation for many Black viewers, Harrison’s opinion on the contestant’s photos showed what seemed to be support as he defended her attending the party. After seeing and receiving a host of posts and comments responding to his interview, Harrison announced his temporary departure from the show. In schools across the country, students have also created Facebook groups among their peers to expose and dis- cuss racist behavior from other students. In some cases where the behavior was taken to authority figures and deemed to be racist, severe consequences have resulted. Some students have had their college admission revoked and received deductions from their scholarships. Social media can often be an echo chamber for racism and hateful rhetoric. While cancel culture does not only apply to behaviors involving racism, it has become a tool many users define as an obligation of social activism and holding people accountable for their words and challeng- ing them to more productive actions. 47

“Social media has become a hub of platforms people are using to expose racist or sexist behavior.”

L ast year, in the midst of economic turmoil and other effects from the coronavirus pandemic, protestors gathered in cities across the nation to demand justice for acts of violent racism and police brutality. As a result, millions of Americans and people around the world followed the progression of these cases. Many of them have since developed with updates on charges and court decisions. AHMAUD ARBERY Nearly two months after the video was leaked in May 2020, Gregory and Travis McMichael were arrested and charged with aggravated assault and for the murder of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. In late December, lawyers for the McMichaels filed several motions. One of them asked that Arbery not be called a “victim” during the trial, stating it would cause prejudice. Another motion requested the court show only one photo of Arbery during the trial and that the photo be of himself and not include anyone else. Both men have pleaded “not guilty” to charges of felony murder and malice, and their defense attorneys denied any racist motives in the shooting. GEORGE FLOYD In October, the judge assigned to the former Minneapolis officers’ cases dropped the third-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned George Floyd’s neck to the ground outside the Cup Foods corner store. The ruling said evidence did not show Chauvin’s actions threatened anyone’s safety but Floyd’s. In early February, prosecutors filed a motion requesting a judge to reinstate a third-degree murder charge against Chauvin. They also requested to add third-degree murder charges to Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and Alexander Kueng, the other three former officers involved in the case. BREONNA TAYLOR In September, the grand jury indicted Brett Hankinson for three counts of first-degree "wanton endangerment." Hankinson was one of three officers who executed the no-knock warrant for Tay- lor’s apartment. The charges came after the grand jury decided the shots Hankinson fired put the people in the apartment next to Taylor’s in danger. Myles Cosgrove, another of the three involved officers, and a detective who prepared the search warrant for Taylor’s apartment raid were officially fired in January. Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, the third officer involved in the case, is still on administrative reassignment. RAYSHARD BROOKS On Jan. 25, Fulton County’s chief prosecutor, Fani Willis, asked the state to transfer Rayshard Brooks’ case outside of her office. Brooks was shot and killed outside a Wendy's restaurant by Garrett Rolfe, an Atlanta Police Officer in June. Willis said the former district attorney used video- clips from the shooting in his campaign commercials for reelection. She stated the conduct was unethical and should prevent her office from handling the case. A month after the statement, Rolfe’s attorneys filed to dismiss the case based on Willis’ decision. ELIJAH MCCLAIN On Jan. 9, Colorado’s attorney general announced a grand jury would investigate the case of Elijah McClain. The 23-year-old died after police officers placed him in a chokehold and injected him with 500 milligrams of ketamine. They were responding to a 911 call about a “suspicious person” wearing a ski mask. Jacob Blake Prosecutors decided not to file criminal charges against the officers involved in Jacob Blake’s shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Ben Crump, an attorney for Blake’s family, said he would file a lawsuit and continue fighting for racially just practices in policing. The victim's family reported Blake was paralyzed from the waist down after the shooting, and Blake was admitted to a Milwaukee hospital. In October, he was released from the hospital and entered a spinal rehabilitation center.