Philadelphia Insurance Companies, a Philadelphia Flyers sponsor, and one of our insurance brokers, was instrumental in Horizon House being chosen to be honored as a Flyers Community Teammate. While a very great honor, the most difficult task was to identify only one of Horizon House’s many dedicated staff for this distinction. As difficult as it was, David Kenner, our InSHAPE Health Mentor was selected to represent Horizon House during the November 29th Flyers game at the Wells Fargo Center. David’s work with individuals we serve is only one example of Horizon House focus on the needs of the “whole person” as we strive to “build healthy communities.” He meets individuals where they are and helps to build rapport and self-esteem. He goes above and beyond to help create consistency in the lives of the ever increasing number of InSHAPE members to exercise and to think about their well-being. David motivates peoples to desire to connect to activities in the community, » Continue Reading.
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Service Commissioner Speaks to Horizon House Board and Staff
Dr Arthur Evans, the Commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Service (DBHID), spoke to our Horizon House Board and staff on Population Health during the October 11th board meeting.
Population Health is an innovative approach being implemented by DBHIDS to improve the health status of the community. . This approach seeks to promote health and wellness in all, not just to diagnose and address the challenges of some.
According to Dr. Evans, “Philadelphia thrives when EVERYONE is healthy & well” (twitter @ArthurCEvans). HH is very excited about the direction the DB because this system-wide health approach will exponentially expand the scope and scale of prior efforts. Horizon House is proud to boast that Wellness has always been an integral part of the services we offer.
All Women Have the Right to Feel Special
Image consultant Eileen Scardina visited Horizon House in Swarthmore, Pa to give what every woman wants and needs- an afternoon of beauty. Theresa Murphy, Program Director of Homeless Services in Delaware County believes that the informative afternoon was not really about looking better; it was about feeling better. It provided an opportunity for women to share experiences and encourage other women to believe that they all are beautiful, inside and out. It was an afternoon of no judging, just loads of fun.
Eileen’s compassion displayed during the “First Impressions” workshop truly had the power to change lives positively. “Every woman deserves the chance to be spoiled and the right to feel special.”
Eileen is a member of BNI- Main Line I Chapter, an international business networking organization built on the philosophy “Givers Gain®”. Because of the generosity of this group, not only did each woman walk away with a knowledge of skin care, a new understanding of the importance of » Continue Reading.
No One Is Untouched By Mental Illness
Carol, a Horizon House individual spoke to golfers at the 24th Annual Golf Outing about deeply personal aspects of her life. Carol was a practicing attorney, married with children, who experienced very difficult and challenging times in her life.”Three years ago this month I was living on a grate in front of Wawa with my dog.” Carol who suffers from mental illness was hospitalized. Fortunately, she received the help and support needed.”I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel…now I have my own apartment and even a puppy.” Carol is planning to practice law again and advocate for those suffering from mental illness. No one was left untouched by Carol’s words. Many commented that what happened in her life could happen to anyone of us or someone we love. Thank you, Carol, for sharing your experiences with us to better understand the difficulties and hardships of living with mental illness.
Conversation with Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services
Department of Human Services (DHS) State Secretary Ted Dallas met with Philadelphia provider agencies, families, and the Horizon House community on May 25, 2016. The event, “Conversation with the Secretary,” was sponsored by State Representatives Stephen Kinsey (D-201) and Rosita Youngblood (D-198). Secretary Dallas responded earnestly to concerns and questions ranging from affordable housing, staff wages, adequate funding, resource allocations, to healthcare access and assistance for aging parents living with disabled adult children. He informed the listeners of the proposed increase in the allocation for Human Services in the 2017 budget that will expand access to quality health care and services in Pennsylvania. Secretary Dallas continued by saying, “We understand, when we make our decisions, that the folks we’re serving are somebody’s brother, somebody’s child, somebody’s mother if we forget that when doing our job we’re going to miss something. These are people, and they need our help, that’s our job.”