2020
SafeHaven
When the year 2020 began nearly 10 months ago, none of us could have predicted the historic and perilous path it would take. By the early Spring, the world had changed. A new threat had emerged – a coronavirus, SARS CoV2, COVID-19. In response, new restrictions were imposed on group gatherings, and other close quarters such as public transportation. No one was unaffected, and some, already the most vulnerable among us, were severely impacted. Persons living with mental illness already fighting stigma and isolation, found themselves further isolated. Those dependent upon service agencies for transportation and food security, found themselves place-bound and insecure about when they would have their next meal. The 2020 recipient of the Geraldine B. Nelson Award never lost sight of these most vulnerable. Unable to transport people to a meal site, they used their transportation network to deliver meals. Unable to welcome groups into their facilities, staff and volunteers learned to use social media and other communications tools to host online groups, and to reach out one-on-one to those persons unable to use the technology themselves. As the pandemic and its attendant restrictions stretched into Summer and then into Fall, our GB Nelson Award winner continued to adapt. They learned new terms like “social distancing” and “PPE” for the personal protective equipment to keep staff, volunteers and members safe; they learned to host Zoom meetings, and Facebook Live and Groups, and to create YouTube videos to keep pushing out the message that persons living with mental illness matter, and desperately need the social support our GB Nelson winner provides. They continue to advocate for the most vulnerable, to uncover and celebrate the gifts of their staff, their volunteers, and their members. And in bold defiance of all the challenges the pandemic has thrown their way, this month they celebrated mental health and recovery with a COVID-safe outdoor art exhibit with the theme, “In the Year of Fear, Hope Lives Here.”
It is in recognition of these achievements that the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services recognizes this year’s winner of the Geraldine B. Nelson Advocacy Award, for supportive measures on behalf of another, by promoting the recognition of consumer rights and encouraging positive change in the realm of mental health and addictions issues, presented this day, October 21, 2020, to SafeHaven. |
SafeHaven Executive Director Doug Metcalfe displays the 2020 Geraldine B. Nelson Advocacy Award.
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