Unison Behavioral Health Group Wins Award for Innovation
Unison Behavioral Health Group was one of three area nonprofits recognized recently in the first annual Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Innovation & Excellence Awards, held earlier this month. The competition, developed by The Toledo Community Foundation and The Blade, in partnership with The Center for Nonprofit Resources, recognizes local nonprofit organizations for their contributions to the community. Each organization received a $5,000 unrestricted grant from Toledo Community Foundation and a hand crafted glass piece by local glass artist Shawn Messenger.
Unison won the award for innovation for its 17 minute digitally animated video, “The Story of Leon and Mia: Crisis and Recovery,” created by 15 Unison clients and their therapists, Doug Brunn and Jodie Chappuis. “The Story of Leon and Mia” helps people understand what it’s like to battle mental illness. None of the people involved in the video project had any prior animation or film-making experience. “This film helps viewers to more deeply and emotionally connect with the struggle to live with a mental illness," said Unison Chief Operating Officer, Courtney Weiss. “The video provides insight, educates and reduces stigma,” she added.
The project originated in Unison’s Genesis Partial Hospitalization Program, which serves adults in severe psychiatric crisis. “Leon and Mia” was created in the “Digital Storytelling Workshop,” a component of the Genesis program, over 12 consecutive Wednesday afternoons.
The group provides individuals with the opportunity to talk about their experiences in a supportive environment, which helps reinforce crisis stabilization and provides an opportunity to express feelings safely. Participants created a “shared story” and animated characters to illustrate how people with mental illness “get into crisis” and “how they get out.” “Leon and Mia” brings the issues of mental illness to life for viewers in a powerful way. The film has been able to generate open discussion about what it’s like to live with a mental illness--and what it takes to recover.
“Viewing “Leon and Mia” has consistently enabled audiences to more deeply and emotionally connect with the struggle to live with a mental illness,” said Ms. Weiss. The film is being shown to Unison clients and providers, students, board members and community leaders to improve insight, educate and reduce stigma. The video is also available for viewing by the general public on the Unison's website, its Vimeo channel and on Unison’s Facebook page.
“The Story of Leon and Mia: Crisis and Recovery” was created with a borrowed digital camera, clay and donated materials. The budget was only $250. “Leon and Mia” is serving as a powerful tool that generates open discussion about what it’s like to live with a mental illness and what it takes to recover. The response from Unison’s clients has been overwhelmingly positive. “I feel like this story is my life,” said one individual. “If I had seen this movie when I first started the program, I would have spoken up much sooner about what I was really experiencing,” said another Unison client. The fact that it has won an award has not gone without notice either. “We must be doing something right, we won an award,” said one Unison client.
For more information visit www.unisonbhg.org or call 419.693.0631. With over 35 years of experience, Unison Behavioral Health Group is the community’s recognized and preferred leader in caring for the AOD and behavioral health needs of adults, adolescents and children. Unison accepts Ohio Medicaid and most private insurances. Through their contract with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, Unison is able to offer subsidized services to Lucas County residents who are unable to afford the total cost of treatment. Unison is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health, Ohio
Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, and The Joint Commission.
Press Release Contact Name: Kitty Slight
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419.693.0631
Organization Name: Unison BHG
Website or Link: www.unisonbhg.org
Organization Address: 1425 Starr Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43605