Empowering The Mental Health Community With Hope

The Seventh Annual “Journey of Hope” Community Mental Health Awards Luncheon, hosted by Federation of Organizations and Concerned Citizens for Creedmoor, provided a forum for advocates, clients, professionals and politicians to discuss current progress and future ideas for the treatment of individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness. The event, held at Russo’s on the Bay on October 16, highlighted the advances made in the treatment of individuals living with mental illness. The luncheon was made possible by the support of luncheon sponsor Pfizer, Inc.; principal sponsors Corporate Synergies Group, Inc., Eli Lilly & Company and Holliswood Hospital; and supporters Brooklyn Adult Care Center, Queens Adult Care Center, New Brookhaven Town House, National Grid, Family Care Certified Services and Institute for Community Living.

The keynote speaker at the event was Joe Pantoliano (who played Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos). He shared his personal experience of being diagnosed with clinical depression and his subsequent battle with the stigma associated with having a mental illness. He found that in order to film his next project, he was required to sign a waiver accepting fiscal responsibility for any delays if he were to experience a nervous breakdown during filming. He questioned why he could suffer a heart attack – he had long been on cholesterol medication – and not be liable, yet he was liable for a brain disease. Mr. Pantoliano advocates, through his not-for-profit organization “No Kidding, Me Too,” for fair and equitable treatment for individuals with brain disease.

Laraine Hinson-Spearman, director, Stepping Stones Transitional Residence at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, was honored with the Woman of the Year Award. Ira H. Minot, founder and executive director, Mental Health News Education, Inc. and publisher, Mental Health News and Autism Spectrum News, was honored with the Man of the Year Award. The Inspiration Award was given to Jody Silver, director, The City of New York, Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Michael Halper Memorial Award was given to Al and Lee Cahn, of the Concerned Citizens for Creedmoor.

Federation of Organizations provides services in New York City and Long Island. It has long been recognized as a pioneer in developing consumer-driven, community-based services for individuals recovering from mental illness. Federation provides housing, vocational services, an assertive community treatment program, case management, peer advocacy and a consumer-run affirmative business, the Big Nosh Café.

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