By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
“Gratitude blossoms when we see the beauty of our lives.”
The words of keynote speaker and author Kay Flowerz at a Wood County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services event Monday night set the stage for an evening of gratitude for the people and organizations that are partners in providing mental health services in the county.
Dave Wigent, director of Wood County Jobs and Family Services, was the first of three individuals named Judith Knox Behavioral Health Advocates for the year.
“If you know Dave Wigent, you know he is a strong and incredible advocate for all children in Wood County, regardless of the system involved,” said Julie Launstein, WCADAMHS director of finance.
He makes sure that children within the mental health, criminal justice or job and family services custody spaces in the county receive appropriate care and support. As a leader in the mental health arena, he is known for bringing together community partners to address obstacles and solutions and find innovative solutions to address traumas.
“Dave Wigent has proven to be a true advocate to families in need throughout Wood County. His willingness to explore new services and opportunities, combined with his participation with the Department of Jobs and Family Services at the statewide level has results in real benefits for Wood County,” Launstein said, citing a statement from Wood County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge David Woessner.
Bridget Ansberg was recognized as an advocate for her work in the county’s youth corrections system. “In building our system, she has fostered it to a place focused on providing treatment for our youth,” said Aimee Coe, director of community programs. “While others may allow treatment to be at the table as a discussion point, Bridget isn’t afraid to try things that haven’t been done previously.”
Ansberg revolutionized the juvenile detention center and has gone above and beyond to establish a diversion program whose goal is to keep youth from entering the justice system. When the county board has ideas for programs or initiatives, Ansberg is among the first to say yes and offer to help, Coe said, adding, “We are always grateful to have your voice, your passion, your ideas in our community.”
The work of Dr. Jacob Elliot, a Toledo area psychologist, has changed the trajectory of mental health services in Wood County, according to Dr. Laura Fullenkamp, WCADAMHS director of criminal justice and compliance. As a recipient of one of the advocate awards, Elliot was recognized for his work in neurofeedback, a method that helps people control their brain waves consciously.
“We had an idea at the ADAMHS Board and we did not have a path behind it,” Fullenkamp said. When she started researching the topic, she discovered that Elliot was the leading expert and “was right across the river.”
He listened to their vision and helped create a pathway forward. “His generosity, time and knowledge have been unparalleled in getting our project off the ground,” Fullenkamp said. “In sharing his lifework with our community, he’s influencing kiddos to really get the best care in Wood County.”
With the needs of children and families at an all-time high, WCADAMHS Executive Director Amanda Kern recognized Children’s Resource Center as the Behavioral Health Organization of the Year.
CRC has been statewide recognized for its Fidelity-rated Mobile Response and Stabilization Services Team, which is one of the few operational crisis residential centers in the state. Agency professionals are developing multiple evidence-based therapy programs for the community that they use in their outpatient center, crisis center and the juvenile justice center, Kern said.
The agency also has accepted the challenge to develop a 16-bed crisis residential facility and to launch a new behavioral intervention program to help intervene with youth who have risk factors for violence in school.
“I can tell. You that the employees wake up every day trying to find a way to help as many kids as they can We genuinely appreciate your partnership and commitment to this community,” Kern said.
Emily Young and Kayden Kelly were recognized for their efforts as interns with the county board.
Young, who interned during the summer, had an integral role in the county being awarded a $6.6 million ARPA grant to partner with CRC to expand youth crisis services.
Kelly, a current intern with the county board, is working on a housing needs assessment to bring new housing opportunities to the county,
Outgoing board members Hallie Nagel, Allan Baer, Rachel Moore, Jason Morris, and Amanda Sharp were recognized for their commitment and service to the county.
