50+ Lifestyles

Through My Eyes

Mental health problems affect ten percent of children and twenty-five percent of adults in America struggle with mental illness. They are our friends, our family and even us. Studies show that people with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely and live, work, learn, and participate fully in our community.

The Vera French Foundation works to promote awareness, remove the stigma associated with mental illness, fundraise for the extremely important programs offered by the Vera French Community Mental Health Center and offers a new way of looking at mental illness. In February 2016 the Foundation will present their annual week of events called “Through My Eyes: A New way of Looking at Mental Illness”. The week will include inspirational speakers and events including:

• February 17, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center
  Bethany and Karen Yeiser, present A Journey through Schizophrenia, Homelessness and Recovery
  This is a unique and in-depth presentation about schizophrenia from two personal and complimentary perspectives. Bethany and Karen S. Yeiser, daughter and mother, transport the audience deep into the world of emerging and severe untreated schizophrenia, through homelessness, and finally into a fully recovered life. Together, their informative accounts describe the heavy toll severe mental illness takes on patients and families, and inspire hope toward the possibility of recovery.
• February 19, 2016 – 8:30 – 4:30 Genesis Adler Health Education Center
  Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., presents a continuing education workshop on the nature, causes, life course, and management of ADHD
  The Vera French Community Mental Health Center brings a unique opportunity for professionals to learn from a recognized expert, Russell A. Barkley, PH.D., offering a continuing education workshop on ADHD in children and adults. ADHD is among the most common, impairing outpatient disorders seen in clinical practice. This program is designed to give an overview of the life course of ADHD and treatment implications. It will teach participants three major management approaches and will address issues of developmental transition and varying clinical presentations of the disorder.
• February 20, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center
  J.R. Martinez, wounded U.S. Army veteran, actor, bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and winner of Dancing with the Stars will inspire us to face adversity with optimism and resiliency.
  Mr. Martinez will present a keynote speech inspiring us to be proud of who we are and to recognize that every single person has worth and should be accepted. He will take us through his story and inspire us to face adversity with optimism and resiliency.
• February 20, 2016 – Hotel Blackhawk
  VIP Meet and Greet Reception
  for J.R. Martinez

Following the keynote event the Vera French Foundation will hold a meet and greet reception for J.R. Martinez at Hotel Blackhawk. Meet Mr. Martinez and enjoy hors-d’oeuvres, music, a caricature artist and photo booth as we celebrate the evening and mental health and happiness. VIP ticket will include front of the house seating for the keynote speech by J.R. Martinez at Bettendorf High School Performing Art Center at 7:00 and reception following the presentation at Hotel Blackhawk.

The main objective of the week of events is to make an impact on the stigma and knowledge that people have about mental illness in our community and we want to encourage everyone to participate. It is important to remember that we are all the same, with our without mental illness, we are all working to live our lives the best we can in meaningful and productive ways. These speakers will inspire all of us to be proud of who we are and challenge us to see the courage it takes to face adversity and hardship with optimism and hope.

The title sponsor for the event is Genesis Health System. For more information or to purchase tickets visit our website verafrenchmhc.org/throughmyeyes