Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue 1

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Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands Group Services Newsletter
The Healing Voice
January/February 2009 Volume 1, Number 1
Ginny Waller – Interim Executive Director Alexandria Smith Glenn– Director of Crisis Services Sherry Lewis—Director of Therapy and Outreach Katie Reid—Community Education Program Director Jennifer Gantt—Group Services Coordinator Daphne Pearson—Advocate Counselor Mary Dell Amick—Volunteer Services Coordinator Melanie Griffin—Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Georgina Hance—Office Manager Sarah Eaton—Clinical Intern Jamie Stein—Education Intern Sarah Henry – Administrative Assistance
Marilyn Dozier – Marilyn is a Record Specialist at Growing Home Southeast. She will receive her M.A. in Marriage and Family from Liberty University in December 2009. Meagan Jones – Meagan is the Clinical Correctional Counselor for the young offenders division at South Carolina Department of Corrections. Meagan received her M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University in 2008. Rebecca Popwell – Rebecca is the Youth Group Coordinator at Grace Covenant Church. She will receive her M.A. in Professional Counseling from South University in 2009. Lisa Williams – Lisa is the Predoctoral Psychology Intern at Williams S. Hall Psychiatric Institute. Lisa will receive her Psy.D in the spring of 2009. Sheryll Young – Sheryll is a returning STSM group facilitator. Sheryll received her M.A. in counseling from Webster University in 2006. _______________________________________________ _
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In This Issue:
• STSM Staff – Page 1 • Welcome New Group Facilitators - Page 1 • Message from the GSC – Page 1 • The Dangers of Date Rape Drugs - Page 2 • Facilitator Spotlight – Page 3 • Upcoming Events and Trainings – Page 3 • Current and Upcoming Groups – Page 3 • Friendly Reminder – Page 3
Message from the Group Services Coordinator
I would like to thank all the group facilitators for your dedication to this agency. I am very excited to work with all of the new group facilitators and to continue to work with the current group facilitators. Let’s make 2009 a great year for the Group Services Program at STSM. Jennifer Gantt
The Dangers of Date Rape Drugs
1. Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can harm your judgment and worsen the effects of a date rape drug.
Common Date Rape Drugs
Rohypnol:
Overview: Rohypnol is legal in 64 other countries, but illegal in the U.S. This drug was originally used as a sleeping aid for those with sleeping disorders. Rohypnol is odorless, tasteless and possibly colorless. Effects: Slowing or psychomotor performance, sleepiness, amnesia, dizziness and muscle relaxation. Common form: White or blue pill
If you decide to
drink…. 2. Be careful with your drinks.
Never leave your drink unattended or drink something you didn’t open or pour yourself.
3. Go out in groups.
When you decide to go out, give friends a call and go in a group.
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (G.H.B.):
Overview: This drug is difficult to detect because it is odorless and colorless, yet it has a slight salty taste. G.H.B. can be made from household products. An individual under the influence of G.H.B. may feel drunk sooner than normal. G.H.B. is especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol. Effects: Impaired memory, blackouts, dizziness, loss of motor coordination and functioning, vomiting, blurred vision. Common form: Liquid
4. Trust your instincts.
Your gut is your best protection mechanism. If you feel uncomfortable with a situation, leave.
MDMA (Ecstasy):
Overview: Ecstasy is a mind altering drug that is a modified methamphetamine. When mixed with marijuana and alcohol, MDMA is especially dangerous. Effects: Euphoria, increase body temperature, involuntary teeth clenching, increased heart rate, loss of appetite and increased sensitivity to feeling and touch. Common form: Pill
Developed From:
www.mytryrapecrisis.org
Famous Quote:
"He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own." -- Confucius
Developed from: www.mtryrapecrisis.org
Upcoming Events and Trainings:
“Drug Facilitated Assault and Methods of Therapy” January 13, 2009 9:00am – 10:00am Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands Boardroom “Adolescent Sexuality” January 16, 2009 SC DHEC Peeples Auditorium
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Janel Mitnaul, LMSW
Current Groups:
Morris Village – Mondays @ 3:30pm Killingsworth – Mondays @ 7:30pm Shandon Support Group – Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Sistercare – Wednesdays/Thursdays @ 6:00pm
Upcoming Groups:
Women’s Treatment Group – Shandon Presbyterian Teen Support Group – Post Trauma Resources
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Ms. Mitnaul develops training curricula and materials for child protection and legal staff on implementation of the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA) and related law and policy. She also conducts training programs on application of the MEPA for the University of South Carolina Children’s Law Center. Ms. Mitnaul has 14 years of experience in working in child welfare, adoptions and sexual trauma counseling through her work with the Department of Social Services, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, and Carolina Children's Home. Additionally, she demonstrates her personal commitment to children by volunteering as a teen mentor. Ms. Mitnaul received a Bachelor of Social Work from Winthrop University and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina and is a Licensed Master Social Worker.
Friendly Reminder:
All forms are due by the first business day of the month!
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Contact Us:
3700 Forest Drive Suite 350 Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: 803-790-8208 Fax: 803-790-8282 24 Hour Crisis Line: 803-771-7273 www.stsm.org
Thank you Janel for dedicating over 8 years of service to STSM as a group facilitator!