Room Makeover Award
This entry has been selected as a finalist in the
Designing for Better Health competition.
Creative Strokes establishes peer-driven "Home Energy Action Teams" to improve the environments and lives of people with mental health challenges.
About You
Location
Project Street Address
4270 Main St., 4th Floor
Project City
Bridgeport
Project Province/State
CT
Project Postal/Zip Code
06606
Project Country
United States
Your idea
Year organization founded:
1993
Year initiative began:
2008
Service/activity focus:
Chronic care and maintenance
If Service/activity focus is "other" please define in 1-2 words below:
YouTube Upload
http://www.youtube.com/creativestrokesntwk
Update from Dianne after her Kitchen Makeover in Feb '09
Project URL
Name Your Project
Room Makeover Award
Describe Your Idea
Creative Strokes establishes peer-driven "Home Energy Action Teams" to improve the environments and lives of people with mental health challenges.
Innovation
What is your signature innovation, your new idea, in one sentence?
Creative Strokes establishes peer-driven "Home Energy Action Teams" to improve the environments and lives of people with mental health challenges.
Describe what makes your idea unique--different from all others in the field.
People with chronic mental health challenges often move in and out of programs, feeling isolated, and unsuccessful at connecting socially. They need nudges to develop LIFE SKILLS to create and maintain living spaces that evoke PERSONAL PRIDE and SELF-WORTH.
WHEN THOSE WITH DISABILITIES LIVE INDEPENDENTLY, THEY ARE ON THEIR OWN TO CREATE A HEALTHY "HOME." Providers are well aware of the dismal living environments their clients on a fixed income feel resigned to accept. Wishing they could do more, many staff feel constrained. (See video: "Remi Reflects on Start Up")
The CREATIVE STROKES NETWORK (CSN) is a choice alternative to such widespread resignation. In Bridgeport, CT, peer support specialists launched the network to help peers in recovery help each other... one room at a time, with their own favorite colors. Members enjoy "self-stigma-busting" pride while making a tangible, energizing difference in their environment. (See website: http://saboe.shutterfly.com )
Do you have any existing partnerships, and if so, how did you create them?
Jim Saboe, a certified peer support specialist, introduced his sister, Lois, to the Consumer Council and Bridge House members in February, 2008 in Bridgeport, CT to propose "Creative Strokes." After focus groups and planning meetings, they formally launched the community service network in April with peer commitment to form Home Energy Action Teams (HEATs) as needed. (See attached: "Focus Group Reflections...")
With the backing of Bridge House and the Consumer Council, the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI)-CT, Kennedy Center, and SW CT Mental Health System (SWCMHS), she submitted a proposal via the Mental Health Association of CT (MHAC)-Bridgeport for a CT Mental Health Transformation mini-grant. They developed the CSN Partnership (CSNP) using a Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP) process. (See "CT MH Transformation Final Report...", and "CSN PSP Meeting 092408 ")
The Regional Network of Programs (RNP) and Home Depot also now support CSN.
In which sector do these partners work? (Check all that apply)
Citizen sector (non profits, NGOs) , Private sector , Public sector (government) .
Impact
Provide one sentence describing your impact/intended impact.
Each peer-driven "Room Makeover" or "Paint-A-Room" project is a fun way of giving-forward community service and getting-back quality of life.
Please list any other measures of the impact of your innovation.
The Network has been conducting surveys, focus groups, and HEAT evaluations, as well as gathering testimonials from the residents (HEAT Leaders). (See "CSN Survey," "HEAT Evaluation Form" and "CT MH Transformation Final Report..." submitted to Yale University, MHT grant evaluators.) In one case, a timely HEAT prevented a Section 8 housing eviction!
We will note how a "Spring Forward" challenge helps interested members achieve personal behavioral goals (e.g., nutrition, etc.) with peer support, and if "Show and Tell" presentations and in-home celebrations reinforce progress.
It takes time to see the result of each small deposit of success! It is safe to say, that peer support specialists learn, change, and hold new hope for others; their peers notice and become self-motivated. Similarly, with each HEAT (room makeover), peers learn to prep and paint a room, and coach others. Self-esteem increases with the pride and gratification of helping others and oneself.
Is there a policy intervention element to your innovation?
It is one thing to clean and paint a room, but peers build additional key skills over time with de-cluttering support on a routine basis. There is a common understanding that personal care services for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are not being handled effectively or sufficiently for those with serious disabilities. Oregon has demonstrated that Medicaid will fund peers to fund critical home care services as personal care assistants (PCA). (See Attached) CT and others can replicate this.
How many people does your innovation serve or plan to serve? Exactly who will benefit from your innovation?
We have painted one room per month since April 2008 with 4 or more people in each HEAT. Members HAVE FUN in the "community service" process and BUILD PRIDE in a job well done.
By leveraging quality, national media to nudge others to support "change from within," many communities-in-need will rise to this role model/challenge.
Witnessing such populations creative cope with fixed incomes and disabilities, peer support groups will have an "AHA" moment and hear their own "WAKE UP CALLS.”
What is the key decision that you are trying to influence through your innovation/design?
-
A Federal mental health leader likened the Creative Strokes Network to “WAKING A SLEEPING GIANT.”
We'd like RWJF/ChangeMakers to promote this vision with their peer decisionmakers nationally to develop our Network's potential to:
1) Leverage training for existing peer support networks to demo how to replicate this cost-effective model, and
2) Stimulate a pervasive public mindset that we can transform communities from the inside-out while "stigma-busting" simultaneously.
What have you learned about how people respond to your innovation/design?
1) Disbelief that such an opportunity could exist.
2) Delight to have help and peer support specialists to "HOLD THE HOPE" (See “Focus Group Reflections…” and “CSN is alive”)
3) Network partners happy to have each other's support to address this "elephant" size gap in service (See “CT MH Transformation …”)
4) People may be pre-disposed to be "giving" or "taking" and earning a "Room Makeover Award" helps reinforce giving attitude
For peer “Reflections on Startup” (See “CSN PSP Meeting...)
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
How is your initiative financed (or how do you expect your initiative will be financed)?
Aside from a CT Mental Health Transformation grant of $20,000 in Sep '08 for planning, support has been pro-bono since Feb '08. All transportation, refreshments and supplies have been provided by the founder -- Education & Community Resource Associates (ECRA), as well as MHAC, Bridge House, Home Depot, and individual donors.
The Network Partnership Steering Committee is pursuing fundraising options, such as developing requests for donors to fund “PAINT-A-ROOM” Awards for one level of sponsorship and “ROOM MAKEOVER” Awards (including furniture, carpeting, curtains, etc.) at the next. Proposals are pending.
Because it understands the impact of environment on health, RWJF is the intended national funder.
Financing source
Annual budget
The currently proposed budget of $85,000 for the pilot project in Bridgeport, CT, includes a project manager only 25% of the time. It does not include a mass media project or an external evaluation.
Annual revenue generated
CSN has generated and expended $20,000 in grant funds. In-kind contributions from Home Depot, ECRA, MHAC, and other donors have not been documented, but is under $50,000.
Number of staff (full-time, part-time, volunteers)
1 Project Manager (PT)
1 HEAT Coordinator (PT)
1 HEAT Manager (PT)
20 HEAT Volunteers (PT)
What are the main financial barriers, and how do you plan to address them?
We mainly need funding for: 1) Project Management and Evaluation, 2) HEAT Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, 3) Room Makeover Awards, and 4) Training to facilitate replication.
Current proposals promote funding for the first three priorities. We will continue to seek award sponsors and donations. We also intend to: 1) expand existing peer support training with our own experiential learning program, and 2) collaborate with other painting crews on paying jobs when possible.
Aside from financial sustainability, how do you plan to grow and scale the initiative?
1) Refine MANAGEMENT, PLANNING, COMMUNICATIONS & RESEARCH systems
2) Develop ONLINE TOOLKIT to facilitate replication
3) Seek NATIONAL SPONSORSHIP by funder and target audience
4) Build KEY ALLIANCES (e.g., National Assn of Peer Specialists, etc.)
5) Offer EXPERIENTIAL TRAINING in building peer-driven community service networks
6) Provide COMMUNITY "ROOM MAKEOVER AWARD" to launch their grassroots support groups
7) Create quality, high impact MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGN
The Story
What was the motivation or defining moment that led to the creation of this innovation? Tell the story.
1) On MLK Day I taught Spanish-speaking youth how to paint a huge school foyer in DC. A girl ran up to my car to thank me profusely because: “¡AHORA PUEDO PINTAR MI DORMITORIO!”
2) As my brother, Jim, struggled with mental illness I saw his home deteriorate until people stopped visiting…creating a cycle of frustration and isolation. When our Dad died, I began to help Jim paint his rooms. He gradually did more and more himself and with others. Jim says: “YOU HAD A DIFFERENT VISION OF WHERE YOU WANTED TO SEE ME. YOU HELD THE HOPE FOR ME.”
3) My cousin, a Vietnam Veteran with mental health and substance abuse challenges, jumped at my offer to help him paint his bedroom. Joe says: “I USED TO JUST SIT THERE WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE. I enjoyed being in my nice, clean, painted room where I could listen to my music and read my own books. I try to tell people: “YOU’D BE SURPRISED WHAT A COAT OF PAINT ON A DINGY ROOM WILL DO FOR YOUR OUTLOOK.”
4) Aunt Mary, who relied on a walker, had recently moved into her mother’s room after she died at 101. She chose “Virgin Mary” blue and we carefully selected décor from around the house based on her preferences. I rearranged furniture for IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY. Everyone loved the EVIDENCE OF HER INDIVIDUALITY and the FRESH, OPEN SPACE.
5) My Godmother spent years confined to bed before she died. What could I have done with/for her? My answer is “ROOM MAKEOVERS” FOR THE HOMEBOUND AND OTHERS, in her honor.
Please name and provide a personal bio of the social innovator behind this initiative.
Lois Saboe, MSW is a facilitator and national network-building specialist. She has training in community intervention, psychology and behavioral education. She spent more than 20 years in DC promoting the transfer of "best practices" and is an independent consultant.
Jim Saboe is an exemplary META Certified Peer Support Specialist, HEAT Manager and peer co-founder of the Creative Strokes Network. He has promoted mental health recovery for years as an advocate of the Consumer Council.
At what stage is this initiative?
Implementation and impact .
What resources would you need to take your initiative to the next stage?
FUNDS – for PROJECT (staff, awards, transportation, supplies, refreshments)
PEOPLE – helpful CONNECTIONS with experts in MASS MEDIA, EVALUATION, etc.
RESULTS – professional counsel to OPERATIONALIZE THE MODEL (e.g., legal/admin/org'l challenges) and CULTIVATE EFFECTIVE SUPPORT SYSTEMS for grassroots networks
POWER – partners with SHARED VISION to INFLUENCE DECISIONS of key contacts and funders to use Creative Strokes Network to help REVITALIZE COMMUNITIES FROM WITHIN
How did you hear about this contest and what is your main incentive to participate? (Confidential)
I spoke at Philly RWJF meeting and saw UWSEPA article.
Transforming communities from the inside-out -- nationwide.
How do peers in recovery transform their own home, a friend's space, or community room?
What was new? easy? fun? challenging? different?
Excellent media coverage creates "stigma-busting" role models,
Replacing "dis-ability" with live images of "proud givers” to each other in the fixed income community.
Help others look UP in tough times? Yes we can. Who better?
- Login to post new content in this forum.
Comments
This initiative has been an excellent resource for persons in recovery. When an individual finally finds affordable housing, they are often limited to the decorating options of the landlord. The apartments can feel dark and dank, and have no personal touch thus continuing the cycle of feeling less of a person. Through the Creative Strokes Network, individuals are able to begin to see their brighter future. A person gets to make a decision about what he/she would like in his/her home and see it come into fruition with the assistance of his/her peers. The peers that volunteer to participate in the HEATs begin to learn the value of supporting others, making contributions and giving of one's self. That the simple extension of a helping hand can be so rewarding and uplifting. The social connections can begin to develop and people take one step closer to their recovery. This partnership is an excellent resource that others should support whole heartedly.
This proposal is innovative in so many ways. It helps people in recovery to help themselves through the building of self esteem and the strengthening of relations. One of its key features, though not mentioned, is the ease with which the idea can be replicated and scaled. Really great ideas share these features of replication and scalability.
The Creative Strokes Network is a wonderful way for peers to become involved in their community, develop new skills and hobbies, and create new relationships with others. Having participated in one of the original HEATs, it was rewarding to be a part of the bigger picture. Watching an individual's living space transform is truly a positive experience. Peers who have had the opportunity to participate in the HEATs have also learned new skills and techniques that they have been able to bring in to their own living spaces such as organizational skills and unique interior decorating. The program encourages growth and development for those individuals who are on the journey of recovery and is beneficial for all who participate.
Lois's vision of a enhancing the quality of life and the personal sense of self-worth of marginalized people has become a reality, person by person, room by room, nudge by nudge. The value is evident not only for the person whose room is being made over, but for the participants who help give each room new life. By learning skills like painting, making decisions (e.g., what color to use) and organizing the activities needed for each HEAT, peers begin to realize their own potentential to make a positive difference. The inherent beauty of the model is that it can become nearly self-sustaining, requireing modest oversight and directional guidance for the peers. Finally, there is the postitive social network that the home makeovers afford each participant, reducing the sense of loneliness that has historically been a hallmark of marginalized people. Jim's comment, "You held the hope for me", speaks volumes about the value of this initiative.
----------
TMH
Hi Lois,
This is really an exciting program and it is great to see so much enthusiasm about it! I am wondering if you can provide us with some examples of people and situations where you have seen the beneficiaries of your program make some behavioral changes. I really like the program and I am wondering if you could provide some more clarification as to where the nudges come in to play. It is obvious that there is impact here, and I'm looking for some more information on the behavioral health nudges that come into play following the room make overs. I am really curious!
Thanks and good luck!
Chloe Feinberg
Ashoka
Full Economic Citizenship
Hello Chloe,
It will be our pleasure to identify any behavioral changes for you given the elapsed time since some peers painted their rooms. I will bring this up for a focused group discussion at our HEAT meeting this Tuesday. I'll have them share how they have changed and and learn what they believe would help nurture such changes. We may even post a few more videos on YouTube and have them share their comments online here! Of course, the individual's physical and mental health challenges have a bearing on their progress as does the availability of follow-up (such as peer support to help KEEP spaces clean and de-cluttered).
In the meantime, could you please identify a few specific types of behavioral health nudges YOU might want to learn more about. We would like to be as responsive as possible.
Thank you again so much for your request! We will follow through!
----------
Lois
Hi Lois-
Thanks for getting back to us. I am looking forward to what comes out of your meeting.
Personally, I'd be interested in better understanding how people's behavior changes in terms of diet and nutrition and especially in their active life. Do you see people become more active or willing to take part in physical activities outdoors, in groups, individually, etc.? That to me is quite interesting, but I am sure we'll find all of the behavioral changes fascinating!
Thanks again,
Chloe
The Creative Strokes Network wants to respond to the question about the long-term impact painting a room has on the behavior of those involved. To do this, the "Self-Stigma-Busting" HEAT Task Force of peers with mental health and other challenges met last week to explore the difference it had made for them to this point. They decided to have the Network create seasonal and annual celebrations to recognize contributions and publicize achievements, with community members making awards that support ongoing progress.
This will begin with a "SPRING FORWARD" CHALLENGE to help each other identify personal and network goals and ways to support each other in reaching them. Details are on the Creative Strokes website at our URL: http://saboe.shutterfly.com/CHALLENGE Please let us know what you think by responding here. We welcome ideas and feedback.
We will be tracking progress on the website and posting sample videos here (see "Dianne Health Care" video with YouTube videos)
Keep in touch!
----------
Lois
In reading the comments by Melinda (LoneStart) about behavioral nudges that work, I want to underscore what is also true for the Creative Strokes Network (Room Makeover Awards) by putting certain words in CAPS:
"During the challenge period PARTICIPANTS SUPPORT AND HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THEIR TEAM as they begin to incorporate healthier lifestyle choices. Membership in a team gives the individual an IDENTITY beyond one’s self. It has been said that, “Teamwork is the FUEL that allows common people to attain uncommon goals.” By promoting Team Esteem with program participants, LoneStart maximizes participation in and commitment to the organization, and WHEN AT-RISK PARTICIPANTS PROVIDE DRAMATIC EVIDENCE (TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS) THAT THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR WELLNESS BEHAVIORS, THEY VALIDATE THE INITIATIVE AND CREATE THE FOUNDATION FOR A NEW AND SUSTAINABLE CULTURE OF WELLNESS."
Creative Strokes Network participants each form their own Home Energy Action Team (HEAT) which helps them not only paint and refresh a room, but also complete self-identified personal projects (e.g., entertaining, spring cleaning, decluttering, winterizing, etc.) and network development.
All my best,
----------
Lois Saboe, MSW
Education & Community Resource Associates
P.S. I am curious to what extent it would help Ashoka/Changemakers to have competition participants create their own small mutual support teams to share best practices and lessons learned.
The power of peers, working together as crews, improve participant living environments while also building their self-esteem, social and work skills. Creative Strokes is creative engine for the mental health community and provides a stepping stone for participants toward the world of work. This is a nudge that works ... and you can see the results on the participants and their rooms immediately. It is also a partnership with local suppliers (like Home Depot) which makes it very cost effective.
Post new comment