Recovering from mental illness and addiction disorders are often life long processes. That's why it's important to celebrate the work of dedicated professionals who strive to improve the lives of people who need help along their challenging roads to recovery.
People like Jim Smith:
Discouraged, feeling hopeless and helpless, Jim Smith of Oakland* didn't know where to turn. Except, he knew enough to call his counselor at Kennebec Behavioral Health or KBH. Yes, Jim had yet another relapse on alcohol. He lost his license and now he had no money and no job. Fortunately, because of KBHs' client assistance program. Thanks to funding by the United Way, his counselor was able to say, "Come and see me. We'll get started on putting the pieces back together." A year later, Jim stayed sober. He thankfully dug his way out of the pit of depression and self blame that followed on the heels of his relapse. He gives himself proper credit, but he's likewise happy to say, "I couldn't have done it without help!" *Jim's real name is protected for confidentiality.
Kennebec Behavioral Health is celebrating 50 years of providing support and care for people and families in Maine. This non-profit organization has grown and prospered while continuing to build quality programs to care for mentally ill and substance addicted clients.
On June 16, 2010, Maine's Governor John E. Baldacci proclaimed Kennebec Behavioral Health Day in Maine. This proclamation recognizes the 50 years of hard work, dedication and community support provided by hundreds of dedicated professionals who care for thousands of people and families.
Congratulations to the care givers and management of KBH! You are among the finest who deliver mental health and substance abuse services where people need them - in communities where the clients are cared for outside of institutional settings.
CEO Tom J. McAdam (pictured above) came to KBH in 2003 to lead the management team. McAdam and board Vice-President the Honorable Elaine Fuller, led the Golden Anniversary program.
"Our KBH management team is second to none," he told the 100 guests who attended the anniversary gala, held at the Senator Inn in Augusta on Wednesday, June 16th. "We continue to develop and maintain an efficient, results-driven, outcome managed organization for all clinical and administrative services," he says.
"We've come through some hair cutting budget challenges in the past year caused by state financial shortfalls, but we're positioning ourselves to be here and growing to meet future needs," McAdam said.
In fact, KBH has overcome budget challenges in the past. A 1981 report written by former Executive Director Carmen M. Celenza, called for the community to continue supporting the demand for quality mental health services in spite of eroding funds. "As a surgical patient requires and deserves competent surgical care, a person with emotional problems also requires and deserves competent mental health care," wrote Celenza. Celenza's leadership role during the KBH formative years was recognized during the anniversary celebration.
An Outstanding Community Partnership Award was presented to the City of Waterville's Mayor Paul LePage and City Manager Mike Roy for the municipal support for vocational and rehabilitation programs provided by KBH. (Waterville City Manager Mike Roy is pictured below.)
Board members Carol A. Welch of Waterville received the Volunteer of the Year Award and James R. Schmidt received the KBH Recognition Award.
Judy Gregory, Executive Assistant to the CEO, reported the KBH statistics:
Today, Kennebec Behavioral Health employs 341 people. In fiscal year 2010, the agency served 12,028 clients with an annual budget of $22.8 million dollars, of which 80 percent was spent for employees and clinical services. http://www.kbhmaine.org/
KBH Management Team: Thomas J. McAdam, CEO; Robert T. Anderson, M.D., Medical Director; Tim A Beaucage, CIO; Cheryl L. Davis, LCPC, Community Services Administrator; Bridget A. Gray, Medical Services Administrator; Bob M. Long, LCPC, LADC, CCS, Access and Outpatient Services Administrator; Karen K. Mosher, Ph.D., Clinical Director; Josee L. Shelley, CPA, CFO and Michael J. Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer.
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