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Copy of Fernandina Beach Newsleader article, December, 2009 ~
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The
Nassau County Alliance for the Mentally Ill brought their annual Christmas
Shoe Party to the mentally ill residents at Dayspring Village on Dec.
16.
More than 94 residents attended the noon party that featured a live
musical performance by the Crowns of Creation Ministry, also known
as "joeyandjeanie.com."
The residents were treated to a pizza party, cupcakes and soft drinks.
The annual shoe party is highlighted by the gift bags created by NAMI
volunteers and ensures that each resident receives a new pair of shoes.
"For many of our residents, this is the only time in the year
they get a new pair of shoes," said Douglas Adkins, executive
director of Dayspring. "Shoes are essential to our health and
wellness. A good pair of shoes will always create a spring in your
step and are also good for the health of your feet.
For many with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses, they
often find they have a need to walk to work off the restlessness that
can come with symptoms or with the medications. As a result, shoes
barely last a full year."
Adkins added, "These shoes are amazing in that they all have
Velcro straps. The reason this is important is because when they are
admitted to a hospital for stabilization of symptoms, the hospital
always takes away shoe laces....The use of Velcro straps allows residents
to have the full and proper functioning of their shoes even when they
are ill."
This year, Dayspring was fortunate to have longtime NAMI advocate
Hattie Morris join the party, said Adkins. "Hattie was with us
at the beginning 23 years ago and has always been there as a champion
for consumers and families afflicted with serious mental illness.
It was a huge honor to have her make the trip."
Dayspring Village, Inc. is a licensed 94-bed limited mental health
assisted living facility designed to serve the needs of adults with
schizophrenia and schizo affective disorders. Schizophrenia is a result
of an elevation of dopamine in the brain and leads to auditory hallucinations
or voices that can be controlled with medications. To learn more go
to www.day springvillage.org.
If
you would like to help dur¬ing the holidays, you can pro¬vide
baked goods, snacks, stockings or share a musical talent. Call Denise
Cumbus at (904) 845-7501 or dayspring06@windstream.net for more information.
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Photo caption: Douglas Adkins, left, director of Dayspring Village,
welcomes members of NAMI and the Crowns of Creation Ministry, who
delivered Christmas packages and hosted a pizza party Dec. 16.