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RPC home > Message from the Superintendent (September 29, 2006)

Riverview Psychiatric Center

Message from the Superintendent (September 29, 2006)

"Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good." - Vaclav Havel

A couple of weeks back I sent out in the weekly update one of the, “10 Fundamental Components of Recovery”. I thought I would share another today.

Hope: Recovery provides the essential and motivating message of a better future— that people can and do overcome the barriers and obstacles that confront them. Hope is internalized; but can be fostered by peers, families, friends, providers, and others. Hope is the catalyst of the recovery process. Mental health recovery not only benefits individuals with mental health disabilities by focusing on their abilities to live, work, learn, and fully participate in our society, but also enriches the texture of American community life. America reaps the benefits of the contributions individuals with mental disabilities can make, ultimately becoming a stronger and healthier Nation.

I like this statement. I once heard Dr. Anthony state, “Hope comes from another person. It is a gift”. I believe that statement. I also believe that staff here at Riverview are significant in either giving or supporting hope in those we serve.

I get a lot of feedback on the good work we (pronounced “you”) are doing. I want to take a moment and recognize a couple of people by name. Maria Kaluzynski is a staff member here who I have had the pleasure to talk to a several times as she was leaving work and I was arriving. She always shared a smile and impressed me as a person who really enjoyed her work. This morning, again, she smiled and said “Hi” and then let me now that after 17 Years she is retiring Sunday. I, as I am sure many others, will miss her bright smile and warmth.

I continue to get staff feedback about their appreciation of Chuck Bocchino, Bethany Drolet, and Ron Moores in assisting staff in learning about, or overcoming difficulties encountered with our computer systems. All three are eager to help and obviously enjoying their work.

I had the opportunity to witness staff respond to a client who was in the mist of a behavioral crisis yesterday morning on lower Saco. I was impressed with the professionalism, caring, and respect they all displayed the client. Although one of the least rewarding activities done at Riverview, to know that when any type of restrictive treatment is being done, it is done in such a safe and respectful manner is reassuring. And although at these times you probably will never hear the client say “thank you”, for them and I, I will say it, “Thank you”.

As always, Thank you all for your good work this week.
In Service,
David S. Proffitt

"May every sunrise hold more promise, every moonrise hold more peace."- Anon.