Latest News

Geneticists have long thought that schizophrenia and autism are two separate and unrelated conditions. However, a trio of researchers working on the genetics behind psychiatric disorders have made a new discovery: “People may be more prone to autism spectrum disorders if they have family members with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.” (Treatment Advocacy Center)

How are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder similar?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as auditory and visual hallucinations have a sensory component, and sensory processing disorders occur in an estimated 90% of individuals on the autistic spectrum. Negative symptoms such as lack of engagement with the world and other people that occur in schizophrenia also are diagnostic flags for autism.

In the study that was done, analyses of genetic collections revealed that individuals with autism had similar proportions of relatives with schizophrenia or biopolar disorder. The importance of this link is the hope that, with more research on the similarities between the disorders, we will be better able to diagnose and treat them.

On Wednesday, June 20, GMC welcomed Kalli Simon as the leader of our new Fitness Group! Kalli’s high energy and enthusiasm is so infectious. On the first day, the mood our participants quickly changed from hesitant and reluctant to excited and joyful. The next week, one of the participants from the week before came to GMC just to participate in the group!

Not only is Kalli a superstar workout leader, but she also took the initiative and contacted Whole Foods to see if they would donate some reusable water bottles for participating members. Whole Foods agreed and was very supportive! Thank you, Whole Foods, and thank you to Kalli for reaching out to them!

Read on to learn more about Kalli, why she wanted to come and volunteer at GMC, and how to get in contact with her!

Read more…

In May, I briefly mentioned a proposed $7 million cut to homeless services funding. The budget season is now over, and the D.C. Council has voted.

The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless reports that

The Council put $4 million into the tenant-based Local Rent Supplement Program in order to provide permanent affordable housing to about 250 homeless families in the District and open up much-needed space in emergency shelters to accommodate families that are currently in crisis and not able to access shelter.  The Council also delayed TANF cuts and added new exemptions to sanctions so that families who are in crisis and cannot currently obtain employment (such as families caring for a child with a disability full-time or families experiencing severe domestic violence) will not be penalized.  While the Council did not fill the $7 million gap in homeless services, it did keep this funding as the #1 priority on the Council’s “wish-list.”

We are happy to hear that the Council will keep funding for homeless servies in mind and hope the full $7 million will be restored next year.

The State of Rhode Island is paving the way and standing up for the rights of homeless individuals by passing the first Homeless Bill of Rights in the United States. The Bill, would ensure  a “person the right to use public sidewalks, parks and transportation as well as public buildings ‘without discrimination on the basis of his or her housing status.’ It also guarantees a ‘reasonable expectation of privacy’ with respect to personal belongings.” (NY Times)

What do you think about this new Homeless Bill of Rights? Should the rest of the nation follow in Rhode Island’s footsteps?

This morning, Monday, June 18, 2012, Georgetown Ministry Center opened it’s doors at 8 am to dozen happy faces.  This is two hours earlier than our previous time.  It allows more access.  Our new hours are from 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week.