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A Covid Update - Looking Back...
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I hope this message finds you safe and well.
2020 started as a new decade for change and it hasn’t disappointed. It may not have been the change we were expecting, but it has been a wakeup call in many ways. COVID has brought about a seismic shift in our worlds as we know it. How we chose to move forward on a daily basis is what defines each and everyone one of us.
For Perfectly Flawed our work hasn't stopped. People are isolated, anxious and confused. Overdose and suicide is on the rise and people are becoming more and more socially disabled.
From our early beginnings, Perfectly Flawed has been rooted in the fact that we are all faced with challenges and struggles. At our core, we grow from facing these challenges and overcoming adversity. For many of us, we are able to persevere, for others it's not an easy task and they need assistance.
The solutions to our problems need to be lead with compassion and dignity without judgement and free from stigma. People like me who struggle aren't bad people. Our paths were altered. We need help getting back on the right path without creating further barriers. We need hope and empowerment so we can begin to start living again and become the truest versions of ourselves and contribute to our communities in a meaninful way.
Reflecting back on these months since COVID can be a very daunting task, but I challenge you to do it. Revisit the fears, the unknowns, the frustrations, anxiety and all other emotions in between. Take note of all the bright spots. People helping others, coming together, looking after their neighbors, caring for one another, citizens supporting their communities and more.
Some of you may still be dealing with the darkness and fear. If you're reading this, you've come along way. I want you to know you're not alone and please reach out if you need help as we navigate these months ahead together.
Sincerely,
Luke M. Tomsha
Founder and Executive Director
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Has it really Been 5 years?
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It's hard to believe, five years ago this August marked the last time I ever used heroin. I decided I wanted to change the direction of my life, reached out for help and came forward with my story. If there is one lesson to be learned it's that drastic change does not happen over night. We all hold potential within to overcome the obstacles and challenges that have been set before us. It is a journey that so many of us are on. You can read a snippet of my story here...
What is important is that I'm here and I'm alive. There are thousands of people like me who are not. We must never forget those we've lost and their families who have suffered.
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Pictured: Perfectly Flawed supporters at the 2019 Perfectly Flawed Evening presented by Miller Group Charitable Trust. Photo credit: Matthew Klein
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Our work would not be possible without our founding sponsors and supporters! We look forward to the day where we can meet in person. We were so disappointed to have to cancel our in person community events this year including our Derby Party with planned Golf Outing, a youth influencing collaboration with NCI Artworks and Compassionate Friends, IVAC After Hours, Back2School Bash, a music event and, of course, our Annual Perfectly Flawed Evening presented by Miller Group Charitable Trust!
Keep an eye out, we will be hosting some online events for the general public in the near future. We will also be inviting our supporters to join us in a private discussion to learn about the strategic direction of The Perfectly Flawed Foundation. If you or your organization are interested in supporting our cause, please reach out!
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Join us today! Since our inception, we have been fortunate to have over 500+ individuals and businesses who have contributed to our cause. We call them "The Keeper's of the Light" and we want you on our team!
Help us meet our goal of 30 monthly donors and receive a special gift from us! No matter the amount, every bit matters!
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Education, Advocacy & Awareness
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Congratulations to our founder on his appointment by the Governor!
Having people with lived-experience in every level of leadership and decision making is the number one priority to solving the complex issues we face.
We were humbled when our Executive Director was appointed by Governor Pritzker to the Governor's Opioid Prevention & Recovery Steering Committee as a representative of lived experience.
This important committee is chaired by Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton, Dr. Ngozi Ezike and Secretary Grace Hou. It's reassuring to know, that anything is possible if you find something your are passionate about and work hard towards your goals.
In addition, we also continue to make our presence known so we can enact long term change. We've been able to strengthen our bonds with our colleagues throughout the state in the many fields our work intersects. This year Perfectly Flawed has had representation on the following teams:
- Illinois Planning Committee for Overdose Prevention in Hospitals
- Illinois Planning Committee for Overdose Prevention in Jails and Prisons
- Illinois State Opioid Advisory (including the subcommittees for Children & Families, Public Awareness and Education, Medical Assisted Recovery and Social Equity)
- Multiple statewide advocacy groups focused on recovery, prevention, harm reduction, education, housing, labor, mental health, criminal justice and more...
- The Communties Project - Leadership Training
If you would like to schedule a time for us to come speak with your organization, contact us directly at team@perfectlyflawed.org
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We've come along way in a few short years and we have a bright future ahead. This year we embarked on strategic planning journey. In this 6 months process, we've been looking at what has worked, what hasn't, where can we improve, where our time is used most effectively, and what our service delivery model might look like moving forward. We've also discussed potential strategic partnerships with other local providers so we can work together effectively to strengthen our community. We look forward to announcing the road map to our future at the beginning of next year! We're here to stay and make a lasting impact in our community and beyond.
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International Overdose Awareness Day
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August 31st is a day to remember! This year we hosted Lori Brown from Buddy's Purpose. Buddy's Purpose is a local partner an organization named after her son, Justin "Buddy" Pratt who tragically passed due to an overdose in 2011. Lori continues to be brave and share Buddy's story so that no parent have to experience the pain that comes with overdose death. Click here to listen to this important conversation!
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"The Perfectly Flawed Foundation has had a very positive impact as a source of support for not only our clients, but for me as well." ~ ReDeploy/Probation Officer - LaSalle County
"We cannot thank you enough for the items you have put together for our client. You have really gone above and beyond to help him, and I can clearly see that the entire Perfectly Flawed team, has true hearts for making real differences. One thing is certain, anyone who crosses paths with all of you will undoubtedly know how much they are cared about." ~Program Director PADS Homeless Shelter
"Got my old job back. Thanks for everything. Probably wouldn't have happened without you help" ~Peer Support Participant
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September is Recovery Month and we've flooded the community by placing 180 signs encouraging hope in 6 local communities! The feedback has been great and we've reached people who really needed some light in their day!
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"I have to tell you I was pretty down today with oncology appointments and tests and so much on my mind. I was having a bad moment. As I turned the light going towards Oglesby off 251 there was inspirational sign after sign just like it was a sign from God that everything was going to be ok. Then I saw it was from your organization. You're teaching more people than just people facing the disease of addiction. Thank you for that!" ~Local community member
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A trusted open door
One of the clearest unmet needs we've found has been our peer support and service navigation which we are able to offer at no cost thanks to our generous supporters. Coming forward for help is no easy task and people trust they are going to be met without judgement when they walk through the doors of The Perfectly Flawed Foundation. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to who can relate with them.
On May 1, we launched our text line and have already had 3656 inbound and outbound messages to date! We have a great team to greet people with compassion and understanding.
We help assist individuals to positive change however they define it! We navigate the local services including housing, food, job assistance, transportation and assist with paperwork when needed. We provide direct non-licensed peer support and help facilitate guidance to a higher level of care when requested. Please text or call 815-830-8675 if we can be of assistance.
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Training
One of the blessings of COVID has been the availability of FREE remote trainings with some of the brightest teachers, coaches and trainers across the country so we can better serve those who need us. Since COVID, our team has trained over 150+ hours on variety of topics, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapies, wellness, prevention, harm reduction, restorative justice and more.
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Support the family, improve the outcome!
Although Covid has caused some barriers, our "Yes4Youth" grants are still available as a resources for parents in recovery and families of loss. The Perfectly Flawed Foundation's Yes4Youth program provides enrichment activities & counseling by licensed providers for youth 17 and under. The goal is to give opportunities to expose youth to activities that they may not otherwise consider. We want to give youth something to say "Yes" to! Give us a call!
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What an eye-opening experience! Perfectly Flawed staff were invited to take part in Challenge Day at LP Highschool! Challenge Day is an experiential social and emotional learning program for grades 7-12 and offers schools and youth organizations an opportunity to ignite a shift toward greater school connectedness, empathy, and inclusivity. It doesn't get much better than this!
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Our message is being heard beyond our local community!
On February 25th, we were invited to speak to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region 5 Opioid Task Force on the role stigma played in our lives. This task force included state and federal representatives from multiple agencies throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. We were in the presence of heroes, led by SAMHSA Regional Administrator Captain Jeff Coady, as they were dressed in fatigues preparing for the unknown of Covid-19.
In addition, this year we were also able to sneak in some presentations to University of Illinois Medical Students, a remote presentation to incarcerated individuals in prisons sites throughout New Mexico via the Peer Education Project, as well as a remote session with a Newman School in Boston! We look forward to continue spreading the word!
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Covid Care Packages
Our staff and volunteers distributed over 1925 personal hygiene supplies including 64 kits to local first responders, hospitals and law enforcement. The kits included masks, gloves and bottles of hand sanitizer donated by Starved Union Spirits. We also launched our COVID resource page immediately after the announcement of closures and set up remote services and peer support for individuals in need. Our work never stops.
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Stay Connected Online Series
Be sure to check out some of our interviews including remote interviews with local wellness coaches, community leaders, therapists and more!
To view the interviews, click here.
*Please note - We currently host a majority of our media and announcements on Facebook and we are working to update web and other forms of media! Thank you for your patience.
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Earth Day
We weren't going to let COVID stop us! We love our Earth Day Warriors! Anyone can make a difference in their community and this year we encouraged people through the area to celebrate Earth Day and post photos to win some awesome give aways from local businesses! Kevin Kramer hosted a online music session with local musicians and we hosted interviews with local wellness coaches, business leaders, Living Lands and Waters, started by CNN Hero of the Year, Chad Pregracke and the always inspiring former White House National Science Teacher of the Year, Mr. Paul Ritter. Click here for our video library and get inspired!
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Covid Blues
Ironically, I am currently in the final days of quarantine due to a Covid positive test. My symptoms have been mild, but mentally was something I wasn't prepared for. I did a little post on it which you can read here.
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Volunteer Spotlight - Matt & Kyle
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Matthew and Kyle doing what they do best at our Derby Party presented by Triple Crown Sponsors S.A.S - Style and Sophistication, Gary & Deb Dahl, and Pappa's Family McDonalds!
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Onward and upward
We are sure going to miss our dynamic-duo stopping by the office! A special thank you to Matthew Klein and Kyle Peterson as they take the next step in their own journey and pursue the work they love! Matthew is a junior attending Bradley University and Kyle is attending Olivet Nazarene as a freshman! We've sure had fun with these two but we know they'll always be close by. The sky is the limit for them! Best of luck!
We'd also like to take a moment and acknowledge everyone who has given their time and talents to The Perfectly Flawed Foundation's mission to date. We celebrate those individuals who provide us with the needed time and expertise to accomplish many of our foundation’s goals!
Our 2020 board is led by board chair Linda Burt and includes local community members TJ Templeton, Alec Hueneberg, Collette Klein, Kimberley Dahl, Tami Thomas-Leonatti, and David Augubright
We would not exist without our volunteers and the support of our board members. Thank You!
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Don't forget! we want you on our team! Donate today and become one of our "Keeper's of the Light". Help us meet our goal of 30 monthly contributors and receive a special gift from us! You can also be a part of The Perfectly Flawed Foundation by clicking here or calling directly at 815-830-8675 during normal business hours. Please forward to your friends who might be interested in signing up for these updates!
Have a great day!
The Team at The Perfectly Flawed Foundation |
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