Words of Hope: Keynote Address Inspires Many

On April 10, 2013, the Cape May County Employment Consortium, a group of key employment and mental health services stakeholders, hosted its annual Employment Summit at the Elks Club in North Wildwood, NJ. One of our faculty members, George Brice, Jr., Instructor in the Integrated Employment Institute gave a heartfelt, motivational keynote address on the important role that employment has played in his recovery from serious mental illness. Many attendees, who also live with mental illness, were moved and touched by George’s story.  Others have heard George speak in the past and shared with the group that George’s inspiring words motivated and enabled them to move forward in their lives and live beyond the label of mental illness.  George continued throughout the event to speak with individuals personally and to provide encouragement to them in their own recovery journeys.  One attendee was so inspired that she wrote an editorial piece for the Cape May County Herald newspaper about the event and George’s encouraging message.  The link to the article is: http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/91593-employment%2Bsummit%2Boffers%2Bhope%2Bdisabled?utm_source=dpcs&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sendToFriend.

The day also included presentations from a Social Security Benefits planner as well as local education and employment programs.  Participants provided positive feedback about the event and presenters.  Overall, this year’s Employment Summit was a success and attended by close to 80 individuals, including people with the lived experience of mental illness, providers, and family members.