The holidays can be full of excess and indulgence. For people who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse, the holidays can be especially difficult. Because holiday celebrations often include alcohol, its availability is more prominent than usual. In addition, many people turn to alcohol and other drugs to cope with the stresses the holidays bring.

If you struggle with substance abuse, Montrose Counseling Center's Chemical Dependency Program may be just what you need. The state-licensed drug and alcohol treatment program is designed to meet the needs of GLBT individuals and those living with HIV/AIDS. The eight-week intensive outpatient program includes individual, family, and group therapy and transitional recovery aftercare services.

A client recently shared her experiences in the Chemical Dependency Program by sharing these words:

When you're ready to get help, we're here for you. For more information or to set up an intake appointment, please call 713.529.0037.

Chemical Dependency Program Coordinator Andrea Washington, LCSW, encourages people to seek treatment for substance abuse before they run into problems at work, with significant others, or find themselves with medical, financial, or legal problems. "There is a marked difference between when people should get treatment and when they do," says Washington, "People should get treatment before their drug use becomes a huge problem in their lives, but they often wait to get treatment until this is already the case."

For those who are already in recovery, one of the ways to manage holiday temptations is to plan ahead. If time with family members causes you so much stress that you in the past you have turned to drugs or alcohol to cope, try limiting the amount of time you spend with them. If you are going to a celebration where you know there will be lots of alcohol consumption, bring your own beverages.

To avoid relapse, Washington suggests people seek out 12-step meetings which are available on holidays. She also encourages people who are in recovery to spend as much time as possible with people who will remain sober during the holidays. It may also help to volunteer at local service organizations.

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Only a little more than one month since President Obama signed the Matthew Shepherd and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a ninth grader in the Cy-Fair Independent School District was beaten up by classmates who used anti-gay slurs during the off-campus attack, saying they were going to beat him so that he would no longer be gay. The victim, who is openly gay, says he made repeated attempts to alert school staff that he had been harassed and threatened by other students at Langham Creek High School, to no avail. A 16-year-old student has been charged with assault, and the victim's family is looking to have those charges elevated to Hate Crime status.

If you feel that you have been the victim of a hate crime, you are not alone. MCC offers support and advocacy services to individuals who have suffered bullying, abuse or violence stemming from discrimination motivated by racial, religious, ethnic, sexual orientation, disability, or gender bias. Individual and group therapy is available, and you may qualify for grant funding.

You don't have to go through this alone. Please call 713.529.0037 to set up an intake appointment.

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December marks Montrose Counseling Center's 31 years as a safe, affirming place where GLBT individuals can go to get their mental health and support needs met. From the vision of a small group of community leaders, MCC has grown to become a stable hub of Houston's GLBT communities. Services include individual, couples, family and group therapy; HIV/AIDS counseling, case management, HIV testing, street outreach, and prevention education; 24-hour crisis intervention through Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston; emergency shelter for those fleeing abuse partners; chemical dependency treatment; youth services; and senior support.

In FY09, MCC is extremely proud to have impacted 37,046 lives:

• 1,269 clients received counseling services
• 691 clients received case management services
• 1,353 participants were tested for HIV
• 22,562 people took one of our Education classes
• 10,101 individuals received street outreach services through our HIV Risk Reduction program
• 841 callers dialed Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston for assistance
• 229 youth attended HATCH meetings/events
• 115 seniors received counseling, peer support, and case management through SPRY

For more detailed information about our programs, join us for a behind-the-scenes tour at 6 p.m. every Monday through December 14. Tours last a half hour and allow you to see where our services take place. Walk-in's are welcome! Simply check in with our receptionist on the 2nd floor. You may also Rsvp to 713.800.0872 or by email.

In the last few years, Montrose Counseling Center has grown to meet a new need of the community, by dedicating the GLBT Cultural Center on its 1st floor, for local GLBT nonprofit meetings, community organizations, and events. We are proud that Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History (GCAM), Dignity Houston, Pride Houston, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Houston Chapter, Lesbian Health Initiative, Revels Houston, and Delta Phi Upsilon have made their homes in the GLBT Cultural Center by leasing office space.

Whether your organization is looking for a permanent home or if you are looking for a venue for an upcoming commitment ceremony, movie screening, meeting, or event, the GLBT Cultural Center has available, affordable space. Rentable spaces can accommodate up to 268 people.  Lease-able office space is available for nonprofit groups, but spaces are going quickly. For more information, click here.

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Confidentiality. That's a word we don't take lightly here at Montrose Counseling Center. You are probably familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Montrose Counseling Center strictly abides by HIPAA laws but goes even further in protecting clients' confidentiality. For example, when you call Montrose Counseling Center, we are not able to see your name and phone number with Caller ID. In turn, we automatically block our name and phone number from being sent to you when we call out because we don't want to convey any information that may be sensitive should someone see who's calling you. Your partner, friend, family member, employer, etc., may not know that you are seeking services here, and we wouldn't want them to find out because we didn't care enough to protect your privacy.

Much as we try to reduce the stigma associated from receiving the kind of services we provide, we firmly believe that all of these issues are private. In addition, you may wonder why the sign outside our building only reads, "MCC, 401 Branard Street." That's because we don't want people to jump to the conclusion that you need mental health care or chemical dependency treatment, that you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, or that you are HIV positive, just because you are walking into our building. We want this to be a safe place for you to come and find the help you need without worrying about who is going to find out. If people saw "Montrose Counseling Center" on the outside of the building, they may make all kinds of assumptions that may or may not be true.

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After World AIDS Day passes December 1, help us continue to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and recognize the impact this disease has had on our community, and on our world. A Paper Chain of Remembrance will decorate Montrose Counseling Center's 2nd floor lobbies throughout December. Everyone is welcome to decorate a link with an inspiring message or in memory of someone we've lost to the disease. Each year, the chain grows as people give tribute to those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Around the World information will also on display in the 2nd floor lobbies throughout December. The display will feature pictures and stories of how HIV/AIDS has impacted nations around the world.

One of the most important ways you can pass this World AIDS Day is by getting informed about your status. To schedule a free HIV assessment and test, please call the Outreach department at 713.529.0037. If you would like to find out more about Montrose Counseling Center's HIV Counseling or Case Management programs, please follow the menu links on the top left side of this screen.

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From left: Ron Kerr and Dina Salazar of Platinum 1 Properties present Associate Executive Director Eric Carrera with a check from their Red Carpet event on November 12. The event raised $400 for MCC's programs.

 

 

Reverend Adam Robinson and the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston shared their offerings with HATCH throughout November. First UU has been a long-time supporter, making donations multiple times a year, for many years. HATCH grew out of a First UU youth group.

 

Carl Han, in center (black shirt), hosts a brunch to benefit HATCH in the community room of the GLBT Cultural Center on Saturday, November 21. The Mardi-Gras themed brunch featured home-made New Orleans cuisine and raised $1,095 for June's upcoming HATCH prom.

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Who needs another sweater? Give a more meaningful gift by making a donation to MCC in your loved ones' names. You may designate your donation to the program of your choice, or we will use the funds where they are most needed. A letter of recognition will be sent to the honoree, and if you'd like, we can email you something to print in recognition of your gift. It would be a great addition to any holiday card. Make an online donation here, send a donation to 401 Branard, 2nd Floor, Houston, Texas 77006, c/o Development, or call 713.800.0872.

To give a gift that'll last a lifetime, consider sponsoring a room in a loved one's name, and he/she will forever be a part of our community's history. Rooms may be named for yourself, someone you love, or your favorite community group. Opportunities begin at $5,000, and pledges may be satisfied over time. Email us or call 713.800.0872 for more information.

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Be a part of Montrose Counseling Center's 21st Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration, which will be held on Friday, March 12, 2010. Due to the generous underwriting of the party's host John Danielson, one hundred percent of all money raised at the event will go to direct client services.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $50 - $5,000 and include tickets to the event. Email us or call 713.800.0872 for more information. Donations must be received by January 15, 2010, to be included in promotional materials.

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Whether you're hosting a party this holiday season or doing your regular grocery shopping, you can support MCC without spending an extra dime! Simply link your Randalls Remarkable Card to MCC's account by filling out this application and presenting it at the Courtesy Booth. You can link your Kroger Plus Card to MCC's account by printing this bar code and having your checker scan it. If you haven't re-linked your account to us since July, it's time to do so!

Have you decided that you'll do your holiday shopping in the privacy and comfort of your own home? By using Goodshop to do your online shopping, Montrose Counseling Center can receive a percentage of your purchases. Simply choose us as your designated charity. It's that easy! Goodshop allows you to shop at over 700 stores online, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Macy's, Sears, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, and many, many more.

Did you know that you can raise money for MCC every day by replacing your current search engine with Goodsearch? Simply choose MCC as your designated charity, and we will receive a penny every time you run an online search. Get started today by adding Goodsearch to your internet toolbar.

Looking for a unique and meaningful holiday gift? Give them an HIV/AIDS awareness bracelet, available through Until There's A Cure Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness about HIV/AIDS. Mention Montrose Counseling Center with your order, and MCC will receive 25 percent of the sale. Bracelets are available in a variety of colors, designs, and materials. Visit Until There's A Cure to find the design that'll make that perfect gift.

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Ring in the holidays by attending one of these fun, spirited performances, presented by Bayou City Performing Arts.

In Winterlight, the Bayou City Women's Chorus will display the mystery, colors, moods, and joy of the winter season with great songs bringing you true holiday spirit. With songs like Cold and Fugue Season and Winter Troika Ride, it is guaranteed to be a fun concert that will kick start the winter season. The shows will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Unity Church on Saturday, December 5, and Tuesday, December 8.

In A Twisted Holiday, the Gay Men's Chorus of Houston will take the some popular holiday tunes, re-familiarize you with them, and then twist them 'til you are rolling with laughter. For good measure, they'll even throw in a few unique songs for future holidays. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Jones Hall on December 15.

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Under the reign of Emperor and Empress XXV J.P. and Marcia Mink Anne Gill, the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc. (ERSICSS) raises funds for HATCH as one of Reign XXV’s charities. Please help HATCH by supporting them at these upcoming events, which include:

• A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, presented by Candidate for Empress XXVI Sheri Anne Bouton, at 8 p.m. at the BRB
• A Very Beary Christmas, a direct benefit for HATCH on behalf of the Houston Area Bears through ERSICSS Reign XXV, presented by Candidate for Emperor XXVI Falcon Fuhr, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, at Tony's Corner Pocket
• Leather Daddy Santa Pictures at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, at The Ripcord
  
• Lights of Love and Christmas Show at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, at the BRB

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One component of the newly designed Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston website is the GLBT Resource Directory, where GLBT-dedicated and -affirming service providers are encouraged to add/update their listings. Organizations can be viewed in the following categories: Arts/Cultural, Community/Events, Education/Advocacy, Health Care, HIV/AIDS Support, Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Religious/Spiritual, Senior Support, Social/Recreational, Support Services, and Youth Support.

If you are the representative of a GLBT-affirming agency, please add/update your organization's listing by clicking here.

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GLBT youth, ages 13-20, and GLBT seniors, ages 60 and older, are invited to make use of the David Bohnett Cyber Center Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 2 - 4 p.m. The Cyber Center consists of state-of-the-art computers and color laser printer. Cyber Center shifts are staffed by volunteers, who can assist participants as needed. Please note that the Cyber Center will be closed on Friday, December 25.

Cyber Center users do not need to be clients of MCC or participants in SPRY or HATCH. GLBT youth and seniors are welcome to drop by during Cyber Center hours. The Cyber Center is located in Room 101 of the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. For more information, please call 713.800.0872.

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• Holiday Pot luck on Thursday, December 10 at 4 p.m. Bring your favorite holiday dish!
  
• Movie screening of Making Love on Thursday, December 17, at 2 p.m.

For more information about SPRY, visit the SPRY website, watch this video, or call 713.529.0037.

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Montrose Counseling Center's Continuing Education classes will feature Cultural Sensitivity/Diversity on Friday, December 18 from 1 - 5 p.m. The class will take place in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC and is open to everyone. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for LMSWs, LBSWs, LCDCs, and LPCs. The class costs $40 if prepaid. There will be an additional $10 fee if paid at the door.

For more information about upcoming Continuing Education classes and how to register for them, click here. Please call MCC's Education Department at 713.529.0037 for additional information.

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Huge thanks go out to Falcon, Scott Kenyon, and Josh Jones for organizing November 11's Illuminations Project, where local artists, musicians, and dancers performed to increase HIV/AIDS awareness as a part of Houston's World AIDS Day celebrations. Thank you, Falcon, for making MCC a beneficiary of this important event.

Thank you to Ron Kerr, Lan Nguyen, and Dina Salazar of Platinum 1 Properties for their benefit on November 12. Thank you also for all of the help you've provided us in locating affordable housing for our case management clients.

We sincerely appreciate Carl Han and his supporters for throwing the 4th annual brunch for HATCH on November 21. Everyone had wonderful things to say about the delicious food and the great company, and June's HATCH prom will be even better this year because of the funds raised at the event.

Thanks to First Unitarian Universalist Church for sharing their offerings with HATCH throughout November. First UU has been there since the very beginning of HATCH, which grew out of one of its youth groups.

Our sincere thanks go out to those who hosted the following ERSICSS shows in support of HATCH as a Reign XXV charity:

• Candidate Announcement show
• Steak Night, hosted by Candidate for Emperor XXVI Matt Gill
• Louis's 85 Card and Frakle Tournament, hosted by Candidate for Emperor XXVI Matt Gill
• Candidate Show

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