Beyond the Box: Recent Episodes
Carrie Woodcock & David Bayne
Where unconventional thinking intersects with societal and cultural norms. We represent the individuals that exist in the grey area outside of the box, embracing individuality and celebrating differences. Life requires creative thinking to successfully navigate the obstacles that are thrown at us. Innovation requires change, and our goal is to make a difference by advocating for health and wellness, housing, education, and opportunity for all members of our community, while challenging stigma and social norms. Beyond the Box opens a dialogue for conversations that need to be had and brings awareness to issues that need to be addressed. We invite you to join us as we discover new solutions. Many will attempt to put you in the box they think you fit in, and it is up to you not to fall into it.
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In this episode Carrie and Dave meet with Gayle Morrissey, who is the Education Coordinator for the adult mental health unit at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. Gayle's job focuses on topics such as educating people about their diagnosis, self-regulation, self-care, coping skills, and becoming more self-aware. Gayle's job changes from person to person and day to day as she provides person-centered, individualized care as she helps provide people with tools to be successful in their lives. In today's episode Gayle explores one of the recent topics that she has been people learn more about - how nutrition can help improve your mental health. Gayle discusses foods that can help, foods to stay away from, tips to stay on track, and moderation.
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We are excited to finally announce our collaboration with the three BOCES locations in St. Lawrence County. Together we are constructing tiny homes built by the students at BOCES that will be transported to S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc.'s garden and greenhouse property, which will begin the development of our social farming community. Each house is a duplex and will provide homes for six separate individuals that are in need of housing in our county, with more on the way next year.
This collaboration has been in progress for the last year, and as the houses finally near completion Dave and Carrie sit down with Nicki O'Donnell, the principal at BOCES Seaway Career and Technical Center located in Norwood, New York. Join us as we discuss how the project originated, the social farming model, the obstacles to get it up and running, the benefits that are provided to both S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. and the BOCES programs, and some of the incredible experiences along the way.
Join Dave and Carrie as they visit with Nicki at BOCES to discuss the project.
Visit our website to check out photos!
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"He loves to grow things, and he is very proud of what he does. Brian worked at the greenhouse and he loved it. He had a purpose, he felt good about himself and like he was contributing. He was so proud to be a part of something, accepted, and to be praised for the work that he did."
~ Barbara Briggs Ward
Dave and Carrie talk with Barb Ward, a local author and self-taught illustrator. Barb also has a long history with Dave and S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. She not only sits on our Board of Directors, but has collaborated with Dave as an advocate for mental health for many years. She has been a long-time advocate on a systems level, but Barb also relates to the topic on a very personal level - as a mother. Barb shares her son Brian’s journey with Schizophrenia and discusses how the Garden and Greenhouse Project improved her son's quality of life. Dave and Barb also discuss their history and how their collaboration led to the Garden and Greenhouse Project at S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. and the many years of advocating that it took to get there.
If you would like to check out some of Barb’s work you can find her at barbarabriggsward.com . Barb and her son, Brian, also recently visited our greenhouse as we are getting it up and running this year. If you’d like to check out some of her photos you can visit our blog us at stepbystepinc.org .
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We are very grateful to be receiving so much support, and we regularly receive messages from our community members asking how they can help. S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. will be hosting an event on Thursday, January 25th called Homeless No More, and we need your help - we need your voice! With your participation we can help reduce homelessness in our community. This is how you can become involved and help us advocate for housing in county.
If you can’t be there, but would like to provide a monetary donation to help support our cause, then you can follow the link below.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepbystepinc
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Welcome back to a new season of Beyond the Box! We know that you are working to make 2024 your best year yet, so whether you are looking to improve your health and fitness or financial health, volunteer in your community, learn strategies to manage stress and anxiety, or improve your nutrition then join Dave and Carrie as they review some of the beneficial resources that our community has to offer to assist you as you embark on your journey.
.We also know how difficult the new year can be for many of us, and if you are in need of help with housing, or need someone to reach out to - maybe even just to talk - then we have resources out there for that too.
Visit our blog at stepbystepinc.org to find more details about accessing the resources available in our community.
We wish you much health and happiness in 2024!
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It has taken Brittanie Kelso fifteen years to be able to share her story, and after hearing it I have even more respect for the strong, resilient, and caring woman that she has become. Britt has a message for the wives, mothers, children, family, and friends that are left behind when someone ends their own life. She shares what it was like to deal with the guilt, judgement, and blame that she felt over the years, and how she overcame all of those things to become the wife, mother, and friend that she is today.
Thank you Brittanie for having the courage to share your story.
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This Week Dave and Carrie sit down with Aida Arias to discuss how she incorporates Chinese Medicine into her Massage Therapy practice. Aida approaches each. massage from a holistic point of view, and uses the ancient practice of Chinese Medicine to help her see the whole picture.
To schedule a massage with Aida you can contact her at:
914-312-5120
609 Canton Street in Ogdensburg, New York
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This week Dave and Carrie interviewed the Director of REACHOUT of St. Lawrence County - Karen Easter. Karen is truly a pioneer in the field of crisis hotline and mobil crisis intervention. Karen answers questions such as what REACHOUT is, what to expect when you call Reachout, how they train their crisis and intervention team, and what to do if you or someone we know is in crisis. Karen talks about how many of us have been affected by suicide in our lives, and it turns out that we were no exception.
REACHOUT of St. Lawrence County - 315-265-2422 - a free, confidential, non-judgmental crisis and information hotline serving residents of St. Lawrence County that focuses on crisis services and supportive listening. After hours and weekend emergencies.
You can also visit the St. Lawrence County Government website to find a list of local Mental Health Service Providers including:=
Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient Treatment
Vocational Services
Peer Support Services/Psychosocial Clubs
Residential Services
Children’s Respite Services
Addiction Services
https://stlawco.org/Departments/CommunityServices/MHSProviders
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In this week's episode Carrie and Davie interviewed Dennis, who has been a member of S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. for over a year now, and shared his story for the first time with us. Dennis's story begins with a dark time in his life when he was on suicide watch, but he shares with us everything that helped him cope. Dennis's experiences have motivated him to begin work as a mental health advocate, and in today's episode he shares some of the things that help him get through his most difficult days.
If you or a loved one are struggling or having suicidal thoughts you can visit the St. Lawrence County Government website to find a list of local Mental Health Service Providers including:
Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient Treatment
Vocational Services
Peer Support Services/Psychosocial Clubs
Residential Services
Children’s Respite Services
Addiction Services
https://stlawco.org/Departments/CommunityServices/MHSProviders
You can also dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline, which offers 24/7 free and confidential support
REACHOUT of St. Lawrence County - 315-265-2422 - a free, confidential, non-judgmental crisis and information hotline serving residents of St. Lawrence County that focuses on crisis services and supportive listening. After hours and weekend emergencies.
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As the editor of North Country This Week and North Country Now, Jimmy Lawton has been one of the voices behind our news coverage here in the North Country for the last fifteen years. He has recently begun an editorial column that is a little bit different than what he is used to, venturing into something a little more personal, and having some conversations that are not easy to talk about, but necessary in the world that we live in today. Dave and I joined Jimmy in the newsroom to talk a little more in depth about his recent article: “Why we can’t stay silent on suicide: reporting on taboo topics is important to ending mental health stigma.”
Watch for Jimmy’s column “The Editor’s Notebook” on North Country Now. I know that we are looking forward to hearing more from Jimmy as he gets this column off the ground.
If you or a loved one are struggling or having suicidal thoughts you can visit the St. Lawrence County Government website to find a list of local Mental Health Service Providers including:
Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient Treatment
Vocational Services
Peer Support Services/Psychosocial Clubs
Residential Services
Children’s Respite Services
Addiction Services
https://stlawco.org/Departments/CommunityServices/MHSProviders
You can also dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline, which offers 24/7 free and confidential support
REACHOUT of St. Lawrence County - 315-265-2422 - a free, confidential, non-judgmental crisis and information hotline serving residents of St. Lawrence County that focuses on crisis services and supportive listening. After hours and weekend emergencies.
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Dave and Carrie are back with the second season of Beyond the Box. They kick the season off with a conversation that is not easy to have, but necessary as we attempt to encourage open discussion and challenge the stigma associated with mental health.
If you or a loved one are struggling or having suicidal thoughts you can visit the St. Lawrence County Government website to find a list of local Mental Health Service Providers including:
Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient Treatment
Vocational Services
Peer Support Services/Psychosocial Clubs
Residential Services
Children’s Respite Services
Addiction Services
https://stlawco.org/Departments/CommunityServices/MHSProviders
REACHOUT of St. Lawrence County - 315-265-2422 - a free, confidential, non-judgmental crisis and information hotline serving residents of St. Lawrence County that focuses on crisis services and supportive listening. After hours and weekend emergencies.
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Do you think Beyond the Box? We are in search of new interviews and stories to tell in 2023. Do you have an inspirational story that you want to share with us? Are you working on something unconventional or advocating for change and want to get your message out there? Then reach out to us! Visit our website at www.stepbystepinc.org, fill out the contact information, and send me a message because every voice matters… even yours.
We can't wait to see who we'll meet in 2023. We wish you health and happiness in the New Year!
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Join us as we talk fitness, nutrition, and New Year's Resolutions with Bridgette Havens, group fitness instructor and nutrition coach. Bridgette shares her inspirational story with us - when she was faced with health challenges she chose to make some changes and take control of her health. Bridgette shares how she got moving, stayed motivated, made lasting lifestyle changes, and how her fit community offers her the support and encouragement to help keep her on track. Bridgette not only has shared her inspirational story, but she also decided to become a fitness instructor and nutrition coach in an effort to help others make positive change in their own lives.
Evolution Group Fitness Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/evolutiongroupfitness
BBJ Bootcamp & Fitness Center Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/BBJFitness2020
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January is quickly approaching, and many of us are thinking about how we are going to improve our financial health in the New Year. This week Carrie and Dave spoke with Richard Tacchino. Richard is a North Country native who has not only spent many years working in the financial industry, but who also knows from experience how challenging it can be to improve your financial health. This podcast will give you the information you need to set your goals for 2023. We discuss how improving you financial health can improve the quality of your life, the importance of building credit and its five most important determinants, how you can recover from financial trouble, how to create an effective budget, the difference between traditional banking institutions and a credit union, what a good credit score range is and how to improve yours, how to prevent identity theft, and the best ways to monitor your credit.
Set yourself up for success and improve your financial health in 2023!
St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union website:
https://www.stlawrfcu.com
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Western and Eastern medicine both offer unique perspectives fundamental to healthcare today. Dave and Carrie met with Allison Smith, a Physician Assistant, Yoga Instructor, Entrepreneur, and North Country native. Allison first began practicing medicine from a traditional Western perspective, but the longer she practiced, the more she realized that although there were things she liked about it... there were also things that she didn't. Allison took a step back, explored some new ideas, and today has created her own unique blend of West and East in her healthcare model. Allison discusses Behavioral Medicine, Yoga, Functional Medicine, Nutrition, and more.
Visit our blog to see the pictures of Allison's studio:
https://www.stepbystepinc.org/blog
Visit Massena Yoga Studio:
https://www.massenayogastudio.com
"We live in the shelter of each other. I truly believe that in all aspects of what we do. If you can keep that in mind then it will help keep your priorities straight and keep you on the path to health and wellness. "
~ Allison Smith
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Dave and Carrie talk with Cindy Small, our educator and Personal Medicine Coach at S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., inc.. Cindy organizes classes, outings, and community events for our Drop-In Center. Join us as we discuss where S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. began and how our Drop-In Center has grown over the last twenty-five years.
Cindy defines Personal Medicine, discusses her open teach model, and talks about how she helps each individual realize and tap into the potential that exists within each of them.
Cindy reminds us not to confine ourselves to any box... because anything is possible when you discover your authentic self.
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Your health and wellness boils down to the choices that you make every day and the daily habits that you create. Join us for this week's episode as we interview Shannon VanHouse and Michelle Catlin, Lifestyle Coaches with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. We discuss the importance of nutrition and touch on topics such as: how nutrition is linked to anxiety and depression and managing and preventing chronic disease, debunking the "eating fresh is more expensive" myth, the pros and cons of different diets, the value in the digestion process of whole foods, what happens to our bodies when we consume processed foods, and where to begin when making changes in your nutrition plan.
In the podcast we referenced Shannon and Michelle's $25 feeds 5 five series. You can follow the link below to learn some fresh, healthy, and inexpensive ways to feed your family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NtdATZaLyw
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Dave and Carrie continue to explore a multi-dimensional, person-centered approach to health and wellness in their interview with Katie Davis. Katie is a Reiki Master, Intuitive Healer, and Breathplay Coach, and we discuss strategies to help manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. Some of the topics that we cover are breath connection, creating a favorable environment, living in the present moment, and learning to say no (setting boundaries). Katie reminds us that we have more power inside us than we know and encourages us to trust ourselves. Join us as we reclaim and redefine the word "selfish" and acknowledge the importance of self-care.
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We all experience pivotal moments in our lives when we know that it is time to make a change. Perhaps you are struggling with a serious health complication, unhappiness in your relationships or career, financial instability, or any number of circumstances that life has thrown at you. It is often fear that initiates our desire for change. What is going to happen to me if I don't take better care of myself? Is this all that I am going to accomplish in my life?
Fear highlights the distance between where we are now and the goal to be achieved, and the presence of fear when undertaking a big goal tells you that you are stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone. However, while fear can initially motivate us to take action, it is unlikely that fear alone will inspire us long enough to accomplish our goal. In this episode we discuss the good and bad side of fear, as well as some strategies that will help you stay motivated long enough to accomplish your goal once the fear has worn off.
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You are a multi-dimensional being, with your own unique blend of physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual components that make you perfectly, imperfectly you. Your genetic make-up, environment, and circumstances can never be replicated. There is, and will only ever be, one you.
This is why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to improving your life. Whether you are trying to lose weight, improve your finances, change your career, manage a health obstacle, or reach any other goal that you are striving to achieve, what worked for someone else might not work for you. We are all individuals with our own unique set of circumstances and obstacles to overcome.
In this week's episode we discuss a holistic and person-centered approach to improving your health and wellness. We offer some basic strategies that will help you determine where to start when implementing change into your life.
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With cold weather on the horizon,. we have been receiving an increasing number of emails from people that are in need of housing. Unfortunately all of our units are currently full. We do have a waiting list, but there are more resources available in our community. In this week's podcast we interview Lindsay Best from St. Lawrence County Community Services to help provide tools that you can access if you or someone you know are in need of housing or services.
Lindsay discusses the different programs and agencies in St. Lawrence County that can assist with finding housing, receiving financial assistance, and accessing wrap-around services.
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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepbystepinc
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https://www.stepbystepinc.org/blog
Have you ever felt emotionally dominated or abused, or like a victim of injustice? If you have felt held back personally, socially, professionally, or financially, or as though you were unjustly controlled by another, then you know all too well how devastating oppression can feel.
Oppression can traumatize a person over time. It strips a person of his human dignity and identity, and the result is deeply felt pain, and frustration.
When we first met Casey earlier in the summer we met a very different person than the one that met with us for this interview. The smiling and lively person that had come into our office only a few short weeks before had been replaced by a man that was struggling to hang on to hope. Casey tells us that he now understands very clearly what it means to "kick a man when he is down."
Join us as we wrap up our "Under the Bridge" series for the time being and discuss some of the common themes that have surfaced in our homeless interviews.
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https://www.stepbystepinc.org/blog
This week we continue with our Under the Bridge Series, where Dave and I talk with some of the homeless in our community to better understand what is happening, and to shed some light on the questions that we have.
Ed's story and circumstances are very different than anyone else we have spoken to. Ed spent the majority of his life hiding who he was, and it has taken him many years to be comfortable enough to share with us. Ed's story and message of self-acceptance reinforced our awareness that each individual has a unique story. Join us as we delve a little deeper and hear a new perspective surrounding the community that exists Under the Bridge.
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."
~ Kurt Cobain
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In this week's episode Carrie and Dave address the two most common questions that have been asked after the first three episodes of Beyond the Box:
How can I help?
How do I receive more information to apply for housing?
Carrie interviews Tammy Bush, the Deputy Director of S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc., who gives some helpful information on how you can help in your own community, as well as discusses how to apply for housing at the Lincoln School Apartment Program.
Sign up to receive an invitation to our Open House:
https://www.stepbystepinc.org
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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stepbystepinc
Marley's story is a very different narrative than the one we heard from Mountain Man last week. It is emotional and raw, and gives us a glimpse into what it is like to live with addiction. Despite her traumatic past, today Marley sees herself as a survivor and has a strong will to better her circumstances. She has overcome obstacles and continued to fight through experiences of which I am not certain I would have had the strength to do the same. I initially was afraid that I wouldn't be able to offer enough of the support that Marley needed, but she helped me to realize that giving someone the opportunity to have a voice and be heard can make a difference.
Why is there suddenly such a drastic increase in the homeless population? Why are we seeing people sleeping in the dumpster and congregating in the park? Are they traveling together? Where are they coming from, and how in the hell did they ever end up here in our remote area of Upstate new York? Walking into my first interview I thought those questions were going to be easy, straightforward answers. However, what I discovered Under the Bridge was far more complicated than that.
Who doesn't feel overwhelmed by the daily rat race? Who doesn't feel like they want to extricate themselves from society and live in the wilderness when life gets overwhelming? Well, Mountain Man not only thought it, but he retreated to the wilderness in Canada, withstanding temperatures of negative fifty degrees below Fahrenheit during the coldest winter months. In this week's podcast I share his story, the first of the interviews that I conducted in an attempt to understand a little bit more about what is happening in our community.
With each interview I went away thinking, “Well, they can't be part of the group that everyone is talking about. They must be the exception. What I’ve begun to suspect is that they are all exceptions, each with their own story. And their lives intersect Under the Bridge.
In the debut episode of Beyond the Box, Carrie sits down with Dave, the Executive Director of S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. - a small, peer-run, non-profit organization located in Ogdensburg, New York. Carrie and Dave discuss the agency's twenty-five year history, how their one room Drop-In-Center has expanded to offer more community services, and how they've implemented a Community Housing Initiative. While staying true to their grassroots mission, S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc.. has grown from assisting only those discovering and recovering with mental illness, and now aims to improve the mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being of every member of our community.