Tag: social worker

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

- Stephanie Leave a comment

“You couldn’t question it, or take it for granted. You had to be grateful. Because what had been given to you could just as easily be taken away.”
― Sally Hepworth, Darling Girls

Norah, Jessica, and Alicia may not be blood related, but they are sisters in every other sense of the word. The three women met when they were each placed separately with Miss Fairchild, their foster mother, at a gorgeous and idyllic farming estate called Wild Meadows. Each girl was rescued from a different family tragedy and told how lucky they were to be brought to Miss Fairchild. They hoped for a second chance at a happy family life, but Miss Fairchild had other plans.

Miss Fairchild may have greeted them with positive hopeful intentions, but their childhoods slowly morphed into something for which the three girls were unprepared. Their hopeful fairy tale shattered into pieces when Miss Fairchild revealed her not-so-nice side. Crossing Miss Fairchild by not following her rules or for any unpredictable reason could land the girls in major trouble.

The girls, desperate to escape, search for a way to save themselves. Once they are able to run away from Miss Fairchild, they are hopeful that they will never have to see her or visit Wild Meadows again. Their hopes are dashed when, as adults, they receive phone calls from detectives alerting them that a body had been found under the Wild Meadows house. Jessica, Norah, and Alicia are called back, but be it as victims or suspects is still up for debate. Returning as adults isn’t easy for the sisters. Long-held secrets are drudged up as the three work through issues from their past and their present in an attempt to solve this new crime.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth had me hooked from the beginning. Set in Australia, Hepworth breaths life into her characters and surroundings with compelling narratives and well-written dialogue. Just when you think you have the story figured out, she throws in twists and turns that push you in a completely different direction. What really drew me in was the deep connection between Jessica, Norah, and Alicia and how that bond was unbreakable. Hepworth doesn’t hesitate to discuss how childhood traumas can affect adults, even taking time to discuss the nitty gritty of the traumas they suffered.

This title is also available in Playaway audiobook, large print, and CD audiobook.

Social Work Spotlight: Bridge Appointments

- Stephanie Leave a comment

BRIDGE APPOINTMENTS

This month, our resource spotlight focuses on Bridge Appointments, a newly introduced service now available to Eastern Iowa residents through the Eastern Iowa Crisis Region System. While many are familiar with the crisis system’s emergency hotline, few may know about the additional support services it offers, all aimed at strengthening our communities.

Bridge Appointments were created in response to the lengthy and intimidating process many individuals face when seeking psychiatric care, especially if they are inconsistent with provider visits. So, what exactly are Bridge Appointments?

Bridge Appointments, as defined by the Eastern Iowa Crisis Region System, are appointments with a psychiatric provider to bridge the gap for individuals needing behavioral health medication. Through telehealth, individuals requiring these medications can receive a psychiatric evaluation and prescription, helping them until they can secure ongoing psychiatric care.

To qualify for this free service:

  • You must be an Eastern Iowa resident aged 12 or older.
  • It’s available to residents of Scott, Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, and Muscatine counties.
  • You must have a scheduled ongoing psychiatric care appointment before a bridge appointment can be scheduled.
  • A care coordinator will be assigned to assist you through the process.
  • No insurance is required, as the Eastern Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region funds the service.

If you need a bridge appointment referral, you can visit the Davenport Public Library, where a social worker can assist you. Alternatively, you can contact any Eastern Iowa Region Crisis System staff member.

For more information about Bridge Appointments or if you have questions, please email amy.gold@unitypoint.org or danielle.atta@unitypoint.org or visit https://easterniowamhds.org/eastern-iowa-crisis-system.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or requires emergency assistance, please dial 988 or contact the 24-Hour CRISIS LINE at 855.581.8111.