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In the past 24 years, Dr. Jennifer F. Kelly has been working tirelessly to help mentally challenged individuals in her native town of Gulfport, Mississippi, Tallahassee, Florida, Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to a private practice in Atlanta, Dr. Kelly has been actively involved in numerous professional and social organizations and has received several rewards for her outstanding services. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Jennifer F. Kelly has been serving on the Board of Project Interconnections since 1996. She has observed the changes around the public with mental illness in the Metro Atlanta area and what Project Interconnections has done for those in need. We asked Dr. Jennifer F. Kelly about her profession, her thoughts on the mental health issues, and her expectations for Project Interconnections.
What opportunity brought you and Project Interconnections together?
In 1996, Project Interconnections needed a psychologist who understands public policy and had experiences in working with mentally challenged individuals to be on board. I had years of experiences in doing community counseling with the state of Mississippi, on a forensic unit at Florida State Hospital, and knew well about the existing needs and issues in the system. Project Interconnections’ vision in providing supportive housing to under privileged and mentally challenged adults is in line with my vision. I gladly took on the opportunity to be an active participant in Project Interconnections when they asked. I become the secretary of the board in the late 90’s in the hope to help stabilize the organization when Project Interconnections met its first leadership change and organization challenge.
You have committed to the Board of Project Interconnections for 13 years, what drives you to continue?
During the deinstitutionalization movement in the 70's many mentally ill people were discharged from professional agencies and institutions without any supervision or support system in place to maintain mental stability. Many of them had become homeless and began wandering on the streets. Large cities like New York and Atlanta faced the most serious challenges in various social aspects.
Leaving these mentally challenged people on the street is not only morally wrong, but it adds much burden to tax payers. Furthermore, often times both the patients and the families do not know how to maneuver through the complex system to get much needed help and support. Project Interconnections’ unique and practical business model fits nicely in this long avoided and neglected population and makes a significant impact on the society. Seeing the residents taking small steps to their way to a better life is all the motivation one ever needs to push oneself.
What is your most memorable moment with Project Interconnections?
I remember accompanying members of Leadership Atlanta on a tour to O'Hern House years ago. During the visit, the residents showed us around the house and their studio with much pride and joy. They were proudly showing us how clean the place was (you could smell the Pine oil!). Although their studio is a very limited 10’ x12’ space, they were all very proud of the fact that they were not living on the street, and had a place they can call "home". This small space is not just some place with a roof over their head; it is the place that is stable and safe, and represents hope and future. They now have a better chance to acquire a decent job and maintain adequate grooming and hygiene.
Watching the pride and smile on the residents’ face, I am proud to be part of the team to assist Project Interconnections to achieve its mission.
What do you see the future development and the needs for Project Interconnections?
For 20 years, the philosophy of Project Interconnections has proven to work well for those under privileged and mentally challenged adults in Metro Atlanta. It creates physical and emotional shelters for residents during the toughest time in their life; it also helps them to regain self-esteem and confidence.
Project Interconnections’ operation model allows the housing programs to be integrated into neighboring communities, O'Hern House and Presley Woods Apartments are the best examples. Also, the Presley Woods and Rosalynn Apartments successfully enable residents to get a job so they can start taking care of themselves again.
Project Interconnections currently owns four (4) housing projects for mentally ill people around the Metro Atlanta area, Pheonix House, O’Hern House, Presley Woods Apartments, and Rosalynn Apartments. In order to achieve these goals, we need to get more support and funds to create more housing units for people in need. We also hope to get psychiatrist on board to provide more insight to serve the residents.
Dr. Jennifer F. Kelly is a Licensed Clinical psychologist whose practice is devoted to helping people improve their mental health in great Atlanta area. She has been the Director of the Atlanta Center for Behavioral Medicine since 1994. Dr. Kelly addresses a variety of mental health concerns in her practice; her expertise is treating disorders that involve the relationship between physical and emotional conditions. She is actively involved in numerous professional and social service organizations.
Immense thanks to Dr. Kelly for making time for us in her extremely busy schedule.
To learn more about Dr. Kelly, check here |
Interview with Dr. Jennifer F. Kelly, Center for Atlanta Behavioral Medicine
