Turn that frown around during the new year

Some say the goal of managing mental illness is to merely find peace. Then there are those who say that settling for peace is to do nothing more than, well, settle.

The goal, some say, should be achieving some level of happiness and prosperity.

As many people are busy and excited about the upcoming holidays, others are facing holiday season depression that could be exacerbated by loneliness and mental illness or physical disabilities.

That's why there's the aptly named Turn-a-Frown-Around Foundation which, since its establishment in 2001, has helped battle the loneliness felt by hundreds of children and adults with mental or physical conditions.

The organization brings friendship to people and the realization that they are important and have the potential to lead full, rewarding lives.

TAFA has approximately 50 volunteers, the majority of whom have mental or physical disabilities. As they visit children and adults, they build a sense of value and purpose for both themselves and the people they visit.

“It’s amazing that after struggling with the symptoms of my mental illness for many years, I have the tremendous opportunity to use my experiences to help others with similar challenges. It fascinates me that after feeling worthless for such a long time, I believe I live a most worthwhile life. It’s my mission to help others feel this way, too,” said Drew Horn, who co-founded TAFA with Dr. Gregory N. Ervin, a psychopharmacologist.

Horn offers a unique form of stand-up comedy when he visits individuals in psychiatric institutions, nursing homes and other facilities.

“TAFA’s audiences and newly found friends often find a sense of hope and purpose, both critical factors for reintegration into the community and progress toward wellness and recovery,” said Debra L. Wentz, chief executive officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Inc.

Just feeling loved and not lonely makes all the difference. Unfortunately, however, for something so simple and priceless, "it is complicated and demands a price,” Horn said.

“I am so proud of what my volunteers and I have been able to accomplish and I know we can achieve so much more," Horn said. "If funding weren’t an issue, TAFA would be reaching out to thousands more children and adults throughout the nation.”

TAFA is having an impact in ending social isolation for a small portion of those in need and is poised to do so much more. In addition to having a profound influence on the children and adults they visit and experiencing their own personal growth, TAFA volunteers are battling stigma of mental illness in the community, Dr. Wentz said.

“While TAFA has a growing cadre of volunteers, it lacks the vehicles and other support necessary to enable it to fulfill its potential of making as substantial and widespread an impact as possible,” she said.

For more information about TAFA or to book events, contact TAFA at 973-744-4138 or via e-mail Drew Horn at frown2smile@aol.com. TAFA asks for a modest honorarium when arrangements are made for Horn or other TAFA volunteers to provide entertainment and support.

TAFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization and gratefully accepts donations to dedicate to its work.