Mana Community Support Services Community Advocates

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono 
Conversation with Mana Community Support Services founder and community advocate, Elizabeth “Liz” Mailo:
 
            In 2011 Mana Community Support Services, a 501C3 Nonprofit organization was established.  It is a volunteer-based organization with strong work agreements and partnerships with Office of Protection for AD, and Department of Human Social Services.  Referrals work closely with Liz Mailo, Community Advocate who provides various services for victims of violence and those afflicted with mana (mental) health issues.  “Many times, I will advocate for clients by connecting with their doctors for their meds, if they cannot go to the hospital,” shared Liz, “I work closely with Dr. Biukoto, as we share the same clientele.  We work together to identify what works best for the client and families.”
           
            Mana Community Support services offer advocacy, peer support mentoring, counseling for dual diagnosis individuals (those who suffer from both Mana Health and substance abuse), family support and education about Mana Health.  When asked to describe challenges of clients, Liz shared, “I work with families on strategies to de-escalate stressful situations”, versus immediate contact with police officers who may not know the mana health needs.  “When episodes are violent  families will call the police to intervene, and most cases they will send the individual to Tafuna Correction Facility,” shared Liz, “but if I am there I work with the officers to place the individual at Behavioral Health Unit, this allows us to work with the physicians to meet the clients medical needs.”  Many times, she will meet them at the home, or hospital to help transition the client to the hospital.
 
            Additional services provided, peer support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Groups meet every Thursday 9am to 10am.  The group determines a “safe space”, where survivors facilitate and lead the discussions based on need.  Any participants who express the desire to harm themselves, or need additional assistance, are immediately connected to Department of Human Social Services or hospital for assessment.  Mana Strong Group Support sessions are for individuals with mana health and substance abuse issues, are held online with others from across the country.  Meetings are Thursday. Participants learn about triggers and coping skills, as well as how to support each other using “I” sentences, versus “We”, to refocus on the individual, making it about them, not anyone else.  “We continue to learn, share and discuss ways to feel safe and secure, providing support to move forward,” stated Liz Mailo, “learning to let go things not in their control.”  All these services are free.
 
The biggest challenges Liz shared, “Is lack of understanding from service providers, and confidentiality in the community.” Mana Support ensures to gain permission from the clients first.  Confidentiality forms are provided if the client requests.  Mailo confirms, “What the person wants to keep secret, remains secret, until they say otherwise.” Another challenge can be working with service providers who work in silos.  “They will only work with one provider, versus coordinating care, using a group with many tools and support versus one, can be a barrier,” shares Ms. Mailo.  She looks forward to being part of the solution to eliminate the barriers for clients and the community.
 
When asked to provide an example of the “best” change in our community for Mana Health clientele and survivors Liz stated,  “Families are getting to be more acceptable of the needs of their loved ones suffering from Mana Health and substance abuse issue.”  They are working as a team to help the individual. More often she sees families who listen, and know when to step away, and provide clientele leeway to advocate for themselves, giving them confidence. She feels, it is about having a voice, and being heard by the family, not being treated only as a person with a disability and poses a challenge to the community/family.     
 
If you would like more information please contact Liz Mailo at email:   mailo02324@gmail.com or by phone: 684-252-1285.