September Newsletter
Aug 29, 2025
Welcome September & The Season of Change
As we move into September and the start of fall, this season naturally reminds us of transition and growth. Just as the leaves begin to change, it’s a wonderful time to pause, reflect, and set new intentions for the months ahead.
Fall encourages us to slow down, get grounded, and focus on what truly matters. It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit our goals and make small, steady steps toward them. Whether it’s building healthier routines, deepening connections, or completing a long-term project, the shift of the season invites us to realign with purpose.
Let’s embrace this season of change with fresh energy and a renewed commitment to growth. We would like to encourage everyone to invite new people to Project ABLE. The more peers we welcome, the stronger our community becomes.
There are many ways to get involved—through volunteering, activities, and outreach—and each of us can play a part. If you have ideas for new projects or fun activities, please stop by and talk with Sammi or Joanne, our Wellness Coordinators. They would love to hear your suggestions.
Let’s all pitch in so everyone can enjoy A Better Life Experience!
Labor Day Closures
The Salem and Mac offices will be closed on Monday, September 1st for Labor Day. ABLE House will remain open, as it is a 24/7, 365 respite home.
Hands Across the Bridge
Project ABLE will be taking part of the Hands Across the Bridge event on September 13th. There will be tables and vendors at Riverfront Park from 12-3pm before folks join Hands Across the I-5 Bridge at 3pm. All in the community are welcome to attend!
Book Club
Project ABLE has partnered with the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health to host a monthly Mental Fitness Book Club! It takes place the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm at The Book Bin in Salem. This month's meeting is on September 17th. We will be discussing The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Books can also be purchased at The Book Bin.
Special Event
It's Game Time! The special event for September will be a fall celebration on Friday, September 26th from 11am-2pm in Salem! There will be lots of games, community connection, and food. This is a soup potluck so feel free to bring something delicious to share if you are able to!
Salem Calendar Updates
Please note that Community Connections is moving to Wednesdays from 11am-12pm. Also, there will be no Sew Amazing on September 8th or 15th as our facilitator will be out of time. We apologize for any inconvenience!
Facilitator of the Month!
Our facilitator of the month for September is...Joanne Mikan! Joanne is the Wellness Coordinator in Mac and she facilitates a number of their groups. She enjoys rock hounding and fishing. Her greatest accomplishment is gaining a job that she enjoys. Joanne most loves celebrating her achievements by treating herself to Chinese food. She says, "The best advice I've ever received, is to do on to others as you would have done on to you." Joanne, we are so grateful for all the heart and dedication you bring to your work at ABLE!
A BIG Thank You!
A $100 donation was made to Project ABLE in loving memory of Joe Arnold with the note, "Thank you for all the wonderful work you do." Thank YOU for the donation to support us in continuing to provide the peer support services and activities we provide for our communities!
Awareness this Month & Every Month
Did you know that September is Suicide Prevention Month? NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a variety of resources to support you on learning about suicide prevention. You can find that information here. Their motto for 2025's Suicide Prevention Month is "Start a Conversation. Be the Difference." We can fight stigma and save lives by having open, honest conversations about suicide and we can also be aware of resources out there for those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Project ABLE will be providing in-person CEU opportunities for Peer Support Specialists this month to understand their role in suicide prevention. See more information under the Upcoming Trainings header below.
Knit for Mental Fitness Fundraiser
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, filmed at the Oregon State Hospital, the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health is proud to announce Knit For Mental Fitness, a 2025 community initiative supporting mental fitness awareness and benefiting both the Museum and Project ABLE. The Museum, along with the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild, and Wild Knits invites the public to join in knitting iconic “watch cap” style hats, inspired by the ones worn by Jack Nicholson’s character, Randall P. McMurphy, in the film. Click here to learn more!
ABLE House
We are proud to have received positive feedback from both guests and community partners.
Upcoming Trainings
September Trainings:
- September 8th-12th from 9am-5pm in Salem
- September 22nd-26th from 9am-5pm Online
September CEUs:
- September 5th from 12-3pm - in person only! - Salem Project ABLE - Suicide Prevention
- September 19th from 12-3pm - in person only! - Mac Project ABLE - Suicide Prevention
October Trainings:
- October 6th-10th from 9am-5pm - Location TBD
- October 20th-24th from 9am-5pm Online
October CEUs:
- October 3rd from 1-3pm in Salem and Zoom - Embodied
- October 17th from 1-3pm in Salem and Zoom - Grief
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