Learning How To Talk

by WHYY & OC87 Recovery Diaries

“It is possible for people with a mental illness to do well in life, and to be comfortable with who they are.” —Evan Kaplan

OC87 Recovery Diaries and Philadelphia public television station WHYY teamed up with groups from four area mental health providers to create original short films that detail journeys of recovery and transformation. The first time filmmakers were in charge of shooting, editing and structuring the video.

We are thrilled to present the second of the four projects, Learning How to Talk, directed and edited by Evan Kaplan and William Lipscomb, about the founding of Child and Family Connections, Inc. (CFC).

Next up is the OC87 Recovery Diaries behind the scenes interview with Evan and William, the creators of the above video.

Learning How To Talk charts Evan Kaplan’s journey from the depths of depression and despair to his current role as Executive Director of CFC, a vibrant non-profit that that supports families struggling with parental psychiatric disabilities.

WHYY’S Director of Media Instruction Craig Santoro works with William Lipscomb and Evan Kaplan on their video project

“I struggle with bipolar disorder and ADHD and it’s been a central struggle in my life. A few years ago my daughter (who was nine at the time) came to me and said, ‘Dad I wish I could talk to other kids who had parents with mental health problems.’ Child and Family Connections has grown from a group of people working to find support to a full fledged non-profit.” — Evan Kaplan

William Lipscomb and Evan Kaplan

“I do have this overwhelming need to help people understand where mental illness is coming from, and to be brutally honest about it in a way that I think a lot of people aren’t able to do or aren’t willing to do. And my hope by doing that is to be able to connect with people.” –Evan Kaplan

Evan Kaplan takes a turn with the camera

“I was just expecting to learn how to use a camera! That’s it. I’ve learned a great deal more than how to use a camera! It’s just amazing. I had no idea that I’d be able to do something like that.” –William Lipscomb

William Lipscomb tries the new camera

William Lipscomb is a certified peer specialist that works with Horizon House. Located in Philadelphia, Horizon House is a resource in the community to adults with psychiatric or developmental disabilities, drug and alcohol addictions, and/or homelessness by providing a continuum of services and supports and community resource coordination.

“Evan’s story shows hope — no matter where you’ve been in life, and no matter what has happened, there are ways to combat a lot of those things, get through that, and become a productive member of society again” — William Lipscomb

Evan Kaplan editing

“I would love to reach as many people as possible. I hope viewers will take away the understanding that having a severe mental illness is a disability and it’s a handicap and there are folks like myself who never thought we would be where we are today. But it’s possible. Recovery definitely is possible. It takes a lot of perseverance and a little inspiration and a lot of support from other people.” — Evan Kaplan

Be sure to check out the rest of the I AM A VOICE HERE videos.

See Related Recovery Stories: Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health Short Films