My Lady and I had a wonderful day yesterday...beginning with exchanging some of my quilts at Copper Country Mental Health. Yes, my quilts are still there...My Story Line and others, that are just for fun!
Each time I enter Copper Country Mental Health, I feel the kindness from those who work there...and their appreciation for my lady and I. How my whole self is accepted there, not just my lighter parts, but the darkness as well.
It is nice for my Art to be out and about and not rolled up in the basement!
I then went to deliver some of my calendars and met with a woman who wants us to work on getting the word out about domestic violence and in exposing where help is. I know that most are not aware of the helping resources and often we want to hide these place due to the confidentiality of their clients, and in doing so, we often hide the very places for those in need, who don't know they are there. Our goal is to open up this healing avenue and lessen the stigma of seeking help. I will glady use My Lady as Art for this project, to have her be the signpost for being courageous and getting help...getting out and restoring your sense of self.
I was invited to the Women's Group at the Clubhouse. Another well kept secret...at least for me. They have been operating in plain view for nearly 20 years in Hancock. A truly wonderful concept.
Their flyer states...
A right place to come.
A right to meaningful relationships.
A right to meaningful work.
A right place to return to.
"A Clubhouse is first and foremost a community of people. Much more than simply a program, or a social service, a Clubhouse is a community of people who are working together toward a common goal, recovery from mental illness."
"A Clubhouse is a community intentionally organized to support individuals living with the effects of mental illness. Through participation in a Clubhouse people are given the opportunities to rejoin the worlds of friendships, family, meaningful work, employment, education, and to access the service and supports they may individually need. A Clubhouse is a restorative environment for people who have had their lives drastically disrupted, and need the support of others who believe that recovery from mental illness is possible for all."
In spending only one afternoon there, I was amazed to feel the efforts or presence and value of each person there. Where you don't right away know who is overseeing the place and who is working towards their goal of recovery. I felt the equality of worthiness and helpfulness in each, and how a task was accomplish that day...that hour etc...a reason to be there. Driven by choices and the desire to be there and by how much your services are needed. I could felt its community and whole.
I donated this Meditation quilt... They have a meditation practice which I feel is so helpful.
I was sincerely impressed by the application of Clubhouse and its members! What an awe inspiring program.
At the end of the day, I was left with the feelings and the juxtaposition in how we can be more open and transparent of each of the services and yet confidential or attentive to the rights of the individuals.
I understand the need for confidentiality, but if it comes at the cost of being so secretive it is shameful in its tone, I am not sure it is helpful. We all seek help for our physical bodies and seeking help for our mental wellness has such a negative stigma. When it is the strongest among us who recognize their weakness....how can we showcase these individuals and stories as the heros they are...without breaking the confidentiality?
I know, that I am proud of my recovery...and have no shame about my abuse...it would be my desire to make this possible for all.
(Thanks to the staff and members of The Clubhouse and Copper Country Mental Health for your dedication for recovery and assistance in our mental health needs!)
