This week made 2 months for me working at Vincent House. It's a Clubhouse (part of ICCD, see pic below) for people struggling with mental illness. The model stresses recovery though work, both in the house and, as people are ready, out in the community in regular paid jobs. The magic of it is the combination of work and supportive relationships, both with other members and with staff. My role is to engage members in the work of the house (and there is plenty of meaningful work- we stay busy busy) and to form authentic caring relationships. I love it. It's challenging, dynamic and appeals to my heart. Some days I come home exhausted and it can de draining emotionally/socially since I'm something of an introvert and this job requires constant interaction. But at the same time it builds me up. I love hugs and listening to peoples stories. I love to rejoice in the small victories people share with me. Members have shared with me the delight of getting their first apartment, paying their first electric bill, receiving a first paycheck, saving up for a meal at a restaurant, finally feeling understood, going out with friends, etc. etc. It is helping me cherish all the small victories in my own life. I feel like part of a community and I believe in the clubhouse model. After so much searching for the right job here in the U.S. (and after a while any job) I am so grateful to have held out and found this one!
5 comments:
Estas haciendo muy bien, baby, estoy orgulloso de ti. Es un buen trabajo y un buen lugar para aprender. Mucho ánimo y que cumplas muchos mas!!! Un abrazín
Uy, perdón por meterme en conversaciones parejiles, jejeje.
What you are doing sounds fantastic -- I wish we, as a society, were willing to help those who fall through the cracks more often, there are so many left behind... What crazy times we're in when taking care of each other is an exception!
Question: do you know if there is anything similar in Montreal? I have a friend who is in need exaclty of that kind of help. If it doesn't exist, we'll have to invent it!! :o)
Hi Lunatrix! y Marco, gracias por los animos :)
Well, it looks like there aren't any clubhouses in Montreal :( There are quite a few in Canada, but none in Quebec. This is the link to the full list of Clubhouses all over the world.
http://www.iccd.org/ClubhouseDirectory.aspx
I'm so new to this area that I don't really know what else to recommend. Clubhouses follow a wellness model so the emphasis is on each persons capabilities and talents instead of their illness/diagnosis. Other programs that have that focus would be my recommendation. Mental health care can be very difficult to navigate in the U.S. and the system is broken in a lot of ways (like the whole healthcare system) It may be better in Canada? Keep me posted, I'd like to learn more about other programs and resources. There is also support for new clubhouses so if there is a group interested in starting one in Montreal they can!
Thanks Laia!! I will see if I can find something very similar. So many people could use this kind of help, there has to be something ...
Un abrazo :o)
When you love your job, you never work!!
I'm so proud of people who does this kind of work.
Not many people like to help.
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