This is the fifth in a series of articles on Christ's Church outreach initiatives. This issue focuses on Hope House, a clubhouse in Port Chester dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults recovering from mental illness. Hope House was a recipient this year of a $4,000 grant from Christ's Church. Peter Young is chair of the church's Outreach Committee.

House of Hope

By Peter Young
 

Extending a Lifeline in "Tough Times"

The voices one hears from the Human Development Services' Hope House are expressions of profound gratitude for the lifeline extended to them during what many describe as "tough times" in their lives.

Consider these comments from two members of the club:

Rick:

Hope House means a place to be accepted and a place to accept my peers. We are a diverse group of people who all have the goal of becoming more "together." We are all in "this" together. There is a very caring staff that makes itself available to all of us as we work on recovering from mental difficulties.

I have taken over the reception desk in the morning. I answer all incoming calls and direct them to staff and members. I make sure all members sign in. We get a chance to talk - How are things going at home? How is that job going? Did you make that therapy appointment? It's more than just signing in. I feel I am making a contribution to Hope House and I feel really good about that. People tell me they appreciate my efficiency and the fact that they are getting all of their messages.

I'm still dealing with psychological issues and I look forward to airing those as I feel appropriate three times a week during recovery group. My peers listen and offer feedback and help as I describe what I'm dealing with. It helps to be heard and to get Hope House and its resources behind me.

Susan:

I've been coming to Hope House for several months now. It has become a very important part of my life, for many reasons. First of all, there's the staff. When I need to talk, they are always there. Then, there are the members. I have formed some important relationships with many. Also, the meals are always delicious (and cheap). The classes are interesting and fun. Hope House has been a true lifeline for me. I am a much stronger and happier person as a result of being part of it.
 

Open every day except Sunday, Hope House attracts members from throughout the state. In addition

to weekly trips, monthly dances, and local community events, it provides pre-vocational counseling, job training for members who work in local businesses, and supports members as they pursue basic education, GED, and college courses. Opportunities for volunteering include tutoring in writing, basic math, and computer skills, help with crafts such as painting and needlepoint, and contributing to the food pantry, which is always in need of dry and canned goods, as well as turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Items of clothing are discouraged because the club has little storage space, but if you've got something that's special, send it along, keeping in mind Susan's postscript to her remarks above:

"I'd like to thank that person who donated some clothes (petites). My wardrobe is greatly enhanced."