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A Celebration of Recovery
 We talk a lot about recovery, but until recently we rarely used “mental illness” and “recovery” in the same sentence. This was true even though those words had long been part of the drug and alcohol treatment lexicon. Adopting a more hopeful and growth-oriented approach to mental illness has had a far-reaching impact on the field. Now, we know that recovery is possible, and it means different things for different people and may mean different things for the same person over time. It reminds us that we are all on personal journeys regardless of who we are or what other issues are affecting our lives.
At Wellspring we see many people who are working on recovery from both mental illness and substance abuse. Those who are not working toward dual recovery are working toward recovery from mental illness. While we know that science has not unraveled all the mysteries of mental illness to identify a cure, there is still the hope of recovery for those living with mental illness through the realization of new meaning and satisfaction in life despite the challenges associated with symptoms and disability.
Over the past year, we have experienced many challenges in our programs and witnessed the frustration of clients trying to determine what recovery means for them, what life after diagnosis means or whether to accept this information at all. I think because of these struggles, it is all the more important to recognize the accomplishments of those we serve. Perhaps the most important thing we can do for ourselves, for staff, clients, families, board members and supporters is to remember to celebrate the successes, both big and small, of those who participate in our programs.
Last year, we had our first of what we hope will become an annual Celebration of Recovery. Our focus this year was primarily on the accomplishments of our clients with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse: graduates of Journey House, Ardery House, and those living in our permanent supported housing programs, such as Broadway and Crescent House. We recognized many people from Journey and Ardery who had attained one year of sobriety from substance abuse. We recognized a man from Crescent House who had achieved one year of sobriety and another from Broadway who had achieved five. We recognized other aspects of recovery, too, like living in one’s own apartment for over a year, or being free from psychiatric hospitalizations for over a year, or obtaining and maintaining employment, and many other achievements. It was a beautiful fall day, with good food, live music, and lots of laughter.
We have had many other examples of recovery this year that have passed without as much fanfare. Crescent House celebrated its 2nd birthday, with two of the three residents remaining there for the entire two years after each had experienced lengthy state hospitalizations. None of the three tenants has seen the inside of a hospital since moving into the program. Not only have they not been hospitalized, they have not been to the Crisis Stabilization Unit or required any emergency services. One man in dual recovery celebrated his second AA birthday this spring. He is actively involved with AA and holds a part-time job. Another has joined an art cooperative and takes stained glass classes where his creativity has flourished. All three are actively involved with family members and friends and have busy schedules. This is recovery.
The Crisis Stabilization Unit celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and as of mid-July had served 2,108 people. Ninety-three percent of these persons were treated at the CSU without need for more restrictive hospitalizations. While the CSU only focuses on a small part of a person’s overall recovery, it plays an important role during times of crisis.
For graduates of Journey House the road to recovery often constitutes dramatic stories of survival. This program, serving homeless women with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse, was developed to serve women who were falling through the cracks and who had experienced unbelievable trauma and loss. We have celebrated many triumphs of human nature as these women celebrate their AA birthdays at Journey House, often sharing their incredible stories as part of their recovery.
Looking back over the first six years at Journey House, we find much to celebrate: Of the women who participated in the program for 90 days or more almost 60% moved into permanent housing. And 93% of our graduates remain in permanent housing today. Equally important, 77% are in mental health treatment, and 67% are free from substance use. Now, that is cause for celebrating the resiliency of people and a reminder that recovery is possible for everyone. Recovery is about timing, hard work, hope and support. Recovery begins only after one’s physical and safety needs are met. Journey House, like other Wellspring programs, helps to provide a base of support from which recovery can begin and, hopefully, the process of personal growth begun at Wellspring will carry on long after a client walks out the door.
Katharine R. Dobbins, MSSW, LCSW
Associate Director and Director of Programs
(502) 637-4361 Ext. 14
dobbinsk@wellspring-house.org
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PO Box 1927 • Louisville, KY 40201-1927
(502) 637-4361 • Fax (502) 637-4490
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Created on 09/23/2005 09:02 AM by dixie
Updated on 07/17/2007 09:44 AM by dixie
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