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Abolishing a stigma

HERO House NW help people with mental illness

Members of HERO House NW work to overcome the stigma of mental illness. Photo credit: HERO House NW

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When asked to describe in a single word what HERO House NW meant to them, three individuals who use the clubhouse took up the challenge and answered.

"Welcoming," said Jarod.

"Home," replied Tatiana.

"Exuberating," concluded Jamaal.

"People welcome me and treat me like family," explained Tatiana, "and I don't have to worry about the stigma of mental illness."

"It is the only place that I feel welcomed and can be myself," added Jarod.

HERO House NW, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, and its supporters help people with mental illness in King County to find employment, return to school, secure affordable housing, and live productive, independent lives. The organization is the recipient of the 2013 King County Exemplary Service Award for Advocacy and Social Inclusion.

HERO House uses a psychiatric rehabilitation model that focuses on socialization, opportunity, community engagements and hope to bring every participant -- known as a "member" -- of what is referred to as the "clubhouse" to the table for the running of the clubhouse.

"This model of rehabilitation is an evidence-based practice that requires adherence to standards set forth by Clubhouse International," the local organization's website says. HERO House NW has been an accredited member of Clubhouse International since 2008.  

Clubhouse International's mission is to end social and economic isolation of, and for, people with mental illness by growing the number and quality of Clubhouse rehabilitation programs worldwide.

There are two clubhouses in Washington state, more than 180 throughout the country, and 320 in 34 countries in the world.

"Clubhouse helped me stay out of prison," wrote Hugh. "I got my SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance); I have a part-time job; I am in treatment; life is good."

In order for HERO House NW to continue to provide the services it does, it depends on the donations from a wide variety of donors. One such opportunity to help is through the Combined Federal Campaign, or CFC. HERO House NW's donation number is 20174.

"Our disabilities do not define us, and continued funding can allow us to continue to fight the stigma of mental illness," concluded Tatiana.

For more information, visit herohouse.org.

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