Volunteer Spotlight: Three Things to Volunteer For: Hope. Opportunity. Recovery.

Do we really know where people in our community who are living with severe mental illness go for support?

Most likely not. Why? Resources are generally few and far between and often lacking. And let’s face it: We aren’t quite past the stigma associated with mental illness.

It wasn’t long ago that I discovered a genuine asset in my own neighborhood: Transitional Resources (TR). This organization provides integrated services to help people living with severe mental illness succeed and experience recovery: housing and residential treatment, community, intensive short-term crisis support, case management, vocational opportunities and community activities.

A Model of Excellence for Mental Health Support

The value of TR really hit home at their annual fundraiser. I was introduced to individuals whose lives had been utterly transformed. They had gone from a world of chaos and confusion to stability and a life with meaning. TR, however, is a non-profit that also needs support. I knew right away I wanted to be involved. Today, I serve on the board and assist with development and fundraising.

TR started small, growing from one residential treatment program for 15 patients to six different programs serving over 220 individuals each year. It also serves as a model to serve a clearly unmet need in every community. Without the support of organizations like TR, people living with mental illness are vulnerable to devastating outcomes, including homelessness, institutionalization and incarceration. It doesn’t have to be this way.

TR’s mission is simple: Respecting autonomy, dignity, integrity and recovery. Who can’t get behind that? There are many ways to volunteer.