|
Wendy Garfield is a psychiatric patient who was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. After the death of her husband, Wendy went through a period of depression in which she had minimal contact with the outside world – she dressed in all black, slept all day and was up all night, and left her apartment as little as possible.
In addition to now being a widow, Wendy has no children and her nearest family is in Rochester – nearly 125 miles away from her home. With no means of transportation, she is able to visit them just twice a year.
Then, Wendy found Catholic Charities’ Salamanca Clubhouse: a psychosocial club where people 18 years or older with a mental health diagnosis can find friendship and encouragement. This program is in a home-like setting that offers community-based recreational opportunities, outings and trips to assist individuals in meeting their socialization needs and support continued independent living.
“I was always asking God why he had allowed me to go on living after I lost my husband,” said Wendy. “My life seemed so useless, so pointless I really did not want to go on living.
Wendy said the Salamanca Clubhouse has given her a reason to get up in the morning, provided her a place to go, given her new hobbies, support, and kept her and the others mentally healthier. Her friends there have become her family close to home. The simple things like a cup of coffee, games, dinner and small talk with others have made a substantial impact on Wendy’s life – and the lives of the other participants.
“The Salamanca Clubhouse has been nothing but positive for me. I can’t think of anything that could take its place. Without it, I would feel totally lost,” said Wendy.
|