A young man named Brian was connected to Peace River Center for help after dealing with untreated mental health issues, which resulted in many interactions with law enforcement. He had no permanent home but was “couch surfing.” He felt like everyone had given up on him which significantly contributed to his growing feelings of hopelessness and thoughts about taking his own life by suicide.

Brian received treatment at PRC’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and took his first steps toward actively finding stability. When Rena, PRC’s Adult Care Coordinator, offered to enroll Brian in our Care Coordination services, he wasn’t sure about accepting help. He wanted so badly to be “a productive member of society,” but also did not want a handout.

Rena helped Brian understand getting a hand up was not the same as a handout. She actively worked with and encouraged Brian to continue treatment after his discharge and helped him work towards returning to work, staying on his medication and fulfilling his goal of being “a productive member of society.”

Brian’s family learned that he was actively participating in care and services, and welcomed him back home. Now they notice when Brian needs more active support and encouragement, and with Rena’s help they can provide that to him. Brian has shown great courage and a commitment to remain on his path of recovery and to Make It OK to have mental illness and still be a productive member of society. He is just one of 22,000 individuals who receive services at Peace River Center every year. Did you know the majority of those people–95 percent–are actually 200% or more below the federal poverty level? That’s why your support means so much.

By supporting Peace River Center you ensure that individuals like Brian and many others in our community receive the help and support they need. You have the power to help Peace River Center connect individuals to the resources needed to improve their mental wellbeing. You can learn and take notice so that when individuals express a need you have an open heart and mind and can point them in the right direction.

Will you give the gift of mental health recovery?

*Names changed and stock photos used for anonymity.