We've been busy here at CVAB. We saw over 120 new faces in January with a total of 508 individuals stopping by CVAB. To continue the numbers parade, CVAB had 1595 total visits...we're hosting a bunch of people.
I'm not sure what people expect when they visit CVAB. I know those who have a stereotypical view of people with mental illness might be surprised by what they find.
What do you expect when you head toward CVAB? What do you find?
I learned about CVAB 4 years before I walked in the door. I was expecting to find a group of people that I found when I was hospitalized when I was younger. When it said that that CVAB was ran by people with Mental illness, I expected the worst. But what I found was "life". Laughter, and Love.
ReplyDeleteCrysisqween
I expect a great deal from CVAB, as I've always seen it as a place of great potential. We have an amicable leader with Brad, a knowledgeable and understanding staff, and a warm, friendly community (including coffee). But not only do I expect a lot from CVAB, I find it just as rewarding to myself and others to contribute however I can without overburdening myself. Let us all hope that CVAB leads a long, healthy, and happy life!
ReplyDeleteMy very first visit to CVAB was recommended by a Therapist. I was told there would be an onsite peer support staff member whom I could talk to if I would need. I had extreme shyness, and I knew that when I do begin to try to talk to people I frequently get loud and sound angry, even if I am not really angry. I also confess that at that time I had a real big problem with people contradicting themselves and/or saying things that did not make sense. I was able to avoid getting overly upset with someone by leaving the social area to speak at length with a staff person.
ReplyDeleteAnother time, I was in a very intense, somewhat loud discussion, and a staff person came over and calmly pointed out that we try to maintain a pleasant atmosphere and asked if the two of us would care to continue our discussion privately in another room, and offered to come in to mediate. CVAB has proven to be a good and safe place to work on social skills.
I have enjoyed working puzzles, playing board games, and participating in arts and crafts times, as well as just sitting around with coffee and/or a snack I've brought from home, and just visit.
kae
PS And now they have a beautiful aquarium to enjoy.
CVAB is wonderful but I sometimes give up when it comes to parking down there. The employees of County building should park way at the end and let clients park closer or THEY can take the bus themselves!
ReplyDeleteS
The parking can be a pain, but it's WORTH IT!
DeleteI have not been to CVAB in a long while. I did not feel like I really fit in there. Cathy and Brad are amazing people but I never really found more then one other person that I could relate to. I work and raise kids and deal with mental illness and did not find many I could relate to. Plus getting there around my work schedule and that of taking kids here and there made it impossible for me find time. There were also very few people who could relate to my personal struggles and diagnoses.
ReplyDeleteI think CVAB is a wonderful place, I am just not sure it is for me, but I think this Blog thing is right up my alley!!!
Laynie
Hi again. I wrote a lot in another thread you commented into. I want to add that I am impressed that you are able to hold down a job and raise your kids, taking them to their activities. That is pretty awesome, and I do hope that this goes well for you.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing available through CVAB that you may find helpful is the Warm-Line. Here is a piece about the Warm Line from http://www.cvabonline.com/
"There are times when you just need to talk to someone, to let off some steam, or sort through your day. We listen and offer reassurance that you have been heard and things will be OK. When you call us you are talking to a peer, not a professional. We have some understanding of what you are feeling and take the time to listen to what you have to say.
We are not a Crisis Line, we are the call you make when you feel you need to talk to someone to get through the rough point in your day, week or month. You are our top priority and our goal is to help you safely through your day."
Also you might check out some on-line meetings and chat rooms through other programs.
Good luck.
kae
Thanks Kae! I do go to several online communities and blog and/or chat. I have friends that I IM with from my home state many miles away. I hope this blog can begin to take off and be an amazing tool for people to come find friendship and support. I know I find online contact a lot simpler, especially when I am in hermit mode.
ReplyDeleteThanks also for the Warm Line suggestion. I have felt betrayed or not really helped by a crisis line so this might be a nice change of pace.
Again thank you for all your kind words!!!
Laynie