Interlink Self Help Center Program
Interlink Self Help Center is a community drop-in self help center for adults who have had a significant impact on their lives due to mental or emotional problems. We try to create a safe environment where mental health consumers can come to be free of the stigma associated with mental illness. We currently run about 30 self help groups, activities and classes a week in which members can choose to participate or not. Many members come to the center to socialize and meet friends who develop into a network of support for them.
Client Profile
John has been a member of Interlink since June 2001. He came to us on the suggestion of his social worker at Sonoma County Mental Health. When John first became involved with Sonoma County Mental Health, he describes himself as angry, homeless, having a drinking problem and unaware that he had a mental illness. When he came to Interlink, he was very quiet and kept mainly to himself. He attended a few of the self-help groups at the suggestion of his social worker. Over the next year and a half, John applied for an internship with the Administrative Team. He worked as an Intern from November 2002 until August 2003, during that time he took our Peer Counseling Class. He began facilitating the Dual Recovery Anonymous groups, as well as the Community Meeting and the In-depth Support groups. He was enthusiastic and very conscientious in keeping to his work schedule. He was very reliable about arriving on time and notified us in advance if he was unable to work scheduled hours.
After waiting the required three-month period, he applied and was accepted as the Administrative Intern again in December, where he has volunteered until recently. An on call Team Leader position was available and after interviewing, John was chosen as the new Team Leader.
During these years, John has developed comfort, ease and self-confidence and is very easy to work with on any project. He is always willing to do what is asked of him; he arrives on time for work; and he is always willing to work on short notice and for however many hours that is needed. He has also moved into his own subsidized apartment after living many years in Board & Care.
He is a great addition to our staff because he brings humor, commitment and enthusiasm to the center. Because of his attitude and tenacity, John has overcome many hardships and become an integral part of our Interlink team.
