Community Allegany Franciscan Ministries
On Lissa was 23 when she was diagnosed with schizophrenia five years ago. She had graduated from college and was working for a cruise line when she was first hospitalized. Lissa struggled to accept her diagnosis and come to terms with how her illness had impacted her life. Lissa, unable to work, was searching for an opportunity to connect in a purposeful way with other adults living with mental illness. Fortunately for Lissa, The Key Clubhouse of South Florida was about to open its doors in downtown Miami. This new psychosocial rehabilitation program was launched by a capacity building grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries (Palm Harbor, Fla.). This funding was crucial in jumpstarting The Key Clubhouse and served as a catalyst to leverage additional funds from the community.
Lissa works alongside staff member Angel Valladares on a variety of business tasks. The Key Clubhouse also helped her secure a part-time position at a real estate law firm.
The mission of The Key Clubhouse is to afford individuals whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness the opportunity to recover meaningful and productive lives through reintegration into the community and the workplace.
Lissa had the opportunity to share her talents, skills and abilities with other clubhouse members. She developed a greater sense of self-confidence and practiced teamwork skills necessary to ensure success in the workplace.
“I felt the world was lost and I wanted to interact with others struggling with the same issues. I wanted to find others who could understand the world of my illness and who could relate to my reality,” said Lissa. “The Key Clubhouse provided me with a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone is respected and no one is judgmental.”
The Key Clubhouse assisted Lissa in securing a part-time position in a real estate law firm where her employer reports that she is doing an excellent job.
At The Key Clubhouse, Lissa participated in a structured day, working alongside staff on a full range of business tasks.
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“My dream is to accomplish what God has planned for me and to actualize my full potential. I’m grateful to The Key Clubhouse as it continues to support me in this endeavor and on my road to recovery,” Lissa said.
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The Key Clubhouse provided me with a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone is respected and no one is judgmental.
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Catholic Health East Community Benefit Annual Report 2010
—Lissa