Jane

December 2009

My friend, Brent Poley, invited me to a community dinner/dance hosted by Sharon United Church for You’ve Gotta Have Friends in 2007.  Janice spoke to me and told me about Y.G.H.F.  I went to the Christmas party a month or so later and then started dropping in at the office.  I was hoping to meet new people and make new friends.  I was invited to attend a Conversation Café which I enjoyed.  I talked to Janice about volunteering through a Mental Health Grant from Stepping Stone (T.V.P.).

I have found my voice!  When I first stated coming to Y.G.H.F. I was very soft spoken.  I am able to interact better with people by developing listening skills and working in the office answering the phone and making phone calls.  I have developed good phone etiquette.   I have made new friends and keep in touch by phone and I feel more connected to more people.  I have a useful job which give me a sense of direction, where I feel like I am contributing, which makes me feel better about myself. 

The best thing about Y.G.H.F. is the new friends I have made, and being responsible about doing my job.

If I could make any changes at Y.G.H.F. it would be that we have more space to accommodate more people.  I enjoyed the Women’s Group, the experience of sharing ideas with other women, learning about relationships and ourselves.  I enjoyed the more focused discussion.

Having employment has been exciting for me.  I feel responsible with my job, encouraged in my recovery and my new exercise program and feel supported in my efforts to move forward in pursuing my dream of living independently.