Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

This year Sheldon House will be hosting a week-long Break the Stigma experience from October 3rd through 9th!  Each day during that week, events will be held online and in person to raise awareness and support of Sheldon House.  

Break the Stigma is an annual event organized by Sheldon House to raise mental health awareness and funds to support the work of Sheldon House.  We believe that with knowledge and understanding of mental illness, the stigma will be reduced.  We believe that anyone living with a mental illness in Kent County should have access to the support and resources provided by Sheldon House. 

Every year, an estimated 130,000 people struggle with their mental health here in Kent County.  That is one in five.  This year, as we face a pandemic those with mental illness are disproportionately impacted.  Isolation and loneliness are common challenges for those living with mental illness.  The pandemic has made those challenges greater. 

Thankfully, Sheldon House has been here to support, engage, and reach out.  As one of our members stated, “Social isolation or distancing should not remove us from our relationships nor our community supports. Humans need acceptance, love and support even more so right now during this stressful situation.  Sheldon House allows this for myself and my colleagues."
 
What You Have to Look Forward to:

  • 50/50 Raffle – Support Sheldon House and win big!  50/50 raffle tickets will be on sale from September 26 through October 9th.  Raffle tickets are $1 each and can be purchased online or in person at 201 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  The winner will be drawn at the October 9th Sheldon House Open House.  All raffle entries will also be entered into a gift card giveaway.
  • October 3rd Break the Stigma Panel Discussion – Visit the Sheldon House Facebook page for a special panel presentation on mental health.  You won’t want to miss it!
  • October 4th Heartside Neighborhood Walking Tour hosted by Grand Rapids Running Tours. Space is limited: $25 reserves your spot on this informational tour of the neighborhood we call home!  Don't miss your chance to support a great cause and learn more about our wonderful city.  Visit the event page for information or the registration site to sign up.
  • October 5th Coffee Shop Stop – Visit The Sparrows Coffee at 1035 Wealthy St in Grand Rapids between 8:00am and 10:00am to support this local business and learn about the ways Sheldon House is working to Break the Stigma of mental illness. 
  • October 6th Sheldon House Video Premiere - Visit the Sheldon House Facebook page to watch a video highlighting our members and the work of Sheldon House.
  • October 7th Commuter Breakfast (picked up at Sheldon House) - Stop by Sheldon House for breakfast on the go! A muffin, fruit, and beverage - coffee or orange juice - for just $5!
  • October 8th Last Chance to Buy 50/50 Raffle Tickets Online. Raffle tickets will be available starting on Sept 26 on our website.  Each raffle ticket purchased will also be entered into a Oct 9 door prize drawing.  
  • October 9th Sheldon House Open House – Join us from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Sheldon House.  After a week of stigma breaking activities, we would love to show you in person what Sheldon House provides to support those living with mental illness in Kent County. 
 
​All above events are open to the public.  Also visit our Facebook page for more information. Mental health matters!  Your support makes a difference. 
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Don’t be left out! Make sure we have your email. Send a quick note to sheldonhouse201@gmail.com
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Click here to register for the Heartside Walking Tour
Raffle Tickets will be available for purchase HERE starting Sept 26.
Click Here to learn more about our Coffee Shop Stop. 
Click Here to learn more about our Breakfast Fundraiser. 
Why is it important?
  • Mental Illness is common.  1 in 5 people will struggle with a mental illness at some point in their life.  Mental illness is currently more prevalent than cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
  • Unmet needs. Currently Medicaid is the only insurance that covers Clubhouse programming.  With the prevalence of mental illness in our community, we know that we are not addressing the needs of our community.   
  • As evident from the results of the 2017 Kent County Needs Assessment, mental health is a priority core health issue for those that live in Kent County.  As a result of the Kent County Needs Assessment, mental health was selected as a priority health issue for focus on in the 2018 Community Health Improvement Planning process. 
  • People with mental illness are among the most marginalized, oppressed, devalued and stigmatized populations in our society.  Through participation in the tasks that it takes to run the Clubhouse and the availability of resources, members find worth and value in themselves.  Members are seen as more than someone with a mental health diagnosis but instead someone with potential and worth. 

Why is Sheldon House a critical resource?
  • Sheldon House, is a Clubhouse program that offers life changing opportunities and support for those living with mental illness in Kent County.
  • With the help of professional staff, Sheldon House uses an international, evidence based approach.
  • Offers members opportunity to belong, contribute to community, receive support, gain skills, obtain employment, pursue their education and build a support system, to move forward in their recovery.
  • Located in the second largest city in Michigan and serving all of Kent County, Sheldon House is one of the largest Clubhouse programs in the state and a leader in the model.
  • Membership in Sheldon House has been proven to reduce hospitalizations, incarcerations, increase employment opportunities and increase overall quality of life, for those living with mental illness.
  • Sheldon House is cost effective.  On average, one year of Sheldon House membership can be provided at the same cost as one average hospital stay.