Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

YOU can help Break the Stigma!
Each year, Sheldon House holds a “Break the Stigma” week. 
Our goal this year is to go from the “best kept secret” to the “best known resource” for mental health here in Kent County.  We will be working hard to educate the community about the services we provide and raise awareness about mental health.  From October 3rd through Oct 7th, we will kick off 5 days of stigma-breaking, awareness-raising and support-giving opportunities. 

As we recognize National Mental Illness Awareness week, we are thankful for you.  We hope you get involved!

Join us all week!  
 
​All above events are open to the public.  Visit our Facebook page for more information.

​Mental health matters!  Your support makes a difference. 

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Visit our Facebook page on Monday at 5:30pm!
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Calling all art and history lovers! Only $20 holds your spot! Click for more details!
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Gentle yoga and breathing exercises. Click to sign up!
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Our MAIN EVENT! Click to learn more and Break the Stigma with us!
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Visit our Facebook page at 5:30pm for this great discussion!
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.