Paradisecenter's Blog

In support of families

Paradise Center — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:33:35 +0000

This week, 5 different families have called or visited. Even when their loved ones aren’t in crisis, they face challenges that require time, energy, and resources. Today, I listened to a daughter as she expressed her frustration, concern, and helplessness as she tries to help her mother even when she doesn’t want her help. Her mom has had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder since before her daughter’s birth. At times she is loving and wants to be involved with her daughter and grandchildren. But when the mom stops taking her medications, she is angry, paranoid, and defiant. She accuses the daughter of trying to take her money. She took her daughter off the list of contacts at her mental health clinic. She calls at all hours of the day and night making demands.
Many families have been down this road with a loved one who is being ravaged by the disease of schizophrenia. And this daughter’s dilemma is not uncommon.

I referred the daughter to NAMI Tarrant County. They are the local chapter of the national organization, and they do a great job of helping families with support and education. Very often, these support groups are the first time family members have talked with someone else who is walking in their shoes. One of our mottos at Paradise Center could be applied to NAMI, too: join us and see for yourself the difference a few good friends can make. I hope this daughter makes that call and finds the support and information she so desperately needs.

Making Fort Worth a Cleaner Place

Paradise Center — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:22:48 +0000

On the suggestion of our friend G.H., we decided to participate in the Great American Clean Up in Fort Worth on Saturday, April 10. We signed up 15 people to clean up Gateway Park. We filled 6 garbage bags with mostly recyclable items. It was a beautiful day to get out and make a difference.

We’ll definitely do this again next year. Thanks, G.H. for the suggestion!!

The Path of Recovery

Paradise Center — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:34:07 +0000

An important part of recovery is owning your story. Where you’ve come from, how you’ve gotten to today, and where you’re going. This is true for addiction or substance abuse, and also for mental health. Anytime we are offered the chance to speak to others about Paradise Center, we use that opportunity for peer leaders to tell not only about their roles at Paradise Center, but also their own stories.

Last night, we spoke again at University of Texas at Arlington to a group of social work students. Each semester, at the invitation of two practicing social workers who supervise field placement students, we take a small group who want to go and share.

It was the first opportunity for one of our peer leaders, I.I, to tell her story to a group. She spoke so truthfully about her experience of hearing scary male voices that drove her out of her home to walk for hours on end. She was only 16 when the voices began. She’s not yet 30 years old, but has had four long-term hospitalizations at a state facility.

She’s been living on her own over a year now and has been working hard at staying productive. Paradise Center has been an important part of her recovery. In the safe, supportive environment, she is given opportunities to use her strengths, to develop new skills, and to contribute to the programs that make up our Center. Although she still hears voices, she is better able to ignore them. And it’s not as scary for her anymore.

Last night, she was surprised that she cried while telling her story. But she doesn’t regret sharing so much with the group. She said she had never told anyone some of the details she shared with the group. She learned the valuable lesson that things that are hidden and secret have more power to make us feel ashamed, different, embarrassed.

At the end of our presentation, one of the students spoke up and said that she wanted to honor them for their courage and willingness to share.

Last night was important for I.I. Through her courageous sharing, she is owning her story and discovering her path of recovery.

Its Spring Fling time for Paradise Center

Paradise Center — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:17:23 +0000

Its time for our 7th Annual Spring Flea Markekt Fling. It is a time of relaxation and fun for our folks here. We stay 2 nights at a hotel and shop, swim, and relax.

We’re doing it with a twist this year. We’re combining our Fling with our annual garage sale.

That’s right. We’ll be collecting good, used donated items again this year. But instead of a garage sale, we’ll be setting up a booth to sale the items at the flea market.

So here’s the deal. We can only accept items on Saturday, April 24th from 1:00-4:00 or Sunday, April 25th from 1:00-4:00.

Please make sure the items meet these conditions, as we have very limited space for transporting to the flea market:

New or very gently used clothing in current styles
Household items that are new or gently used and will fit easily on a table top or desk
We’re sorry, but we cannot accept any furniture for this event
Books, DVDs, CDs
Small electronics that are in working condition

Call if you have questions about other items.

We’ll gladly provide a tax form for donations.