People with severe mental illnesses can make valuable employees | Opinion

The CEO of Footprint for Success Clubhouse, a Broward not-for-profit that teaches life skills to those with serious and persistent mental illness, writes that successes at her organization show the value of the mentally ill as workers, both for employers and for their own dignity.

Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life with dignity. No one deserves to fall through the cracks of society. Yet, far too many people with serious and persistent mental illness often do, because they have not been linked with a local service to help them rebuild their lives.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. More than 5% of adults live with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or major depression.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to erase the stigma and misconception while helping your neighbors — everyday people coping with serious mental illness — to pave a path toward productive and rewarding lives.

Since 2010, I have had the privilege of serving as CEO of Footprint to Success Clubhouse in Broward County. We serve a diverse, marginalized population. We accept all who need our services and help rebuild the lives of individuals who have become socially and vocationally isolated by mental illness. Our work impacts not only the lives of our members but also brings solace to their families.

People with serious and persistent mental illness often endure homelessness, substance abuse and sometimes arrests. Our daily schedule, which mirrors a typical workweek daily routine, empowers our members to change their lives in remarkable, lasting ways. We develop their self-esteem, self-worth, confidence and purpose while building foundations for employment or education.

Locally, more than 50% of our members have secured employment, leading to significant improvements in their lives and relationships. Following a model that has succeeded on six continents, we help men and women gain crucial skills like computer literacy, financial acumen, employability skills, cognitive enhancement, data entry, culinary expertise and more, paving the way for financial independence. We also work with employers who understand the value of hiring talented workers who also happen to be living with mental illness.

Case in point: Jorge joined Footprint to Success Clubhouse at the urging of his psychologist in 2011. Five years before joining the clubhouse, Jorge was hospitalized 27 times for schizophrenia, and during that time, he had three failed suicide attempts. After joining the Clubhouse, Jorge had one hospitalization. He says he has found a purpose in his life by helping other members realize that recovery is possible for everyone. Today, in addition to being a member, Jorge is a facilitator for peer-led support groups.

Louise, another member, is currently employed by a local municipality in Broward. She works 30 hours a week as an administrative assistant. Louise’s position has helped her family become financially stable, and she has the possibility of permanent full-time employment. Louise has told us that employment gives her hope for a better future. She has never had a job that offers all the benefits of being employed by a city.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, please consider donating to a group that helps those struggling with mental illness. Our organization is currently trying to open a second location in Pembroke Pines, which will have a state-of-the-art training kitchen to provide our members with valuable skills training, particularly in the hospitality industry and other fields. Through a partnership with Carrfour Supportive Housing, the new location will offer our members affordable housing as well. To help, visit footprintsuccess.org/clubhousegivingday.

Please, be aware of those who are experiencing the devastating impact of severe and persistent mental health complications. You can be a part of their journey to a hopeful, happy, healthy life.

Barbara Harmon is the CEO of Footprint for Success Clubhouse, a Broward County-based not for profit dedicated to providing adults with serious and persistent mental illness an opportunity to lead productive and rewarding lives. Contact her at bharmon@footprintsuccess.org.