My name is Chloe Flores, and I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder when I was 20. Before that, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and OCD, and at 17, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Although those diagnoses began five years ago, managing my mental health is an ongoing part of my life. At… Read more »
Category: Member Stories
Caring for Your Whole Self
What does it feel like to finally have a name for something you’ve carried your whole life? For Jesse, the answer was unexpected. After living with sadness, and feeling overwhelmed for years, she was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. She finally had a name for the experiences that made her feel different for so… Read more »
Defining Good Days
We’ve all had days when everything feels manageable. And then there are days that aren’t so great. For many people living with mental health challenges, a “good day” isn’t about perfection. It’s about taking it one day at a time. It’s also about having somewhere to go where you’re heard and understood. Clubhouse member, Robert,… Read more »
Mindful Breathing Tips: “A few mindful breaths is a way to honor the moment we’re in” — Dan
When Clubhouse members participated in a 12-week workshop on wellness, they explored breathing exercises to help them cope with everyday stress. Here’s what one member learned: “Breathing is something everyone does without thinking. But as I got more involved at Venture House, helping on projects, sharing meals with fellow members, joining conversations and participating in… Read more »
Tara ‘I’m not being judged and I love coming in every day, bringing joy to everyone’.
When Tara first discovered Venture House in 2023, she was navigating the challenges of young adulthood while managing anxiety. “I feel like this was the place where I needed to be,” said Tara. “I’m not being judged and I love coming in every day, bringing joy to everyone.” Tara found more than community at Venture… Read more »
Lucien Conte: ‘I have found the stability within myself to feel confident rejoining the outside world.’
In my eight years of experience at Venture House, I have never been unsuccessful in getting the attention from staff I needed to finish a thought or idea in the process of moving forward. From involving myself in the work ordered day, I have found the stability within myself to feel confident rejoining the outside… Read more »
Natellie: ‘I can express myself and stand up for myself in inspiring ways.’
My name is Natellie, and I have been a loyal and great Venture House member for about 8 years. Venture House has improved my life through positive relationships. I feel comfortable discussing topics with staff, leading meetings, taking responsibility for my actions, and getting more involved in my community by uplifting others. Venture House staff… Read more »
Tiana Coleman: ‘I found people who genuinely cared and valued what I brought to the community.’
My first hospitalization was when I was 16 years old. I was in and out of the adolescent psych hospital until my 18th birthday. I got discharged right on my 18th birthday. I was terrified, all my mental health services were pediatric based, and I had no clue what I was supposed to do, so… Read more »
