Most buildings on Main Street offer great food, beautiful merchandise, clothing, or gifts, office space, or personal services. Inside the mirrored front of 353 West Main Street at Five Points they offer even more – refuge, hope, and restoration.
Triangle Empowerment Center is a peer run drop-in center for individuals who have current or previous mental illnesses. It is open M-F, 10 am – 5 pm; weekends, 1 pm – 5 pm. Peers (those who attend) can relax, participate in meaningful activity, and socialize in a safe environment. TEC offers recovery support, resources, and services to improve the quality of life of participants and help integrate them back into society as productive community members.
“It’s as easy as walking in the door, providing ID and proof that you are a Durham resident, and telling us that you have a past or present history of mental illness, either diagnosed or self-realized,” says Program Director Karen Baker. After that, they “just sign a contract that they are willing to participate in Center activities and services, and follow community rules.”
TEC offers a combination of casual interaction organized activities. Structured groups include: Mental Health Awareness, Community Resources, focus groups, reciprocity groups, and CIT (Crisis Intervention Team), which trains the police department on interacting with individuals who have mental illnesses. Peers may gather informally, talk, play music or games, watch TV/movies, enjoy arts and crafts, work on service projects, attend scheduled excursions and socials, access computers, etc. The center actively assists in job searches with free telephone use, networking with temp agencies, and resume, cover letter, and interview skills support.
Paid staff have specialized training and are called Peer Support Specialists. For program participants, both self-responsibility and helping others are stressed. As Peers progress in their recovery, some opt to become volunteers. “The center could not operate without them,” says Baker. These volunteers sign a contract describing expectations, and commit to a regular schedule – signing in and out just like in a regular job. Volunteer Coordinator Walter Gilchrist, who has been at TEC for three years, says, “We only want people who are
dedicated, loyal, and take their recovery very seriously. This position is more than saying the word ‘volunteer;’ it is the responsibility that goes along with it. If you can’t commit to the expectations, don’t volunteer.” Volunteer duties include: answering the phones, conducting tours, cleaning up, interacting with peers, and maintaining the computers.
Otis is a new volunteer, who likes helping people and likes making a contribution. He takes his volunteer work as seriously as if it were a job. That means: “Being on time, following your schedule, and doing something that you see needs to be done without being told.” According to Otis, “The Center is a good place, helping with jobs and mental health awareness. If you want to get help, this is the place to get it.”
To learn more about Triangle Empowerment Center or support its life affirming mission contact:
Triangle Empowerment Center
353 West Main Street
Durham, NC 27701
919-687-7700
This article was written by Kim Batson and originally published in The Landist News January 23, 2009 issue. Email kbatson@landist.com for reprint permission.
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