With the support and encouragement of The Kettle community, Terry-Lee has built an inspiring new life. She is housed, employed and studying to become a mental health worker herself.
Meet Terry-Lee!
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia when I was just nine years old. Living with the effects of my diagnosis and managing my medication has been a lifelong challenge.
For many years, I turned to substances to self-medicate. I lived on the street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, bouncing in and out of shelters.
I've always enjoyed the idea of life being like a beautiful tapestry. When I think about this period in my life, it's like I had forgotten what pattern I was trying to weave.
I was able to get clean from street drugs, but I was heavily medicated and it was hard to navigate the effects of my mental illness. I struggled to work, establish a healthy routine or maintain relationships. I didn’t trust the healthcare system or any institutions really – I felt like they had only hurt me. I didn’t know where to turn for help.
For months I sat outside The Kettle's Drop-In Centre on Venables Street. I felt safer slightly outside of the heart of the Downtown Eastside, but not safe enough to go inside the Drop-In. I kept having panic attacks and I didn’t think I could cope with being indoors near so many people.
The Kettle staff were always around. They offered me food, blankets, clothes…always asking if I needed anything. They were patient and they waited for me to be ready.
Eventually, I trusted them enough to step through the doors. The staff were so friendly. They helped me find my way to a more stable place. With their support I have been able to build a better life in Vancouver. I am housed, employed and I have a community here at The Kettle.
I am working towards being a mental health worker one day. It’s hard to understand this life unless you have lived it and I think I could help people with my experience.
The mental health healthcare system is overburdened and folks don’t get the one-on-one care that they need. When I am a peer mental health worker, I know I will make a difference by listening, helping people access resources and advocating for their needs.
I know many of you would like to help and it’s hard to know how to support people who are living with complex mental illnesses.
I’ve learned that one of the best things people can do to help is extend a hand in friendship without expectation or judgment. The offer of a warm drink, a sandwich, a blanket or a shower goes a long way to building trust and showing compassion.
This is what The Kettle Drop-In does 365 days a year. On the darkest, wettest days of winter and on the bright, blazing days of summer, they are there. Doors and hearts open wide.
They are patient, kind and available, waiting for an opportunity to share hope and compassion with a person who is hurting – a person like me.
Here’s what you can make possible with a gift to The Kettle today:
Your gift of $25 feeds five people a nutritious meal.
Your gift of $50 provides a shower and hygiene kit to five people.
$250 kits out ten people with new socks, shoes and clothing.
