May is Mental Health Awareness Month. An estimated 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. For some, their ability to work and socialize can be dramatically impacted. It can lead to an overwhelming feeling of isolation.
For more than 25 years, WDSRA has been offering a program designed to combat isolation. Through a partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness DuPage, WDSRA’s Drop In Center offers individuals with a primary disability of mental illness a relaxing and safe environment to socialize.
The weekly Naperville program allows individuals to ‘drop-in’ when they feel up to it. Each week a dinner is provided by NAMI DuPage volunteers and activities encouraging socialization are provided by WDSRA. Activities range from games to yoga and art projects to community outings. One week a month, a local artist guides an art project thanks to a grant made possible by the City of Naperville.
Attendees find a calm place where they can enjoy the comradery and friendship that so many find difficult in their daily lives. We have seen many friendships develop over the years.
Thanks to the generosity of the Naperville Park District for providing space as well as NAMI DuPage and the City of Naperville, we are able to offer this program free of charge.
If you know someone who is struggling with isolation, let them know about the Drop In Center. There is no commitment and it may just help in their recovery and path to wellness. There are two Drop In Centers that meet Wednesdays, 6-8:30PM: Naperville—Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, ages 31+; Glen Ellyn – Ackerman Sport & Fitness Center, ages 18-40.
For more information on WDSRA, visit www.wdsra.com or call (630) 681-0962.
