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If you're from Marietta, chances are you are familiar with the tan house on County House Lane across from the County Home. Most people know this house exists but what they don't know is what's inside; it's the House of Hope of Washington County.The House of Hope is a nonprofit peer-run adult only community center which serves a variety of demographics and individuals who are seeking solace from their mental illnesses.
"There are a lot of misconceptions about who we are and what we do! Basically, if you have suffered from mental illness whether it's with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, etc. then you qualify." Says Mike Dennis, Executive Director "We hear people say that they have always wondered what we do or that they thought we served the disabled or were only for recovery from addiction; once we heard that we only serve pregnant women. The truth is we serve all the above plus some."
This is the sixth year Dennis has been with the House of Hope and in September he will retire. "The plan is for our Assistant Director, Brandi Beaver, to take over as the Executive Director "
"This is my fifth year here. It's been amazing watching this place grow into what it is today. We have worked hard at spreading awareness that we exist and that we are here to help. It's been difficult getting people to understand what we do and who we serve but once they walk through our doors, they understand completely and feel at home. Our mission is to help others through difficult times, empower one another, and to build strong relationships." says Beaver. The House of Hope offers a variety of services ranging from one-on-one peer support, warm meals, activities and trips, groups, connections to resources and advocacy plus much more. They also welcome volunteers and those in need of fulfilling community service hours.
"We are a safe place to go to when you're feeling alone, vulnerable, have urges, or just need to talk to someone. Best of all, we are funded by the Washington County Behavioral Health Board and thanks to them, our services are free to the community.
We only ask for a $3 per year membership fee to be paid if you choose to take advantage of some of our perks such as trips.
We don't take place of other supports such as counseling or case management, but we do collaborate with whomever you allow to ensure you have a strong team behind you!" Beaver adds.
The House of Hope staff are state certified Peer Recovery Supporters.
A Peer Recovery Supporter (PRS) is someone with a lived experience of mental illness and/or addiction.
"As a Peer Recovery Organization, it is important to be staffed with individuals who have already been through, and continue to go through, their own recovery journeys. We have experienced each stage of recovery and can relate and empathize with what you're going through" says Beaver.
Carrie Martin, the House of Hope Peer Recovery Supporter and Group Facilitator says "There are multiple stages to recovery. Sometimes you hear recovery and only think of drug addiction, but that too is a mental illness, and yes you can recover from mental illness.
No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to help. Sometimes getting sober or finding a good mental health regimen is only half the battle, we are here to not only help you get the services and support you need but to also help you maintain recovery once you do.
Maintaining is probably the hardest part but we support each other through it." One of Carries' focuses is helping individuals with practicing self-discovery. "Recovery is different for each person. You can't help yourself if you don't know yourself. This is huge for recovery in all aspects!"
Recently, the House of Hope has contracted with Bridges to Wellness to provide community healthcare. "I'm new at this but it's going great so far.
I enjoy being able to connect with people and assisting them with accessing resources.
Even in cases where resources might be available, there are still barriers in accessing them and it may be difficult to use your voice and be heard." Says Sammi Murdock who has been an employee of the House of Hope for 3 years but has just recently accepted the position of Community Health Worker.
If you are interested learning more about the House of Hope you can check out their website www.WashCoHOH.org or you may call 740-374-0420 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.