Did you know?
Catalyst has many employed Peer Recovery Support Specialists!
This refers to a certified individual who has a lived experience of a mental illness and/or substance use disorder and has been in recovery for at least 2 years. Peer Support programs have been shown to be one of the only constants that people experience as they move between the other points in their continuum of care.
Want someone to talk to?
Call Warmline to talk to a peer support specialist today!
419-522-5300
My name is Vicki Davis and I am a Peer Support Specialist at Catalyst Life Services and for the past year, I have been Acting Coordinator for the Oasis Peer Center. In July, I will be working at Catalyst for 5 years. I love working at Catalyst because I can give back to the mental health community. People who suffer from mental illness desperately need compassion and acknowledgement. Just by these simple things, I can brighten their day and even help their light inside shine a little brighter.
When it comes to mental health, lack of education, misconceptions and judgements all still continue to feed the stigmas surrounding mental illness. Through my diagnoses of OCD, depression and anxiety, I have learned I am now better equipped to provide hope and spread education. I can attest to the hardships of mental illness. Many of my family members also struggle with mental health diagnoses. Although I have been through some difficult times, this has helped me to connect to many different kinds of people and has led me to my calling. I share with those who are struggling, ‘If I can overcome and see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, I believe you can do it too.’
Oasis helps provide a safe place for anyone with a mental health concern. All are welcome to come and gather with others who understand what they are going through. Oasis lets you know you are not alone; it provides structure and it helps many individuals to feel loved and cared for.
At Oasis we have classes to expand our knowledge of mental and physical health. We also gather together and talk about different topics and tools on how to help one another through the difficult times. I would say, one of my greatest wishes is for more people to come to the Oasis Peer Center and experience the community for themselves! I can understand the worry of coming to a new place that is classified as a ‘mental health club’, but we are not defined by that. We are people first, people who laugh a lot and enjoy each other’s company. I would like to encourage new club member to come down for 3 to 4 days in a row and I am sure they will return! They will learn that they are welcomed with understanding and open arms. The Oasis Peer Center is truly an amazing place to be.
Although the Oasis Peer Center is temporarily closed, we continue to provide telehealth services through the Warmline.
Oasis will resume normal operating hours with guidance from the State of Ohio.
Supplies Needed!
Below you can see a list of all supplies that are currently needed. You can drop off supplies at The Center or Rehab Center Locations. If you have any questions contact Melissa Drozda at 419-774-6710 or email at drozda@catalystlifeservices.org.
Q&A with Jennifer
1. What is your job title at Catalyst?
“My position is the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Lead and Residential Assistant.”
2. What do you like most about working for Catalyst, specifically for the Crisis Stabilization Unit?
“I love helping people. The Crisis Stabilization Unit staff helps people when they need us the most. We also take calls from different people that are having mental health issues. Working on the Crisis Stabilization Unit is very rewarding as you see clients get better with their treatment.”
3. In your own words, why would you encourage someone to call the helpline if they are struggling?
“I would encourage anyone to call the helpline when they feel they need our help. Your Mental health is as important as treating any other medical disease such as heart disease or diabetes. The Helpline is always here and willing to talk with people and get them the help they need.”
4. There seems to be a hesitancy and stigma attached to receiving help/support for mental health, can you speak to that?
“I feel people think they have failed if they seek mental health help. I want everyone to know it is not a failure. Sometimes it takes help to get back on your feet. And everyone has been down at some time in their life before and needed a hand to get back up.”
5. Please feel free to share any other information in regards to the helpline or mental health that you want people to know.
“I would just like everyone to know that it is possible to live a fulfilling life with having Mental Health Problems. Mental Health is a piece of us but it does not define us.”
“As someone who previously supervised and coordinated the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), I have seen so many success stories of people who have started their recovery journey on the crisis unit.
The crisis unit has remained open and available for admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our 24/7 crisis helpline (419-522-HELP) also continues to operate from the CSU. Staff are available 24 hours a days to provide support, help, and access to needed services.
I continue to be grateful to all our donors, funding sources, and employees. All of you have shown that we are in this together and continue to collaborate to serve those in need.”
With gratitude,
Laura Montgomery, CEO
There are many types of people that be considered heroes.
And the individuals who work in our 24/7 residential services definitely fall into that category.
Click the picture below to view our appreciation for our residential staff!
