Amidst all the chaos and bad news regarding mental health care in the state, Threshold Clubhouse is a rare shining light, an oasis for those in desperate need.  While mental health reform has forced us, for the first time, to turn away some referrals, we continue to do what works: providing education, employment, community and hope for adults in Durham with a severe mental illness.  One board member, whose brother has been a member at Threshold for the past five years, said he was hospitalized 57 times in the 10 years prior to joining our program.  Since joining Threshold he has been hospitalized only twice.

Mental illness is not for sissies.  Patience, persistence and courage are high on the list of qualities exhibited by members of Threshold.  Mental illness may mean hearing noises, struggling with simple tasks, taking medications with horrendous side effects, and more.  But still, our embers do go on.  They run the clubhouse--cook meals, answer phones, write the newsletter (the best one in town), develop skills to help with re-entering the job market, and work in real jobs in the community through our "Transitional Employment" program.

To diversify our funding and increase our public support, Threshold has undertaken a community mural project, to culminate on Sunday with the installation of a 16x16-foot mural on the Main Street side of the Bull City Business Center.  The mural will honor the courage and celebrate the positive contributions of adults with mental illness.

With the project, Threshold recognizes the longtime support and collaboration of transitional employers such as Frank Ferrell and the Ninth Street Bakery, and offers Durham a beautiful piece of art, one that reminds us that by joining together, we can build a stronger community.

"Courage to Reveal, Courage to Heal: Threshold's Wall of Hope," designed by Threshold members and artist Andria Linn, incorporates symbols of unity and a medley of hope.  We need your help to finish the mural.  To underscore that we are all walking this path of life together, we are inviting the ocommunity to come paint your footprint on the frame.

Mental illness is a stranger to very few families; many individuals with mental illness are contributing to Durham and making it better.  Please join us in celebration.

Saturday: Reception at Parker and Otis, 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday: Community celebration, 136 East Chapel Hill St., 1 - 6 p.m. Form more information contact m.mcneish@thresholdclubhouse.org, 682-4124.

                                                            JANE GOODRIDGE

                                                             MARYA MCNEISH

The writers are respectively, Threshold board member and development director. The length rule for letters was waived.