Volunteer Opportunity Details:

We are seeking volunteers to work side-by-side with our members who have mental illness. Our House is centered on the "work-ordered day", where members find meaning and develop real skills by participating in all of the tasks required to keep Our House running smoothly. Volunteers work with our members in the following areas: clerical, cooking, groundskeeping, data entry, reception, janitorial, special projects, video. Below is a story about one of our members to demonstrate how Our House is changing lives.

Bea's Story

My name is Bea. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, social phobia, and panic attacks. Before I found out about Our House I had been hospitalized 3 times, each time for one to two weeks. I had no support system. I would isolate myself from the world because I felt that no one was willing to understand or believe that I had a mental illness. In May of this year I found myself slipping into the black, endless void of depression and extreme anxiety. I had made several visits to different emergency rooms, and was repeatedly told my illness was not at a critical point. I began to panic….I did not want to go through another complete breakdown. Then I found out about Our House. It has turned out to be a real blessing in my life. It is a safe and friendly place for me to spend my days, and this has helped me not to isolate. I can come and go as I please. If I’m having a bad day or a bad week, people at Our House understand and are compassionate. There are no pressures, so you automatically find yourself wanting to participate in the daily activities – you feel needed and wanted. There is no distinction between staff and members; everyone is of equal importance. This month could have turned out to be another hospitalization if it were not for Our House. I am learning that even though I have a mental illness, I can still make a difference in the world. I am learning to pace myself and to listen to my needs so that I can have a better grip on my mental illness. I have great resources which I had no idea were available to me from staff and members alike. I have made many new friends at Our House who understand that mental illness comes in many forms.

Our House is helping me to understand that mental illness is not a taboo. It does not define who I am. Realizing that it’s okay to just be “me”, and having an active role in dealing with my mental illness is a great liberation. I am learning how to regain my self esteem and have confidence in who I am. When I am ready I will have the help of Our House in re-entering the workforce. Although I wish I had found out about Our House years ago, I am grateful to know about it now.

Volunteers must be 18 or older.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Our House San Antonio

We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekdays This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Young Adults (18-25) Adults (55+)

Contact Person: Mark Stoeltje, Executive Director, (210) 883-6836, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

1530 North Alamo Street San Antonio, TX 78215 (See a map)

Directions:

From the North: Take Hwy. 281 south, and exit Josephine St. Turn left on Josephine, then right on Broadway. Turn left at the next light (Casa Blanca), then right at the next light (Alamo). We are the second building on your left. From the South: Take Hwy 281 North, follow signs to I-35 North and exit Broadway. Go straight at light, and turn right at next light (Alamo). We are the second building on your left.   Nearest Bus Stop: Corner Broadway/Casablanca, less than 5 minute walk

Web Site: http://www.ourhousesa.org

Last updated on April 6, 2009