Community Matters
Increased Access to Healthcare Matters.
Kathy Winn was first hospitalized at the age of 17 due to mental illness caused by a childhood trauma and a rape as an adult. The impact of those events resulted in Kathy being in and out of hospitals for the next 20 years four to eight times a year staying anywhere from a few days to a few months.
She and her then 15-year-old son became homeless and had to live at Genesis Home. Following an extended hospital stay, Kathy became a member of Threshold where adults with mental illness are partners in their recovery, rather than merely passive recipients of treatment.
Kathy, now 48, credits Threshold’s support structure for enabling her to believe in herself and give her the confidence and stability she needed to be well. She has not been hospitalized in over four years. Currently, she serves on the Threshold Board of Directors, National Association of Mental Illness Durham County Board of Directors and is involved with the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Durham.
“I’m not only thankful for what it’s done in my life, but others as well. Members and staff are dedicated to recovery and their lives. I love Threshold. Now I feel like there is nothing I cannot do... including hopping a plane to be there for the birth of my first grandchild in California this year.“--Kathy
Triangle United Way is committed to increasing access to health services and meeting basic needs. In 2005, 157 individuals in Durham, Orange and Wake counties with mental health needs showed improvement and/or avoided hospitalization. Your gift to the Community Care Fund ensures there is a safety net of services to improve lives.