SOSMagAprilJune2022

Remember the Beatles song, “With a Little Help From My Friends”? So it is at Erie Shore Network. Pam Davenport, 60, and Debbie Barnes, 63, will attest to that. They have a lot in common. They were both born and raised in Erie County, have three adult children, and are also animal lovers. They also are living with mental illness and use Erie Shore Network to feel better. Pam has a condition called schizoaffective disorder. She said, “That means I have schizophrenia and bi-polar. I could accept the bi-polar diagnosis, but I wouldn’t accept the schizophrenia because the stigma for that was bad. People will tell you, schizophrenic people are bad.” In 1997 she became involved with Erie Shore Network. There she learned, “Mental illness is what I have, but it isn’t who I am.” She has found it to be a wonderful place where she can be in the company of others who are also living with mental illness. We are accepted, we’re not judged; it’s a place where we feel safe and welcome. We’re family.” It’s also a place for personal growth. Debbie said, “They have support groups, a health & wellness group, an arts & crafts group, social gatherings, card games, billiards and Air Hockey. We also have advocacy gatherings, community outings, and special annual events.” Pam introduced Debbie to Erie Shore Network in 2018. Debbie said, “Pam is the reason I wasn’t afraid to go. I don’t do well in groups”. Groups of people can make Debbie feel anxious and she was worried about having a panic attack. Pam told me, “I’ll go with you, I’ll sit next to you and I’ll introduce you to the people there. If you want to leave, you can leave. Or you can go outside and come back in… it doesn’t matter. That is what won her over. In Deb’s words, “I didn’t feel stuck if I went.” “Everybody accepts everybody for who they are and we know we can lean on each other at any time if we need to talk. It’s a place to go and be yourself and have some fun. We have each other’s phone numbers. We all know we can call anyone and they will make time to talk, reassure and help you,” said Debbie. Alphonso Darden, 71, echoed these words. He said, “This is a place you can come to and it’s safe to talk. Men need this because men don’t like to talk. Alphonso, a Certified Peer Supporter, spends his time at Erie Shore Network on Thursdays. He has quite a story of his own to share. Erie Shore Network, located at 326 E. Market St. – Sandusky. If you are interested in coming to Erie Shore Network, both Debbie and Pam said they would be happy to meet you and befriend you while there. To make those arrangements, call Executive Director, Brenda Baum at 419-626- 2006. For those age 60+, call Serving Our Seniors at 419-624-1856 to arrange transportation to and from Erie Shore Network. Erie Shore Network: A Little Help From Their Friends L-R: Miguel Mercado, member; Clyde Herrin, member; Alphonso Darden is the facilitator of the group and a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter at Erie Shore Network. 19