When Patrice joined McClendon Center in 2017, she had a dual diagnosis. She struggled with substance use and had unmet mental health needs. As the mother of four children, she’d experienced a lot in life, but there was much more she wanted to achieve. Without the tools to overcome her addiction and address her mental health needs, she had no hope of recovering.
Getting involved with McClendon Center’s Day Program helped Patrice get clean and begin to process her emotions. But, like most non-essential services, the Day Program was forced to close its doors when COVID struck in 2020, and Patrice relapsed. As a result, she lost her housing and was prohibited from seeing her twins. Back on the streets once again, she feared for her and her family’s safety and saw little hope for the future.
When the Day Program opened its doors again on June 14, 2021, no one was happier to be back than Patrice. She started participating in the art therapy program and discovered something new about herself: she was a talented painter! Through art, Patrice’s confidence began to grow. When she finished a painting, it gave her a sense of accomplishment.
Patrice is now sober and has earned her bachelor’s degree while pursuing a graduate degree in art. “The McClendon Center makes me feel like I’m going to a family reunion every day…It feels good,” says Patrice.
Patrice is actively involved in the Day Program’s Friday Showcase, wherein participants can express themselves creatively through song, dance, poetry, or anything else that makes them feel good. She’s even been the host! “I love being the host,” says Patrice, “I love that the host is one of us.”
What makes the Day Program so effective is the ownership that it grants our clients. They decide how they want to express themselves. Whether it’s through painting, horticulture, or dance, all forms of expression are valued. Without the Day Program, Patrice never would have discovered her passion for art. She never would have had the structure and social support necessary to transform her life forever.
