A program that promotes a positive sense of community for people struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges will be featured this year during Sound’s Update to the Community and outreach. Though the program, Clean Start, is located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, clients come from all over the greater region to receive the support they need to recover and thrive.
It might be because of the warm meals served there, the opportunity to do laundry, or take a shower. Perhaps it is the mental health, addiction treatment and case management services available. But if you ask anyone who goes there, it’s likely the strong sense of community and fellowship that awaits.
“Clean Start has helped me in so many ways,” says Lamar, a Sound client and volunteer at Clean Start. They are a blessing. I now have an apartment and a job. Living on the streets was rough. I no longer have to watch my back. The support I get from the team here is the greatest thing.”
Clean Start is based on a community integration model that through a wide range of services, promotes opportunities for clients to participate in enriching social connections, develop life skills, and experience the profound dignity that comes from self-care and wellness.
Sound’s Development team wants the rest of the community to know about this wellness and recovery program too and hopes to inspire support for the amazing things happening there. A video spotlighting the program will be a focal point of our annual year end appeal campaign launching Nov. 4.
In the video, Patrick Evans, Sound President & CEO walks viewers through Clean Start, speaks with Clean Start clinician and facilitator Jim Fickens, and interviews Clean Start clients about what the program has meant to them. In addition, in a separate video, Evans offers a recap of 2021.
Community support for Clean Start and Sound enables the organization to continue its life-saving and life-affirming work, which is needed more than ever due to Covid and the isolating effects of the pandemic. To support Sound and Clean Start, visit www.sound.health/support or email susan.bean@sound.health.