Argonaut Residents Visit the NAAM

Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) is committed to creating a strong sense of community among its residents. We strongly believe that healing can be achieved through meaningful connections with others in a supportive environment. PHC's Companionship Program and structured group activities aim to help our residents in their healing process by reducing social isolation and loneliness, which are often associated with homelessness and mental illness. Our residents benefit greatly from these programs, which enable them to take walks, embark on new adventures, or simply go out for coffee with their companions or fellow residents and staff in their neighborhoods and beyond.

PHC Argonaut Apartments, located in Seattle's historic Central District, offers our residents exposure to a community with a rich history of involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and steeped in African-American arts and culture.

NAAM, housed in the reimagined Coleman School Building.

A small group of Argonaut residents, accompanied by Dakota, PHC’s volunteer and resident coordinator, took advantage of a beautiful Friday in October to explore their neighborhood and take a ten-minute walk to visit the Northwest African-American Museum (NAAM), housed in the reimagined Coleman School building.

Two Argonaut residents starting their tour of the museum.

During their visit, the group explored three exhibits, one of which was "Positive Frequencies" - a collection of mixed media pieces that highlighted the unifying and healing power of music as a universal language. The exhibit showcased influential African-American pop, R&B, and jazz musicians. The residents were impressed by the colorful and expressive exhibit, which featured artwork by          C. Bennet, Eric Salisbury, Myron Curry, and Samuel Blackwell.

"Oregon Black Pioneers" tells the stories of a small group of Black men and women who challenged Oregon's discriminatory laws, settling in Oregon between 1840 and 1870 and laying the foundation for Oregon's future Black communities.

Artist Jeremy Gregory’s mural installation in the Freedom of Expression Series II exhibit.

The third exhibit, "Freedom of Expression Series II," showcases the strength and range of visual artistic expression created by artists of African descent living in the Pacific Northwest. 

Before returning home, the residents and Dakota stopped at the park adjacent to the Museum to enjoy a picnic lunch.

This allowed them to reflect and discuss each exhibit's breadth and historical significance, what they had learned about Seattle's African-American history, the different Northwest African-American artists and their work, and the various offerings in the residents’ culturally rich neighborhood.

To learn more about PHC and the services and programs we offer to end social isolation and housing instability for people living with mental illness, visit PHC (plyhc.org).

Welcoming Eppie Williamson to the Board

View fullsize

PHC Board Member, Eppie Williamson, RN.

Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) is excited to announce the appointment of Eppie Williamson to our board of directors. Although new to the board, Eppie is well acquainted with PHC’s mission to provide affordable housing, circles of support, and companionship to people living with mental illness and experiencing housing instability.

Throughout her nursing career, Eppie has come across many individuals with mental health issues seeking medical care. This has inspired her to take up a position on the board at the invitation of another PHC board member, Nancy Parker. Eppie sees this as a way to help address Seattle’s mental health and homelessness problems. She is particularly drawn to PHC’s small communities and companionship model, and we are optimistic that she will become a part of our long-term strategic planning committee as we strive to find more opportunities to expand our outreach and serve more people in need.

Eppie, an RN at UW Medicine, Internal Medicine, enjoys reading medical and science articles and journals. However, she has recently started reading fiction to add some levity to her life. When asked about her likes and hobbies, Eppie laughed and mentioned running, although it’s a stretch to say she “likes” to run. During the pandemic, while working on the COVID floor at Johns Hopkins, she was forced to find a way to stay fit and burn off stress after the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order-mandated pool closures. She found walking didn’t do it, so she took up running, although she still prefers swimming. Since last February, she also has a new friend, her cat, Stormy. “She really is quite sweet.”

Despite her colleagues’ teasing about her name, comparing it to medical terms such as “EpiPen” or her “Eppi patients” while she worked on a hospital’s epileptic floor, Eppie takes it all in stride. This is because she knows that she was named after James Child’s Scottish ballad “Eppie Morrie,” which tells the story of a woman taken from her home but who successfully fights off all attempts to be forced into marrying an unwanted suitor. Like her namesake, Eppie Williamson is a strong, determined, resilient woman.

We are thrilled to welcome Eppie to our board and look forward to working with her to further our mission: to provide a home, circles of support, and companionship to Seattle’s most vulnerable.

Eppie, with her fellow PHC’s board members and executive director, yuck it up in this year’s Night of Hope photo booth.

---

If you want to learn more about Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) and our programs, visit our website.

We sincerely appreciate your financial support and partnership in advocating for mental healthcare that prioritizes the fundamental need for companionship and the healing power of community.

The Art of Survival

Laurie Davenport poses in front of Plymouth Church’s “The Art of Survival” exhibition wall.

Last Sunday, following their worship services, Plymouth Church hosted a reception to launch Laurie Davenport’s solo exhibition, “The Art of Survival.”

Joe Williams, the event’s organizer and Plymouth Church’s Director of Music and Arts invited Plymouth Healing Communities’ Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, to give the opening remarks.

Padrica applauded the powerful art exhibit, describing the artwork as a “testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the shared humanity that binds us all.” She urged us to engage with Laurie, share in her creativity, and let Laurie’s stories, which compel us to “challenge stereotypes, raise awareness and ultimately foster a more compassionate and inclusive society, touch our hearts.”

Padrica shared that “homelessness is not merely a societal issue, but a deeply human experience that transcends preconceptions, affecting individuals from all walks of life.” She reminded us, “It’s a challenge that could fall on any of us.” She concluded her remarks by asking us to acknowledge this challenge, humanize it, and allow Laurie’s art to break down the barriers that sometimes separate us from our fellow human beings in need. 

Laurie Davenport

“I’m impressed with PHC. Their emphasis on permanent supportive housing and availability of medical respite and companionship/support are exactly what should be happening and growing.”

— Laurie Davenport

“Laurie Davenport paints what is what is ‘out there’ — the people and places of the Pacific Northwest…”

Painting and quote from Laurie’s WordPress website.

Exhibition Information

Plymouth Church is hosting the exhibition through November 19. If you could not attend last week’s event, we strongly urge you to come and experience Laurie’s powerful art exhibit, which aims to “humanize individuals experiencing homelessness.”

The paintings on display are available for purchase, and 50% of the proceeds from the sales will support PHC’s programs and services.

Plymouth Church is located at 1217 Sixth Avenue in downtown Seattle. For more information, please call 206-622-4865.

We are humbled and immensely grateful for Laurie’s generosity. We are also thankful to Plymouth Church for hosting this impactful art exhibit, and we would like to give a special shout-out to Joe Williams for their hard work spearheading this exceptional and thought-provoking event.

““The Art of Survival is an exhibition, strategically installed in downtown Seattle, which challenges our individualistic social positions. What is the moral implication of admiring a beautifully painted two-dimensional portrait of someone huddled in a sleeping bag we could have easily just passed by on our way inside? Artist Laurie Davenport’s honest depictions invite empathy and reflection as to why we normalize vulnerable populations existing in survival mode.””

— Joe Williams, Director of Music and Arts - Plymouth Church

To learn about the exhibition, contact Joe Williams at jwilliams@plymouthchurchseattle.org.

A Night Filled with Stories of Hope

Heeding the call to support PHC, guests enthusiastically and generously participated in Raise the Paddle.

Thursday, September 21, Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) held its 5th annual Night of Hope fundraising event. The gathering welcomed both old and new friends and supporters who came together to support PHC’s mission of providing affordable housing, circles of support, and companionship to the most vulnerable members of our society.

Robie Flanagan, PHC’s board president, kicked off the event’s program by welcoming the guests and thanking the event’s sponsors and community partners for making the evening possible before inviting PHC’s executive director, Padrica Hoffman, to the stage.

Night of Hope guests honoring Dr. Maxine Mimms for her lifetime achievements in education, service, and advocacy.

Padrica opened her remarks by honoring guest Dr. Maxine Mimms, a pillar in the community and the founder of Evergreen State College in Tacoma, WA., for her lifelong dedication to meeting the educational needs of urban African-American adult learners. The audience joined in the honor with a standing ovation for Dr. Mimms.

During her speech, Padrica highlighted PHC’s unique solution to social isolation, its Companionship program, which is based on Craig Rennebohm’s companionship model of walking alongside someone and providing the gift of time and presence.  Before making her appeal for financial support and inviting Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong to the stage, Padrica shared that PHC is committed more than ever to advocating for mental health care policies and legislation that prioritize the fundamental need for companionship and the healing power of community.

Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong’s address highlighted the City's efforts to create comprehensive and compassionate strategies for dealing with mental health issues and homelessness. He emphasized the importance of building connections and relationships among people, as this promotes their well-being and success. He stated that policies alone cannot achieve this goal. Expressing his gratitude towards PHC, he then applauded the unique approach of PHC in providing residents with a sense of belonging and healing, which he had personally observed during his visit to the Argonaut.

Night of Hope guests from Horizon House enjoying the evening.

Mr. Wong was followed by Ashley, who was the emcee of the event. Ashley invited Jessie, a resident of PHC's Argonaut House, to come up on stage. During an interview-style conversation, the audience had the opportunity to get to know Jessie and learn about her two-and-a-half years of experience. She expressed gratitude towards Plymouth Healing Communities for providing her with a safe and stable place to live.

Jessie also shared how having a companion, participating in community activities, and interacting with the staff have positively impacted her life. When asked about her hopes for PHC, Jessie replied that there are still many people in need of assistance, and by supporting PHC, more people can receive the help that PHC offers. She thanked the guests for supporting her and many others who still need healing.

After thanking Jessie, Ashely invited the audience to watch a brief video highlighting Plymouth Healing Communities’ companion program, which is at the crux of what makes Plymouth Healing Communities so unique.  

Press the play arrow to view PHC’s Night of Hope Companionship Video.

Following the video, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, Senior Pastor of Church, UCC, and the evening’s keynote speaker, started her spirit-filled speech by quoting Michael J. Graham, a Jesuit priest and educator. She stated, "Service is what prayer looks like when it gets up off its knees and walks around in the world.” She further emphasized that Night of Hope was an opportunity to contribute towards the healing of the city of Seattle. She believes that PHC makes prayers real for a more just and compassionate world by building a transformative community for those experiencing mental illness and homelessness, providing hope and sustenance.

She shared that one of the primary reasons she was drawn to Plymouth Church was its association with Plymouth Healing Communities. As someone passionate about helping individuals who are homeless, she sought to be part of a church that intentionally partnered with organizations like PHC because PHC is an innovative, effective, and necessary organization that helps address the issue of homelessness. While reaffirming the covenant between Plymouth Church United Church of Christ and Plymouth Healing Communities, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown praised Padrica for her compassionate, innovative, and wise leadership. She also expressed her belief that Padrica, as executive director, ensures that PHC is set up for success.

Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown ended her remarks by inviting everyone to give the gift they had planned and then give more, “for God is a God of abundance who walks, dances, strides through you to create mercy, peace, and justice for the least among us. On this Night of Hope, may we all stand with Plymouth Healing Communities, which exists to prove what Cornell West said is true: “Justice is what love looks like in public.” 

If you want to learn more about Plymouth Healing Communities and our programs, visit our website. And if you were unable to attend this year’s Night of Hope, it’s not too late to support our work. You can make your gift here.

Thank you for standing with us to help the most vulnerable among us.

“It touched me so deeply last night to attend the Plymouth Healing Community fundraiser. I thought it would be like “every other” fundraiser, but it was beyond powerful to hear their Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, and Reverend Dr. Kelle J. Brown. My goodness, the power of their words and actions that back up what they say. My sisters from HeartBeat were there with me. The love and unity of Black women is so nurturing and safe. I relished every moment. Thank you, Dr. Stefani Renee, for your Board service and for bringing this organization to our attention.”

— Cindi Bright - HeartBeat Radio / Author of The Color of Courage

Cindi Bright and her HeartBeat sisters Stefani Coverson, Erin Jones, and Dr. Karen Johnson having fun in the photo booth.

Thank you to our 2023 Night of Hope Sponsors.

Alex Dobbs and Camilo Hart, NOH Guests from Horizon House.

Seattle Deputy Mayor Visits the Argonaut House

Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong is known for engaging with community groups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to foster collaborative relationships. So, it wasn’t a great surprise when he agreed to visit the Argonaut House after being introduced to Plymouth Healing Communities by Reverend Dr. Kelle Brown, Senior Pastor of Plymouth Church, UCC. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Wong sat down with PHC's Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, to better understand the solutions PHC is working on to help solve Seattle’s homeless crisis for those struggling with mental illness.

Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong and Padrica Hoffman, Executive Director of Plymouth Healing Communities at the Argonaut.

Welcoming Mr. Wong, Padrica (whom the Deputy Mayor characterized as a “person who exudes passion with an intense level of calm”) shared PHC’s mission to end the devastating cycle of hospitalization and homelessness for those living with mental illness and explained what we are doing about it.

Mr. Wong openly discussed why he has always been motivated to make a difference throughout his career. He shared that his childhood experiences of growing up poor in a multicultural family and seeing several friends and acquaintances fall victim to crime or end up in the criminal justice system inspired him to take action. He understands the impact of economic circumstances on people's life paths and continues to dedicate himself to addressing the issue.

He and Padrica also discussed the power of companionship and what it means to walk alongside someone.

“Of course, we need to systemize things, pencil out costs, and design and set policies, but fundamentally, it’s about connections and building relationships. What strikes me the most about PHC is its unique and impactful approach to providing connection and building relationships with its residents. It is transformative.”

— Deputy Mayor Greg Wong

During his visit, the Deputy Mayor also took the time to speak with a resident. As the resident approached, Mr. Wong stood to greet her, demonstrating his commitment to respecting all, regardless of social standing. This simple act of kindness and respect undoubtedly helped the resident feel comfortable sharing her story. She talked about what it meant for her to feel safe and how she is now learning how to trust, something she had not been able to do before coming to PHC. She also expressed her gratitude for the companionship and social events that Plymouth Healing Communities provides its residents.

Mr. Wong's visit certainly transformed our afternoon at the Argonaut into an unforgettable experience.

““I was so inspired after our meeting. Mr. Wong’s inviting smile, openness to PHC and our work, and his kind words of hope and compassion left a lasting impression on all who met him at Argonaut House.””

— Padrica Hoffman, PHC Executive Director

We invite you to join Deputy Mayor Greg Wong at Washington Hall at PHC’s Night of Hope on Thursday, September 21. To ensure your attendance, please reserve your seat. 

An Afternoon of Fun and Discovery in Beacon Hill

For more than 20 years, Plymouth Healing Communities has provided companionship, housing, and support to those living with mental illness and housing instability in various neighborhoods of Greater Seattle. One of PHC's Permanent Supportive Housing residences, Eng House, is in the diverse and welcoming community of Beacon Hill.

On September 21st, Plymouth Healing Communities will host its 5th annual Night of Hope fundraiser. In addition to donations and grants, PHC relies on sponsorships and community partnerships to achieve our financial goals. Night of Hope sponsorship support provides an excellent opportunity to receive the financial help we need to continue serving our residents while our business partners receive well-deserved recognition throughout the year for their financial support.

Jane and Marcia enjoying soft serve in Beacon Hill.

Recently, on a mission to secure Night of Hope sponsorships, board members Marcia Almquist and Jane Dunkel explored Beacon Hill’s business district armed with information about PHC and a passion for telling our story and our impact on Greater Seattle. They enjoyed walking among our Beacon Hill neighbors, who were also taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of the district on a beautiful summer day. While visiting various restaurants, which served different cuisines representing the diverse community, Marcia and Jane found every person they spoke with to be supportive of our work and willing to consider becoming a sponsor if their financial situation allowed.

Before they ended their visit to the district, Jane, a collector of pint glasses, added to her collection while visiting Beacon Hill’s historic Perihelon Brewery, and they both indulged in soft serve at the Milk Drunk.

Considering it a gift to have the opportunity to walk, eat, talk about PHC, and get better acquainted with our Beacon Hill neighbors, Jane and Marcia urge others to get out and discover the gems that our other neighborhoods have to offer, share our story and continue building relationships and partnerships with our neighbors.

““Beacon Hill is a great neighbor! PHC is all about building community for our residents. I believe in “six degrees of separation” – we are all connected . . . and have faith that something, at some time, will emerge when people connect with people to address an issue that affects all of us.””

— Jane Dunkel, PHC Board Member

Sponsorship packages are available if your business or organization wants to sponsor Night of Hope and support Plymouth Healing Communities. For more information, please download our sponsorship packet here.

To register for Night of Hope, our special evening of philanthropy and community, visit PHC 2023 Night of Hope.

Argonaut House’s Picnic Provides Opportunity for Community and Healing

Plymouth Healing Communities bid a fond farewell to the month of July with its annual community-building summer picnic. On July 31st, residents, board members, volunteers, and guests gathered at the Argonaut House for food, fun, and dancing.

The Argonaut House’s shared community space was perfect for those preferring to gather indoors, thanks to several of Seattle's generous volunteers who gave the community space a makeover on MLK Day.

The backyard provided plenty of room for guests to eat, mingle and dance, and the weather was ideal for those preferring the outdoors. People found conversation areas were set up with tables and chairs throughout the backyard, and guests who brought camping chairs opted to sit and visit under the yard’s magnificent tree.

Guests enjoyed sandwiches from Husky Deli, a West Seattle mainstay for three generations, while Seattle's own radio personality and DJ, Sergio Lacour, played old-school dance music.

A resident and her companion are all smiles at the Argonaut House picnic.

The day's worries faded as music and laughter filled the air.

As the festivities started to wind down, it was clear that the residents could have danced all night as cries for “just one more” prompted the DJ to extend his playlist.

Plymouth Healing Communities continually embraces opportunities to surround its residents in its ever-growing diverse, supportive community for their growth and healing.

We invite you to join us for another opportunity to experience the healing power of community at our annual fundraiser, Night of Hope, on Thursday, September 21. Once again, there will be food, fun, and dancing with an additional bonus. Special guests Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, Senior Pastor of Plymouth Church, UCC, and the City of Seattle’s Deputy Mayor Greg Wong will speak to the importance of communal support for those experiencing mental illness and housing instability. To ensure your attendance, please reserve your seat by September 13. Although there is no cost to attend, a donation of $100 or more will be requested during the event, with all proceeds going to support Plymouth Healing Communities’ housing and circles of support. If you can’t join us on September 21, please donate.

A companion and her resident take a break from the festivities for a photo.

To learn more about PHC and all we do to support those living with mental illness and housing instability, visit http://plyhc.org/.

“This is the best party we’ve had here!”

— Resident

PHC Welcomes Robert Malae to the Board

According to recent research by BoardSource, board diversity has remained relatively the same in the past two years. Unfortunately, recruitment practices remain unchanged, and BoardSource reports that this trend will likely continue.

However, Plymouth Healing Communities, committed to challenging this trend, is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is actively recruiting leadership and staff who align with PHC’s mission and principles to ensure that the organization reflects the diversity of its residents and its communities. Therefore, Plymouth Healing Communities is thrilled to welcome Robert Malae to our board of directors.

Robert brings extensive knowledge and expertise in legal compliance related to civil rights, labor and employment, equity, inclusion, and social justice to the board.

He was introduced to Plymouth Healing Communities' House of Healing in the early 2000s through Plymouth United Church of Christ. Still, he only recently learned more about Plymouth Healing Communities through PHC’s board member and champion, Marsha Almquist.

Grateful for being selected for his first term, he affirms that this appointment is his spiritual calling. He believes that “through the work of PHC, there can be a more just, equitable, accessible, and inclusive society, where everyone can thrive, especially those experiencing mental illness and housing instability.”

Posed with the question as to whether he agrees or disagrees with Anne Frank’s statement that “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Robert thoughtfully replied that he believes people have a deep capacity for good.

“In our culture and behavioral norms, we model and learn personal racism, internalized racism and participate in systemic racism; likewise, we can unlearn personal and internalized racism and dismantle systemic racism—interrupt social systems and stop to interrupt our implicit biases.”

— Robert

He continues, “The mission of companionship and respect—being known, seen, and feelings of belonging—resonates with me. Also, I like PHC’s model of care and being supported in community.”

On a personal note, Robert enjoys Spam Musubi (“It’s like Spam sushi… so satisfying!”) as his favorite snack at the beach, and he appreciates hula, Island music Hawaiian/Samoan/Tongan), Japanese, and Okinawa arts, history, and culture.

We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to meet Robert at this year's Night of Hope. He is truly fascinating, and the evening promises to be unforgettable.

Plymouth Healing Communities Welcomes New Board Leadership

Plymouth Healing Communities welcomes our new board president, Robie Flannagan.

Robie, no stranger to PHC, brings her unique experiences and perspective to the organization as it enters its twenty-second year focused on sustainability and DEI.

Robie does not bring lofty titles, degrees, or financial wealth. Still, there is something about Robie that makes her the ideal board president for Plymouth Healing Communities as it continues to chart its course to ensure that it provides healing spaces, companionship, and circles of support for people who live with mental illness and housing instability.

There’s Something About Robie

“Life choices don’t happen in a vacuum. Likewise, recovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Everyone in recovery needs healthy relations and an intentional community.”

— Robie Flannagan's Core Belief

Could it be that she has lived experience and a clinician's perspective to share, or could it be her passion for continuing to move PHC forward into “living the mission fully”?

Perhaps it is her core belief that healthy relationships and intentional community are essential for a person in recovery- that addiction, trauma, and unfortunate life choices don’t happen in a vacuum. Likewise, healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

Or maybe it's that she feels it is her responsibility to push back against inequality by pushing forward a diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda.

Truth be told…

It’s Everything About Robie

Robie’s core belief compelled her to seize opportunities early in her recovery, to serve as a PHC Companion over twelve years ago and Harborview peer counselor shortly after that, and her sense of responsibility pushed her to say “yes” this year when asked to serve as board president.

Her lived experience helps her to stay focused on seeing that the organization represents and reflects PHC residents and the communities it serves. Her unwavering support of PHC’s mission, vision, and statement of principles promises increased sustainability as Plymouth Healing Communities continues to become an organization that wholeheartedly is living into the mission and vision statement.

Oh, there’s a lot about Robie Flannagan that is undeniably inspirational. If you have not had the opportunity to meet Robie, be sure to register for this year’s Night of Hope. Robie and her welcoming spirit will greet you, and the night promises to be a night like no other, supporting healing and community.

Practice Empathy. Show Compassion.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports that on a single night in 2022, counts of individuals (421,392 people) and chronically homeless individuals (125,768) reached record highs in the history of data collection.  Sixty percent were staying in sheltered locations—emergency shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing programs, and forty percent were in unsheltered locations such as on the street, abandoned buildings, or other places unsuitable for human habitation. The count also estimated that forty-five percent of the homeless experienced mental illness.

Unfortunately, many communities have responded to the increase in the homeless population by criminalizing people experiencing homelessness, resulting in an increased culture that views people without housing as unimportant or less than others.

While much of the responsibility to fix discrimination against people experiencing homelessness falls on policy changes, it is still within our control to manage how we engage with individuals experiencing housing instability.

Plymouth Healing Communities challenges each of us to flip the script. Instead of ascribing to the growing trend of being a passerby who intentionally ignores or, worse yet, being one who stares in judgment, let us practice empathy and show compassion.

Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what someone else is feeling without personally experiencing it at that moment. It is the capacity to see the world from another person’s perspective and walk in their shoes. It allows us to view life from their living conditions and to feel what it feels like to be that person. It is vital when supporting people experiencing housing instability. Empathy helps us remain non-judgmental and prevents us from minimizing another person’s feelings. Empathy means listening to someone share their feelings and letting them express their emotions.

Compassion is the emotional response to empathy that fosters our desire to help. Our acts of compassion can be instrumental in aiding recovery and helping a person overcome loneliness and isolation.

When we encounter someone experiencing housing instability, Plymouth Healing Communities invites us to stop, speak and be open to listening. Demonstrating a small amount of compassion can significantly improve someone’s day.

“The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter.” ”

— Norman Cousinsnone

Meet One of Our Newest Companions

At Plymouth Healing Communities, our mission to provide companionship, housing, and support for individuals living with mental illness is made possible with the help of our dedicated volunteers. Their generous gift of time and talent is invaluable to our important work.

We are delighted to introduce you to Grace, one of our newest volunteers who graduated from the first cohort of this year's Companionship training.

Grace chose to volunteer at PHC, among the numerous other Seattle nonprofits, because she could relate to the impact of isolation that came with working from home. She appreciated PHC's emphasis on community and welcomed the opportunity to connect with others needing companionship. Grace shared that, in addition, her desire to seek experience in the mental and behavioral health sector made her decision easy. She registered and completed the Companionship training in April and is now serving as a Companion.

Resident and Grace enjoy companionship in the sun.

“It’s so easy to get along and enjoy each other’s company.”

Since their first meeting, Grace has met weekly for tea or leisurely walks. Grace finds his openness to talk about his life and journey incredibly touching, and together, through companionship, their walks to the park on these warm summer days help them overcome the isolation together.

“Go for it! It’s amazing how rewarding and easy relating to others is. Don’t worry about all the details that come along with meeting new people. Just a little bit of effort can go a long way.”

— Grace

If you or someone you know has the desire to volunteer and share in the experience of community and companionship, click here or contact Dakota Nixon at dnixon@plyhc.org or 206-707-2801

Plymouth Healing Communities Partners with Seattle Clubhouse

Plymouth Healing Communities partners with organizations and support networks that provide services and assistance to our residents. We are happy to let you know about our thriving partnership with Seattle Clubhouse.

Seattle Clubhouse, a program of HERO House NW, aims to close the gap between existing programs and services and the additional essentials required for the well-being and recovery of individuals living with mental illness.

Last Thursday, our friends from Clubhouse, Philip Pumphrey, a Clubhouse rehabilitation associate, and two Clubhouse members spent a few hours with our Argonaut residents and PHC volunteers, telling them about the various benefits of becoming a Clubhouse member. They shared information about the programs and activities available to help our residents achieve their physical and mental wellness and educational and career goals.

“You’re safe at the Clubhouse and feel you belong from the moment you step inside. ”

— Clubhouse Member

The room was abuzz with excitement as the conversation progressed. The residents were particularly interested in hearing from the two Clubhouse members as they shared how their memberships positively impacted their lives. Of course, as many of our residents understand and appreciate the importance of community, the residents were very eager to learn about the socials and outings members have access to.

The visit ended with Philip and our Clubhouse guests encouraging residents to schedule a tour of the Clubhouse and apply for membership. Judging by our residents’ receptiveness, we have high hopes that they will take advantage of the benefits and opportunities a Seattle Clubhouse membership offers.

PHC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Dakota, poses with the Argonaut residents for a photo after the Seattle Clubhouse visit.

If you or someone you know are interested in Seattle Clubhouse programs and services, click here.

If your organization or if you know of an organization interested in partnering with PHC, contact Dakota Nixon at dnixon@plyhc.org or 206-707-2801.

Game Night at the Argonaut

Plymouth Healing Communities offers opportunities for residents to get together for fun and laughter. Our Board Game and Pizza Night at the Argonaut did not disappoint.

To start the Memorial Day weekend, residents and Companionship Volunteers got together to enjoy pizza and have a great time playing LifeStories, a board game that encouraged them to share unique facts about themselves and something that brings a smile to their faces.

“The biggest Argonaut event we have had in a long time; that night, I witnessed the residents as they came together to build a strong community- residents showing up for themselves and their neighbors,” says Dakota Nixon, PHC’s Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteers shared it was heartening to see the residents supporting one another, with some even taking the initiative to distribute leftover food to those who couldn't attend the event. 

Evenings like this one are becoming a regular at the Argonaut Apartments.

Interested in experiencing the healing power of Community and Companionship? Join us for our next Companionship Training on Saturday, June 24th. Please apply by Monday, June 10th. 

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with Dakota at dnixon@plyhc.org or 206-707-2801

Click Here to Apply

 Did You Know this Fun Fact?

When surrounded by support, you’re less likely to relapse into old habits you’re trying to escape. 

Planting Season Has Begun!

Plymouth Healing Communities has cultivated a Community Garden Program at House of Healing and Eng House for several years. This year, we are excited to expand the program to include the Argonaut Apartments

Once again, we are getting a healthy start to this growing season with the expert support of our valued partner, the Garden Hotline at Tilth Alliance. Last month, the Tilth's Rosemarie, the Natural Yard Care Educator, held a workshop at Argonaut, where she distributed seeds for the residents to grow indoors and educated residents on the importance of soil health and garden preparation.

Following the workshop, residents, with the help of volunteers, amended the soil. Now it was time to plant!

Tuesday, the Garden Hotline returned to help us transplant a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, zucchini, and basil. Interested residents were also given gardening kits, and in the coming weeks, the residents will transplant their seedlings of beets and collard greens that they started growing last month. Although the plants will be tiny, we know they will take over the whole plot in a few months, and we are hoping that the same garden luck we had with the Eng House garden, which was very fruitful last year, transfers to the beds at Argonaut.

By the end of the day, the residents and volunteers found their time of community, companionship, and gardening so gratifying that there was even talk about adding another garden this fall!

If you are interested in our Community Garden Program and would like to volunteer, click here.

Did You Know This Fun Fact?

Gardening has a huge range of mental health benefits, from reducing stress and depression to boosting your immune system. According to a recent survey, 8o percent of British people believe gardening had a positive impact on their mental health and that the benefits were even better than hitting the gym.

Dee Marques. “The Seven Mental Health Benefits of Gardening.”  Happiness.com

Companionship Starts With Hello

New things can be intimidating, but it's much easier once your foot is in the door. Like meeting a new neighbor or friend, it all starts with a hello. The companion relationship is also built simply by starting with a hello.

Last month, we welcomed our first Companionship Training program cohort, and now they are being matched with residents at our different properties.

Often our volunteers and residents can be nervous about meeting each other. Much anticipation can build up as it takes time to get to know each other and see what you have in common. It was such a pleasure to watch it all melt away last week when residents met their companions for the first time. They immediately started talking about going on walks together, looking into visiting a local museum, where they like to eat in the neighborhood, and much more.

PHC’s Companionship Program helps us build our community. This Mental Health Awareness month is a great time to think about what community means to you. How has your community supported you in times of need? How have you helped others in your community? Are you ready to become a companion?

A strong community is such an integral part of maintaining our mental health. And it all starts with a simple hello!

To join our Companionship Training on Saturday, June 24th, please apply by Monday, June 10th.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with Dakota at dnixon@plyhc.org or 206-707-2801

Click Here to Apply

Thanking Our Horizon House Friends

Last Thursday, Plymouth Healing Communities held its annual event at Horizon House to thank Horizon House residents who are long-time supporters and friends, welcome new friends, and provide updates on what’s been going on at PHC.

A PHC resident shares her courageous testimony.

It was a beautiful day to gather in the Horizon House Sky Lounge. The room was picturesque, with the tables set with white linens and spring flowers, the buffet was spread with fruits, cookies, lemonade, and coffee, and the view of Mt. Rainier was breathtaking. 

Padrica, PHC’s Executive Director, shared news on PHC properties. Dakota, PHC’s Volunteer Coordinator, updated the guests on volunteer opportunities and the reinvigoration of the Companionship Program.  Marcia, a board member and a Horizon House resident, fielded a lively Q&A before one of PHC’s residents gave a moving and courageous testimony, which the guests found to be the program’s highlight.

“It is profoundly touching to be in great company to share about the positive intersectionality between mental illness and companionship.”

— Padrica

Jane, the Board’s President, closed the program by offering words of appreciation and a call for continued support to our old and newly acquired friends.

Following the program, guests had an opportunity to mingle with Padrica, the staff, and board members, and as they left, each received a canvas PHC tote as a token of appreciation.

Many thanks to Marcia, Padrica, Jane, Dakota, and Drew for planning and hosting this year, with special recognition to Drew, who designed our branded canvas totes. And, of course, a special thank you to our guests and supporters.

“Thank you for doing this important work.”

— Attendee

To learn more about our Companionship Program and how you can become a champion for people threatened with mental health crises and living with housing instability and homelessness, click here.