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

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.