Sunday 11 November 2012

Business brings mental health recovery to fore

Business brings mental health recovery to fore

Published: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 6:02 AM Updated: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 6:05 AM
KARA NEWHOUSE
During her more than 25 years in the mental health field, Shelley Bishop of Landisburg has witnessed a paradigm shift from the belief that diagnosis of mental illness meant giving up one’s dreams to a commitment that people can and do recover.

“Some people recover because they connect to the mental health system; some recover who’ve never had any contact with the system; and some do it in spite of the system,” Bishop said.

In 2010, Bishop had “a vision for something different” from the nonprofit and government work she’d been doing throughout her life. She and a friend, Karen Morton, believed they could help people on their paths to recovery from all types of illness and difficulties by creating visual reminders of hope, courage, and the affirmation that recovery is possible. So they started a business, which they called Support the Journey.

The business operates online as well as at an 1849 Landisburg area farmhouse. Dubbed the Support the Journey House, the shop sits off the beaten path but stands out from its scenic surroundings with colorful signs and fused glass wind chimes lining the stone path to the door.

Inside, the combination retail shop, office and creative retreat space offers handmade items that appeal to all the senses and communicate Bishop’s message that “you can move on from the darkness.” Among Support the Journey’s main products is a line of fused glass pendants with the Chinese characters for hope, love, peace and courage. The business also sell cards, posters, magnets and gem trees with similar affirmations.

“You are in control of your thoughts,” Bishop said. “What we’re challenged with is to affirm the good, because we have that capacity.”

Although Bishop’s professional life has focused on mental health, she believes Support the Journey’s messages span the human experience. “I know what it’s like to be depressed, to experience grief and loss, but I also know what it’s like to connect with others, to identify my strength and to find joy.”

In 1997, Bishop’s 17-year-old son, Justin, died from a drug overdose. According to Bishop, the story of his death brought Perry County’s heroin problem into public light. She connected with Glenys Dilissio, executive director of Perry Human Services (PHS), and they created a support group for parents and families of people dealing with addiction. The support group still exists, alongside PHS’ drug and alcohol prevention and intervention services.

Because of Bishop’s deep appreciation for the role of PHS in her own life and the community, she chose the organization as the first recipient of Support the Journey’s “pay it forward” business approach. Fifteen percent of sales from the business go directly to PHS.

“A lot of companies donate (to charities) and it’s wonderful, but it’s easy to get caught up in other things, so we just built it into who we are,” Bishop said.

Beyond aiding recovery with financial contributions and visual affirmations, Support the Journey recently expanded into supporting local artists. According to Sarabeth Orlowski, who works as a creative developer for the business, Support the Journey is selling items by a few consignment artists and is seeking more partnerships with artists whose work promotes healing of all kinds.

Orlowski, an artist and in the mental health field, said the creative process itself can be empowering and healing.

“People find solace in creating. It makes what you’re feeling real,” she said. “I would like to see Support the Journey become a well-known business in central Pennsylvania that is a hub of supporting people no matter where they are in life.”

As for Bishop, her connections are local but her vision is much bigger. “I think we can do things differently. I think that one of the healthiest things you can hope for is a community that cares about each other ... I’m in this for nothing less than to change the world.”

Support the Journey will hold an open house from 1 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 17. Everyone who visits that day will receive a free glass ornament. The shop is at 203 Laurel Run Road, Landisburg. Information and products also can be found online at www.supportthejourney.com.

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