Our Stories

Before working with Sanctuary House, I was very hesitant to talk about my mental health. In the past, I worked with people who did not understand me, and I had a very hard time getting the help I needed. When I was working before, I hesitated to share what I was going through with bosses, coworkers, or even friends because of the bad judgment that can happen. It was always easy for me to find a job, but difficult to keep one. Once someone learned of my diagnosis, I often felt like I was treated differently, and it became so uncomfortable continuing to work there.

When I started working with the team at Sanctuary House, I learned that I had a lot to offer employers with the right kind of help. My first employment specialist helped me to understand what accommodations are available for me. She would help me have difficult conversations with my employer so that I could perform my best on the job. She made it so easy for me to be open about my disabilities and experiences. It really helped me to form a trust with all of the Sanctuary House staff. When I decided to leave that position, Sanctuary Staff assisted me in finding my job as a Facility Manager at North Carolina A&T University. They supported me in attending a job fair where I was able to make a connection with my new boss and assisted me with applying and doing all the paperwork once I was hired. After starting my new job, my employment specialist, Naailah, has helped me to understand my role, and provide support whenever I need it. They’ve helped me learn so much about how I can still be me and be successful with my employment goals.

While I was working with the employment specialists to find jobs, I received notifications from Social Security regarding my benefits. I needed help understanding how employment can impact my disability payments. Hadley came to the rescue! She helped me to figure out what I needed to do to have my benefits back. She also helped me understand how I can still receive them and work at the same time! More importantly, she empowered me to be comfortable in my independence and to be in control of what life throws my way.

I can’t speak highly enough about the services I have received. Sanctuary House is the best place for people who live with a disability who want to show the world they are more than their diagnosis! I would recommend them to anyone! — Carol Fox

Before I was referred to Sanctuary House last May, my life was very routine—waking up, eating, sleeping, and retreating into video games. I was diagnosed with mental health challenges at a young age and struggled with feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Being treated as just another case file made connecting with anyone who could understand harder.

Coming to Sanctuary House was my turning point. For the first time, I felt safe to open up about my struggles. The staff listened without judgment, encouraged me to express myself, and provided a space to freely share my thoughts and emotions. Sanctuary House gave me the opportunity to finally feel understood and valued as a person, not just a patient.

Sanctuary House isn’t just a place I visit; it’s become my second home. Here, I’ve discovered a community where everyone, from members to staff, treats each other with respect and love. It’s a place where I can be myself without fear of judgment, where friendships are formed easily. The supportive environment has empowered me to communicate better with my family and feel more confident in social settings.

Looking ahead, I feel more hopeful about my future. Sanctuary House has helped me see beyond my struggles. It has not only transformed my life, but has also shown me the power of community and compassion. It’s a place where personal growth is nurtured, and where I’ve learned healing is a journey best traveled with others who care.

~ Michael

In 2019, I had just established myself here in Greensboro following a period of homelessness. At that time, I would describe myself as a very frightened, yet angry, insecure, and indecisive person. I had been on a journey with my mental health and did not seem to be able to find the right kind of support. So, I became determined to start actively seeking treatment and found my way to Sanctuary House.

I was apprehensive about what my experience would be, based on my past negative experiences working with other mental health agencies. I struggled to trust others. I was still afraid of my life experiences haunting me, but then I met Hadley. Hadley is my Peer Support Specialist at Sanctuary House. I have weekly, individualized appointments with Hadley where she teaches me new strategies and coping skills to add to my Mental Health toolbox. Hadley and I put in the work to build a strong bond. I truly believe everyone should have a Peer Support Specialist, but nobody is like MY Hadley.

With her encouragement, I have been successful in engaging with my Employment Specialists to foster my professional journey. My Employment Specialists have seen me through every phase of my employment goals and continue to support me in my current position. The Employment Specialist I work with now – Naailah – has been a tremendous light in my life and inspires me to be constantly proud of my progress.

My time with Sanctuary House has not only helped me to find my voice but USE it. I am so grateful to myself for taking the step to reach out to Sanctuary House and so grateful to Sanctuary House for being the beacon of light I needed in my life.

~ Betty Jones

Donny C., age 70, is a Sanctuary House member and also a talented artist and musician. He shares he “has found purpose and meaning being part of the SH community.” When he’s not working at Burger King (a job he has held since 2010), Donny helps make lunch at SH and spends time with fellow members. “Being part of Sanctuary House challenges me. I like to share what I know and look for interest in another person,” he says. “If I can win a friendship and show kindness, it is a good day.”

Stories like Donny’s are possible because of you. Removing barriers of access (i.e., to medical, employment, etc.) is one of the greatest ways possible to lift the lives of our members, their families, and our community overall.