Stefano Medansky tries to visit New Hope Recovery Center of Lake County every day. He considers the drop-in center a lifesaver after transitioning out of the Bayside Terrace care center in Waukegan.
Leading tours Thursday at New Hope’s Zion facility, the 29-year-old showed visitors the group meeting room, TV area, computer room, kitchen and recreational space for foosball, pool and ping pong.
The facility, which opened in February, is Lake County’s second drop-in center for Williams Consent Decree class members and area residents seeking help with mental illness and substance abuse. The Williams Consent Decree enables qualifying individuals with mental illness to move from state-funded institutions into communities so they can live independently and continue to receive professional support.
“We don’t have to hide,” said Medansky, a Zion resident. “We can be ourselves and people actually listen.”
Medansky and others who were at New Hope on Thursday expressed gratitude for having an inviting place that feels like home. Each day staff holds a morning check-in for peers to talk about how they are doing and what they are feeling.
“A lot of times they might need time to explain how do they feel as a sober person on the path in recovery,” said Amy MacDonald-Wojcik, the drop-in center’s coordinator.
MacDonald-Wojcik said the facility is peer led, meaning staff tries to offer the classes and outings that clients request.
Because some clients are transitioning from institutions to independent living, MacDonald-Wojcik tries to hold classes about topics such as budgeting and coping.
Clients can use the computers to look for jobs, research mental illness or even write for the facility’s monthly newsletter.
Most importantly, though, MacDonald-Wojcik said the drop-in center creates a community for its clients. The main area houses couches, a TV and games that allow clients to relax and interact.
“In my opinion, it’s irreplaceable because it helps people grow just to know they’re not alone,” MacDonald-Wojcik said.
Medansky shares MacDonald-Wojcik’s sentiments, and described the center’s staff and clients as family.
“Being able to come and feel like you’re part of something — and people actually like us,” Medansky said.
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