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Friendly Harbor leadership changes foretell a bright future

Pueblo Chieftain - 11/13/2020

For those living with a mental illness, the anxiety and stress associated with the ongoing pandemic, coupled with the isolation and distancing measures designed to mitigate its spread, can be particularly debilitating.

Fortunately, a longtime community anchor has continued to reach out to those for whom a supportive lifeline is vital.

And with new and experienced leadership in place, the present and future of Friendly Harbor Community Center is looking optimistically bright.

It was Robin Barr Hill's vision to create a place where people who happen to have a mental illness could congregate and see hope, dignity, and a sense of purpose restored, that led to the founding of Friendly Harbor Community Center in 1996.

"Friendly Harbor is not a homeless shelter, a food bank or a treatment facility. It is a free service available to the community and is membership-based," explained new Executive Director Michelle Hill. "It is a place of refuge for those who happen to have mental

wellness or substance use issues.

"Members can connect with others to end their isolation, improve self-esteem, integrate into the community, and become more adept at interpersonal skills."

Through support groups, socialization and recreational activities, Friendly Harbor leadership supports a mission statement established a quarter-century ago: "to promote wellness and recovery from mental health and substance issues by providing a safe environment and connecting people to healthy relationships and organizations through peer support."

Located at 2713 N. Grand Ave., in the former Lincoln Home orphanage building, Friendly Harbor has, in light of the persistence of the coronavirus, been closed since March.

But its services and outreach have not only continued, but increased, through the virtual format.

"The COVID-19 crisis is particularly difficult for the people already connected to Friendly Harbor and creates heightened concern for others who may need mental wellness support but are now more isolated," Hill explained. "To address this concern, Friendly Harbor is ramping up our outreach efforts and finding ways to stay connected while maintaining social distancing."

In addition to the virtual support groups dedicated to mindfulness, philosophy, depression, mental wellness and other topics, Friendly Harbor has opened a cellphone "warm line," an avenue through which real-time support is offered, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for members in need of compassionate human interaction.

Hill is supported by program director Laura Lisonbee; board chair Patrick Hurley; Dr. Elissa Ball, board member and former volunteer executive director; and Joe Bowers, board member and volunteer peer specialist.

It's the team's goal to counter the effects of stigma by supporting recovery of Friendly Harbor members with assistance from partnering agencies including Pueblo County Department of Social Services, the probation department, Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, Health Solutions, district court judges, and the citizenry at large.

"In spite of the current challenges, Friendly Harbor is thriving," Hill added. "Recent leadership changes will give us the ability to do more for the community."

Lisonbee, a former lead peer specialist, has been tasked with taking Friendly Harbor's programming to the next level.

"As the new program director, she brings a wealth of experience and an abundance of energy," Hill said.

Lisonbee will manage programs associated with the courts and health care system, as well as endeavors aimed at individuals not currently connected with a support system of any kind.

As executive director, Hill will employ her experience in non-profit management and communications to grow Friendly Harbor's presence and bolster its future through fundraising and community support.

"This is an exciting time for Friendly Harbor," Hill offered. "We are doing more, reaching more people and tackling the challenges of COVID-19 head on."

Those wishing to support that vision are encouraged to keep Friendly Harbor in mind for Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day.

"To help further our efforts, Friendly Harbor is participating in Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day in connection with Coloradogives.org," Hill said. "Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1, but anyone who would like to support Friendly Harbor can log on to

coloradogives.org at any time to donate."

Once the pandemic eases and Friendly Harbor fully reopens, members can look forward to again participating in in-person support group sessions, monthly cookouts, spaghetti dinner socials, recreation, creative arts, open mic nights and other activities.

For more information, visit friendlyharborpueblo.org.

Chieftain reporter Jon Pompia can be reached by email at jpompia@chieftain.com or at twitter.com/jpompia.

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