Buckelew in Brief: April 2024

Green Thumb Therapy at Casa Rene

Our occupational therapy interns, Gia Stavros and Molly Hargon from Dominican University’s doctorate program, created a beautiful herb garden at Casa Rene that's blooming with opportunities for mental well-being. Casa Rene is Buckelew’s short-term residential program in Marin for adults who need a stabilizing environment after experiencing a severe mental health or substance use crisis. On a recent spring day, residents enjoyed planting lavender, dill, catnip and other seeds and decorating the new planter. Some of the wonderful benefits they got to experience:

🌞 Spending time outdoors and getting a dose of Vitamin D can reduce anxiety and depression. 

🍓 Engaging in everyday activities like gardening can return feelings of “normalcy” and motivation. 

🌻 Growing and nurturing plants can foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Thank you, Gia and Molly (pictured top left), for sharing your nurturing energy and creativity with us!

We’re thrilled to announce that WildCare naturalists will join Bike + Hike 4 Buckelew hikers this year, sharing their extensive knowledge about China Camp’s natural beauty and endangered species. Hikers can choose from two routes: The Flora + Fauna Hike is a leisurely 2-mile loop from Miwok Meadows to Turtle Back Trail with sweeping bay views. The Trail Mixer Hike is a moderate 4-mile adventure winding through shady oak and bay woodlands. Keep an eye out for deer, red-tailed hawks, herons, egrets, sticky monkey-flowers and more. Register by May 8.

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, the perfect opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions volunteers make across our programs. They answer suicide hotline calls, bring art to our residents, share their recovery stories with clients in treatment, ensure everything runs smoothly during our annual “Bike + Hike 4 Buckelew” event… and so much more! Meet a few of our volunteers:

Kim Belgarde: Kim began answering calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022 after seeing a news story about the rising call volume and dire need for more volunteers. Her interest and compassion stem from having a family member who has struggled with mental illness for decades. “I gain a lot of insight from the callers,” Kim tells us, “and I’m continually developing confidence in my ability to be there for them in their moments of need.” Learn about 988 volunteer opportunities.

Lake Kowell: Lake regularly brings art and inspiration to women in recovery at Athena House and Hope Village. Last weekend, she led a vision board project where residents could draw and collage images and words from magazines that inspire them. The residents also enjoyed beading bracelets and necklaces. When Lake isn’t volunteering with us, she’s been deeply involved in the disabled community as an advocate and mentor.

Laurie Pedersen: This is Laurie’s third year as volunteer coordinator for our springtime Bike + Hike 4 Buckelew fundraiser. She organizes some 40 other volunteers who pitch in to make it a great day. “Volunteering is a way to give something back to the community that has been my home for more than 35 years,” Laurie tells us. “Most of us have had experience with relatives or friends who have mental health or addiction issues. I’m thankful to have an organization like Buckelew that provides such a wide range of services to people who not otherwise might not get the support they need.” Interested in joining Laurie’s B4B volunteer team May 11? Please contact us at Bike4Buckelew@Buckelew.org.

Heartfelt thanks to Kim, Lake, Laurie and all our volunteers!

Pictured top row, left to right: Lake Kowell, Kim Belgard. Bottom: Brooke Hansen, Laurie Pedersen, Jack Gallagher.

Community Gift Transforms Lives

Lakeside House in Marin has been essential to Buckelew Programs for decades, providing affordable supported housing so individuals with serious behavioral health challenges can live independently. Recently, the property owner leasing Lakeside to us made a remarkable donation to Buckelew: the house itself! It was the donor’s way of expressing gratitude for the program that housed their adult son for many years. (The donor requested to remain anonymous.) 

Thanks to additional support – including a neighbor's donation for tree removal and lead construction funding from Tamalpais Pacific – we gave Lakeside an interior facelift. From updating the bathroom to installing new flooring, the renovations enhance living conditions for Lakeside’s 6-8 residents who are part of our Marin Assisted Independent Living (MAIL) program. MAIL helps people who might otherwise find themselves living in an institution or on the street.  Lakeside House stands as a testament to the impact of community support and generosity.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser