On the first day Nick walked into the Our Space community room, he knew it was a very special place. Just two short years later, he finds himself serving as…
While many community organizations are reducing their level of in-person contact in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Our Space, Inc.’s Parachute House Peer-Run Respite is meeting people face-to-face in the…
2020 has handed each of us a multitude of challenges. The pandemic has caused us to redefine much of what we viewed as “normal,” creating unease, unrest, and uncertainty. 2020…
When Jennifer was growing up, it seemed the cards were stacked against her. She lived in poverty, the victim of sexual abuse, diagnosed with countless mental health disorders, and self-medicating…
The road that led Jennifer to Our Space was not one easily travelled. However, despite the difficult path she journeyed, it created a story that she now uses to make…
When Robbie thinks back on his childhood, it doesn’t hold the typical memories of a young boy. Growing up without siblings, to a single mom who was regularly in the…
“Mental illness is not easy, but we are still people. We shouldn’t be labeled. Like me, I’m a slow learner, and I was labeled as mentally retarded. I didn’t fit…
Alicia grew up in one of Chicago’s roughest neighborhoods. The Robert Taylor Homes was housing complex of 28 densely packed high-rise apartment buildings known for poverty, gang violence, and drugs.…
Despite the difficulties Matt faces every day, he is one of the most open, honest, and humble individuals you might ever have the chance to meet. He will be the…
Optimistic, goal-oriented, encouraging and positive – If you ever have the pleasure of speaking with Simone, these are just a few words that might come to mind. In spite of…
When you first meet Sean, you notice he is soft spoken and even gentle. But if you are lucky enough to engage him in conversation, you will soon learn that…
2020 has been quite a year…an understatement to say the least. While most people are not sad to see the year come to a close, we would be remiss to…
“Just because my eyes don’t work doesn’t mean that I am not a human being, capable of offering the same support and help that anyone else can.” Shalene Fayne –…
In part one of The Our Space Peer Support Model blog, we introduced the Our Space peer support model, utilizing individuals with lived experience walking alongside someone battling a similar…