Skyland Trail Launches Alumni Program

Skyland Trail, a nationally recognized nonprofit treatment organization for adults with mental illness, recently launched the Alumni Program under certified peer specialist, Wade Lee. The program was created to help further clients' recovery in providing opportunities for alumni to stay connected, build new relationships, and engage in healthy social activities in a supportive environment.

"Every Wednesday, when we have client graduations, our graduates express that a large part of what makes Skyland Trail such a valuable therapeutic experience is the community of peers, staff and volunteers. For these graduates, healthy relationships and social activities are excellent strategies for maintaining their health," remarks Chris Cline, vice president of clinical services. "The Alumni Program is a place where Skyland Trail alumni can engage in healthy social activities, maintain a connection to this community, while building new relationships with other alumni. It is really a phenomenal opportunity, benefitting our whole community, for our alumni to stay connected and to stay healthy."

The Alumni Program held its first alumni gathering in August 2013. The evening was well attended and alumni enjoyed games, art activities and a support group. Since the inaugural gathering, alumni social nights have continued to take place the first Thursday of each month.

"As a peer, the empathy and experience Wade brings to group sessions piqued my interest in the alumni program while I was still a client. I realized that interacting and keeping in contact with peers is an integral part of my recovery, and I'm now training to become a Certified Peer Specialist. Participating in the alumni program at Skyland Trail inspires me and reminds me that I'm not alone," states Gloria T., Skyland Trail alumni.

Skyland Trail is a nonprofit mental health treatment organization serving adults ages 18 and older. Our goal is to help individuals recover from mental illness and live as independently and successfully as possible in the community. We specialize in treating adults with bipolar illness, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorders, as well as patients who have complex diagnoses involving substance misuse or personality disorders. We offer a unique continuum of care - from intensive, 24/7 residential care, to job coaching and social opportunities for individuals living in the community. Since 1989, we have served more than 2,000 individuals and their families.