The Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon - The "Best Kept Secret" of Mental Health Support

 

We got an invite to visit a spot that you may have driven by a few times, just like we have.  The Recovery Cooperative is on Getty Street in Muskegon is focused on those who struggle with mental health issues.  Operated by people who all have lived experience, it's a save spot for people who've been diagnosed with mental disorders that include more than just an addiction.  Recovery in Muskegon is at an all time high point today, and we cannot forget that a struggle is often a multifactor problem involving mental health and substances.  The Recovery Cooperative understands both....and it's led by one incredible advocate for all.  Meet Monica Ortquist. 

Monica is the Director of the Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon. She began at square one. Her journey through mental health recovery has given her a depth of understanding that most can't even begin to imagine. Her path has brought her to where so many of us who've gotten away from the "dark days" are and that's the ability to carry an amazing amount of empathy and compassion for others who are at the end of a struggle and ready to change....everything. 

You can actually feel it coming from within Monica. Those who seek the fellowship and support are truly in the hands of a deeply caring organization led by someone who understands life from a spot that no book can ever teach you.

The space itself is accessible to anyone with a mental health issue diagnosis. In the group the most important thing found is that you're not alone. No one is. The isolation felt with a mental health issue is one of the things that add so much weight to the issue. You may feel like an "outsider" for a few minutes, any place that's new would give that feeling, but in short time...you'll see you are not alone. There are support groups. There are activities for individuals and ways to interact like games and computers on hand. Group outings are a thing and they help with transportation and food too for their verified members. 

 It's a labor of love and commitment that's being put in to the community with some grant and donation funding, but most of all the need to share the gifts that have been given to those who've gotten past the hard times and know that keeping what they've got, also means that you have to give it away to those who need it.

 
The Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon is open 9a-4p Monday through Friday. You'll find them at 1122 Getty. You can call 231-722-3741 with any questions. Peers supporting peers. Truly a place to be free to be yourself and if you need to, work to improve some areas of self...know that what Monica and her staff have built....it's the real deal. You'll feel it the moment you walk in.


Visit the Recovery Cooperative of Muskegon on Facebook. CLICK HERE