A member of the Crocus Co-op community, wishing to remain nameless, submitted the following:
“Crocus Co-op, to me, is a clean, bright, and always benevolent place where I can find friendship and support when almost no other place is available to me. When you are a person suffering from mental and emotional problems, the reaction and attitude from the general public, as well as from friends and relatives, is seemingly almost always one of negativity and ignorance. Crocus Co-op is just about the only place where I can be honest and open about my mental illness and know that I will not be condemned or ridiculed for it.
The people at Crocus Co-op have been the best friends and acquaintances that I have had in years. I had gotten more compliments and encouragement here than just about anywhere else in my life. Because of this, I now have the strength and courage to go back out into the world and get the education and social skills to live in it again. There were many times in the past when I was afraid that this would never be possible.
On a day-to-day basis, I can feel useful by looking after the kitchen and canteen, or relax watching the television or a movie on the VCR. I take part in the members meetings to do my part to ensure that Crocus Co-op continues to be the great organization it is. There are also dances and dinners on special occasions to brighten up my and other members’ lives.
I can definitely say in conclusion that Crocus Co-op is the most important public organization that I’ve joined in my life. I’m very confident that it is the same for the rest of the people here.”
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