Belle is the kind of person who has an effortless way of making you feel welcome and comfortable. Her home, filled with books and cookbooks, reflects her love for cooking and reading. She often spends time on her balcony, enjoying the view of the mountains and watching birds. Belle has lived in her current apartment for two and a half years, speaking warmly of her landlord and her life there.
Belle was experiencing homelessness and staying at the Good Samaritan shelter in Barre when she first connected with Pathways Vermont. At the time, Belle was hearing voices and struggling with her mental health. She shares, “I was hearing voices back then and having a problem where I was talking back to them; I didn’t feel like I had a choice. Pathways was helpful and friendly, accepting that I heard voices and assisting me with whatever I needed.”
When Pathways helped Belle move into an apartment, staff would visit her a few times a week and find ways to help her navigate her experience of hearing voices. “Pathways recommended a book that helped me realize I needed to be friends with my voices. They are real and parts of yourself that are hurt over things that have happened in your past. Learning to be friends with my voices really helped.”
Throughout the years working with Pathways, Belle spent time at Central Vermont Medical Center and the Brattleboro Retreat. With medication that works for her and peer support, Belle no longer hears voices. “I have a wonderful life now. I live with my boyfriend Pete and we have a great life together.” Belle continues to pursue her love of cooking, recently making Moussaka for Mother’s Day. She is also preparing clothes for her future grandchildren and looking forward to her son and his wife, who live in Kansas, visiting Vermont this summer.
Belle’s story is one of transformation, from homelessness and mental health challenges to a life filled with love, hobbies, and community. Over the years, she has been connected with Another Way in Montpelier, where she joined support groups, started a music group, and now belongs to a knitting group at a local library. “My life has been very full.”
When asked what she would tell others about Pathways who don’t know about us, Belle says: “I wouldn’t have a place to live if it wasn’t for Pathways. They help you get things you need for your apartment like blankets, dishes, and furniture. If you have a mental health challenge, they help you get assistance and get connected to the community. Pathways even helped me so I wouldn’t lose my apartment while I was in the hospital. They really help you.”