Valerie just completed her first 30 days working Alachua County Animal Resources. She loves it!

Valerie’s anxiety is her significant barrier to employment. Through Clubhouse supported employment, we focus on helping individuals with chronic mental illness lead productive, meaningful lives. We are deeply grateful to Alachua County for carving out a specialized position tailored just for Valerie.

Working in a space mostly by herself, Valerie is able to self-pace her essential tasks: Making peanut butter milk bone dog treats and washing the dog beds and bowls.

This level of success requires ongoing, long-term support. Mental illness doesn’t just go away in six months. With the partnership between GOC, Valerie, and Alachua County, she can access the support she needs to stay employed, feel productive, and truly thrive. Clubhouse International – ICCDLutheran Services FloridaFlorida Department of Children and FamiliesAlachua County Crisis CenterAlachua County FL – HRCity of Gainesville, FL – GovernmentGreater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce

Keeping the dog beds clean gives the animals dignity. The tasty treats are kept frozen. Valerie doesn’t pretend the anxiety isn’t there. Instead, she prepares for it. It is important to help break isolation. Valerie gets to visit the cats when she is on break. This is Luka and Natalie, brother and Sister, waiting for adoption. Valerie definitely brings her dog-gone best cat-itude to work.