Community, Volunteering, Citizenship, Getting out (Transportation)

Feeling involved in your community can improve your mental and emotional well-being. Many people who are successful in their recovery from mental illness say that getting involved in the same types of activities and responsibilities that everybody else is involved in is part of recovery. In other words, recovery is about having the same rights, responsibilities, and community involvement that any other person has.

Our community mental health agencies can help you find community activities. Let your mental health worker know that you would like to make becoming involved in the community part of your recovery plan.

Community resources and opportunities to get more involved

Local recreational opportunities

• Recreation and leisure opportunities in King County
• Seattle Parks and Recreation
• City of Seattle: Gold Card and FLASH Card
• VSA Arts of Washington

National resources

• National Service Inclusion Project
• Institute for Community Inclusion

Volunteering

Another way to be involved in your community is to volunteer. Giving back to the community by volunteering can be make you feel good about yourself. Volunteering give you the opportunity to meet new people, offer help to others, and learn about the organization you volunteer for.

Local volunteer opportunities

• United Way of King County - Volunteer opportunities
• City of Seattle - Volunteer opportunities

National resources

• Volunteer Match

Citizenship

If you are a citizen of the United States, you may want to learn about your right to vote. The League of Women Voters has a lot of information about voting, your representatives in government, and the current issues that may be voted on in the next election.

Find out more about who represents you.

Click here to register to vote.

Transportation

Transportation to community activities can be a challenge if you do not have a car or are unable to drive because of illness.

If you are able to ride the bus, your doctor can sign a form to help you to get a reduced fare bus pass from Metro. All of the agencies are located near bus routes. Call Metro at 206-553-3000 to find out which bus route will take you where you need to go.

If you have Medicaid and need transportation to medical appointments, including your mental health services, you can call Hopelink to schedule a ride. Call several days before your appointment to learn how it works:
Medicaid transportation: 800.923.7433.