Video shows importance of work

By Adam Wilson | The Olympian • Published May 04, 2008

Lenora Warden practiced taking the bus to a new job at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. She ran into her new boss, who reminded her she didn't start for a week.

"I said, 'I know, but I wanted to find my way.' And he says, 'Well, You have found your way.' And that's all it took," Warden said. "When he said it, it was like a light went on."

For people such as Warden with mental illness, a job is a crucial part of life. The Division of Mental Health in the Department of Social and Health Services has produced a video on the subject, featuring the stories of people who face similar challenges.

"What we hear is how important that is to recovery. It's one thing if a person goes into a hospital, and gets some treatment and gets discharged into the community. That's fine, but that's not what most of us aspire to," said Andy Toulon, a division employee who collaborated on the project.

The 17-minute video, "I Want to Be," begins airing on cable TV channels statewide this week.

By taking a modern documentary-style approach — Toulon compares it to an episode of "This American Life" — the broadcast should interest mental health professionals, those dealing with mental illness and employers.

"When you first approach employers and you say, 'Hi I'm from mental health services and I would like you to consider hiring some of the people who come to us for services,' it's not the grandiose reception," Toulon said.

But employers who have hired people with mental illness often find the workers are willing to confront their issues directly and often have a strong work ethic because of their desire to contribute, he added.

In the video, several people talk about the importance of work in their lives. Stories include Rob Chevernelle, who went from depression to owning his own moving business, and Randy Revelle, who dealt with mental illness while managing a successful political career, including being one of the youngest people elected to the Seattle City Council.

Warden had been homeless for years before joining Rose House, a recovery center in Tacoma. But once off the streets, she found it difficult to re-enter the workforce.