For fifty years, Interim, Inc. has been developing a holistic, person-centered approach to supporting individuals living with mental illness, providing not just services but a pathway to stability and growth. Through a commitment to hope, self-determination, and community, Interim has created programs that help people rebuild their lives with the support they need. As we reflect on five decades of impact, we see this approach in the stories of those who have found strength and stability through Interim’s programs—stories like Katherine’s, which highlight the role of connection, perseverance, and support in personal transformation.
When Katherine first walked through the doors of OMNI, she was looking for warmth, a meal, and a place to escape the harsh realities of the street. OMNI Resource Center is Interim’s peer-led wellness and recovery center, providing individuals living with mental illness a safe space for support, education, and connection. Having lost her home due to eviction during the pandemic, she found herself adrift, unsure of where to turn next. “I was just lost,” Katherine recalled. “The doors were open, and I knew that, so I came in on my own.”
What she found at OMNI was more than just resources—it was a community. People who understood her struggles, who shared similar challenges, and who welcomed her with open arms. “People like me, mentally ill—we all have the same kind of diagnoses here,” she explained. The classes on mental health became a vital resource, offering her tools to rebuild not just her life but her sense of self-worth.
Katherine’s journey was not linear. It took time—moving from the streets to Manzanita House, Interim’s short-term crisis residential program, then to her daughter’s home, then to a shelter, then to Bridge House, Interim’s transitional residential treatment program designed to help individuals experiencing substance use, and mental illness regain stability. Eventually, she secured her own permanent home at Sandy Shores, an affordable permanent supportive housing complex operated by Interim—a milestone that once seemed unimaginable. “It hasn’t been that long since I’ve been on my own,” Katherine reflected. “Barely a year and a half, two at the most.”
Katherine still returns to attend the activities at OMNI, drawn by the sense of belonging it provides. “I come back for the groups,” she said. “And now I come for lunch too—because their lunches are really good!” With every visit, Katherine reaffirms her connection to the community that once held her up in the darkest times.
Katherine recently began volunteering for the Interim’s Success Over Stigma program, and is preparing to become a speaker. The program provides community education and advocacy to reduce misconceptions about mental illness. Her goal is to help others who are where she once was.
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When asked about her dreams, Katherine expressed a simple yet profound hope: “One day, hopefully, to get off meds. But until then, this is how I’ll stay, because without them, I don’t know where I’d be.” She also acknowledges the importance of support. “I have a good support system here… I love that because I live alone. My son is in Texas, and I don’t have anybody at home.”
Despite moments of isolation, Katherine recognizes that community surrounds her, even when she doesn’t actively seek it. “I had a community even when I didn’t want them,” she admitted. “And I still have them today…”
Interim’s impact spans generations, proving that true transformation is not just about one person’s journey—it’s about the ripples it creates. For fifty years, Interim has stood as a beacon of hope for individuals facing mental illness, homelessness, and uncertainty. We build on each person’s abilities, create welcoming and empowering communities, and actively involve clients, family members, and staff in decision-making.
When asked what Katherine wants the world to know about her, her response was simple yet powerful: “I’m a nice, kind, and honest person—willing to help.”
Katherine’s story is a testament to the mission of Interim, Inc. — a reminder that transformation is always possible, and that community matters. For Katherine, community was more than just a support system; it was a lifeline that gave her stability, purpose, and a sense of belonging when she needed it most. From the warmth of OMNI to the friendships she formed along the way, the connections she built helped her reclaim her independence and find hope for the future.
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For more information about Interim’s OMNI Resource Center, visit www.interiminc.org.