Let's All Support The Castle
There are common threads to what it means to live abundantly. Even beyond human-hood, all living things crave a sense of belonging. The study of animals in the wild and how they create communities of understanding and coexistence are worthy of captivating National Geographic exclusives. Children enrolled in early education are taught how to work and play together. Sharing and growing with others is an important foundation to thriving in society. Most of us take this journey into coexistence for granted.
But what about people who don’t easily fit into the societal norms. What about persons who grapple with fitting in, or might be ostracized or misunderstood? People living with severe mental health conditions are a prime example of those who struggle with the a sense of belonging. Whereas more easily functional adults might find companionship in a book club, or a pickleball league, or have routine T-times for a golf outing, those who suffer from severe mental health have limited options or invitations where they can be their natural selves; without judgement or misunderstanding.
Today, I celebrate such a place. The Castle is located in Centerville, and for the past 30 years has provided a home-style gathering place to support people with mental illness. Think of it as a place of safety for those who experience mental disorders debilitating enough to make the free movement in society illusive. The Castle is all about creating trust and fostering friendship. Monday through Friday, The Castle offers peer support programs, arts and crafts, lunch, and an overall safe haven where relationships and friendships cultivate a more abundant life for these beautiful and gifted people who find it hard to fit in.
Yet, even a community created for those who find community hard needs a greater community of support; which brings me to the crux of today’s Good Rising.
In celebration of The Castle’s 30th anniversary, I cordially invite you to attend the first annual “Rum Raid for The Castle.” This is an event featuring unique rum based drinks created by local
bartenders. The event will take place on October 11, 2023 from 6pm-9pm at the Steam Plant in Downtown Dayton. In addition to the rum tastings, patrons will have the opportunity to pick select prizes from the pirate's treasure chest, win other raffle prizes, and learn about the history and growth of the rum spirit from a regional rum expert, Mitchell Sanford. Mitchell, a
native of Barbados, is the creator and producer of Bajan Rummie TV, a "love of all things rum" podcast. Finally our patrons will be given the opportunity to learn more about The Castle, its mission, and the work done in and for the community.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to feel part of something greater than him or herself; because the byproduct of community empowers all of us. Community fundraisers offer an opportunity to educate about the cause, welcome others into the mission, and have a bit of fun at the same time.
Some challenges are greater than others. Garnering support for those with mental illness is hard, because mental illness is hard. So, I invite you to join me in blowing the socks off expectations for The Castle. Let’s show the struggling among us that they are so welcome and supported in our big and storied world. And, perhaps you might like a bit of rum to go with it. Please register and join in some merriment for a cause, or offer your donation at www.friendsatthecastle.com. It will make you feel good to know you are helping to build belonging for those who deserve a welcome seat at our big communal table.